Sustainability Issue

Revision as of 12:44, 17 February 2023

Abstract

In order to find the solution to a problem, first of all it is needed to accept the problem as true and relevant. Although in previous years the problem of ecological impact was not known, not only the damage to the atmosphere, but also the consequences on society, nowadays, the increase of sustainability in companies’ strategy and goals provide a promising future. In this frame of reference, companies have a key role to play due to their great influence in society thanks to their campaigns based on the idea of satisfying the needs of the customer by means of the product and the whole cluster of things associated with creating, delivering and finally consuming it.

Taking into consideration sustainability requirements, it is needed a change in the field of project management from the perspective of time, budget, and quality to social, environmental, and economic ^[1]. The change in the paradigm of project management is one of the essentials aspects for which sustainability plays a relevant role. This change is based on moving from predictability and controllability to an environment based on flexibility, opportunity, and complexity. Considering sustainability, it requires a change of mentality from the part of the project manager, for instance, it is not only necessary to provide the expected results but also to assume the responsibility for the long-term growth of organizations and society ^[2]. In order to find the balance between economic knowledge, social well-being and the rational use of natural resources, sustainable development is necessary and companies are incorporating it into their respective spheres of influence. Sustainability gives to the organization a huge competitive advantage, an improvement in relations with its stakeholders to the organization and contributes to support declining resources.

Sustainability

Concept

Figure 1: Triple Bottom Line ^[4]

Although sustainability has not sometimes been defined clearly enough among companies, during the recent years many firms have tried to become environmentally friendly. Sustainability has been adopted by many organizations through their mission and their strategy. However, the social and environmental dimensions of sustainability are difficult to incorporate into programs and projects to execute the organization's strategy. Then, it is not enough producing without emitting polluting emissions, it is very necessary that the whole system is reviewed and redesigned to fulfil with the customer requirements and the organization needs in a sustainable manner ^[6]. In this frame of reference, Elkington developed the concept of Triple Bottom Line which proposed that business goals were inseparable from the societies and environments within which they operate.

This concept englobes the economic, environmental and social goals which are aligned and make an impact on the decision and the actions taken by the organizations. Furthermore, this innovative concept is present in the UN World Business Council for Economic Development (WBSCD) ^[7]. A group of 150 international companies put into practice the principles of TBL in their business and strategy. Thanks to the application of this concept, they make it possible to address global challenges such as poverty, gender inequality and the depletion of resources. In the WBSCD it is also recommended that, in order to have a greater impact on society, companies become aware of the global challenge that is presented to them and apply the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), not only to go forward in the sustainable impact, but also in improving their business opportunities.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)

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Figure 2: Sustainable Development Goals ^[8]

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals represent the world community's next step for a paradigm shift in understanding sustainability and fighting inequality and tackling climate change in the next 15 years. In the frame of reference in which we find ourselves, the SDGs ask companies to contribute to solve the challenges of sustainable development within a common framework. It should be noted that each SDG offers an opportunity for companies to increase their impact and strengthen their strategy. The implementation of SDG in a company's strategy leads to the opening not only of new and future business opportunities, but also the ability to stabilize markets and society. In addition, the more organizations that use the tool, the collaboration between them will improve as they will use a common language, they will be able to strengthen their relationships with their stakeholders and they will be able to improve the concept of corporate sustainability. Within these objectives, SDG 5 (Gender equality), SDG 8 (Decent work and Economic growth) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) should be highlighted.

Implementation of Sustainability

Project Management

Overview

Stakeholder analysis

Project Manager

Methodology

Limitations

References

1. ↑ BANADUC, G., MIREA, N. y DRAGHICI, A., 2022. Points of intersection between sustainability and project management. MATEC Web of Conferences, vol. 373, pp. 78-. ISSN 2261-236X. DOI 10.1051/matecconf/202237300078
2. ↑ UKAGA, O., 2014. Gilbert Silvius, Ron Schipper, Julia Planko, Jasper van den Brink and Adri Kohler: Sustainability in project management: Grower Publishing Limited, Surrey, England, 2012, ISBN 978-1-4094-3169-5. 2014. Dordrecht: Springer Netherlands.
3. ↑ Talbot, J., & Venkataraman, R. (2011). Integration Of Sustainability Principles Into Project Baselines Using A Comprehensive Indicator Set. The international Business & Economics Research Journal , 10 (9), 29.
4. ↑ Lecture 1: 42402 – Sustainable Operations and Supply Chain Management. Sustainability and the role of Operations and Supply Chain Management
5. ↑ Brundtland, G.B. (1987): Our common future: World Commission on Environment and Development, Oxford University press; p.54.
6. ↑ ANALIA SANCHEZ, M., 2015. Integrating sustainability issues into project management. Journal of cleaner production, vol. 96, pp. 319-330. ISSN 0959-6526. DOI 10.1016/j.jclepro.2013.12.087
7. ↑ https://www.wbcsd.org/
8. ↑ https://b1g1.com/sustainable-development goals