Sustainable Project management

Abstract

Sustainable Project Management (SPM) is an approach to managing projects that considers the impact of project activities on the environment and society, as well as the long-term viability of project outcomes. It integrates environmental, social and economic sustainability principles into project planning, implementation and evaluation. This approach aims to balance the three dimensions of sustainability - environmental, social and economic - in order to create a project outcome that is economically feasible, socially responsible and environmentally sustainable (1).

Sustainable Project Management starts with a life cycle assessment of a project, identifying the sustainability impact of all project phases, from planning to decommissioning. Like traditional project management SPM also includes stakeholder engagement, risk management and decision-making processes (ISO21502:2020) (2)that are transparent and consider the sustainability implications of alternative options. Throughout the project, performance is monitored and evaluated against sustainability targets and regular reporting ensures continuous improvement.

Adopting SPM in project management has numerous benefits and is an essential approach to modern project management. It helps organizations to minimize negative environmental impacts and create positive social outcomes. It also helps to ensure long-term viability and sustainability of project outcomes and contributes to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by considering the needs of future generations and reducing the likelihood of future problems (UN https://www.unep.org/).

This article explains some aspect of Sustainable Project Management and finally makes note on its limitations and common pitfalls.

Big Idea

- What is sustainable project management? - How does traditional project management compare to sustainable project management? - What impact does it have?

Application

- What tools are available within sustainable project management - How to implement sustainable project management?

Limitations

- Common limitations and pitfalls - How to avoid and work around them?

References

To be sorted and done right