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How To Make Project Management More Sustainable

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Green. Sustainable. Holistic. Renewable. Creating products and solutions that are kinder to the planet and its inhabitants has never been so important. So much so, that many world leaders have committed to the Sustainable Development Agenda 2030.  As a result, more organisations are focusing on incorporating more environmental, social, and economic sustainability principles into what they do at every step, including project management.

What is sustainability in project management?

Sustainability in project management means taking a holistic approach to project management. It considers the project’s long-term impact on the environment, society, and the economy. Furthermore, it incorporates sustainable project management principles that can identify and address potential negative impacts during the planning, execution, and closure phases of a project.

Adopting sustainability in project management

Many project managers are already adopting sustainability into their practices simply by following good project management principles. Two clear examples of sustainable project management in action include;Reducing wasteFor example, one of the core principles of sustainable project management is to reduce waste and increase efficiency. This can be achieved by implementing sustainable practices such as recycling, reducing energy consumption, and using sustainable materials. By reducing waste and increasing efficiency, project managers can help organisations save money, reduce their carbon footprint, and improve their overall sustainability performance.Stakeholder engagementAnother important aspect of sustainable project management is stakeholder engagement. Project managers need to engage with stakeholders, including local communities, to ensure that the project aligns with their needs and values. This involves considering the project’s social and cultural impact and ensuring that it does not harm local communities or their environment.

How to implement sustainability in project management

To effectively implement sustainable project management practices, project managers need to have a deep understanding of sustainability principles and best practices.Frameworks covered in project management certification, such as environmental, social, economic and administrative factors, can all be seen through a sustainability lens. Furthermore, professional development training will often focus on the trends shaping the future of the industry, which include future-proofing sustainability measures.However, transitioning from sustainability principles covered in training into real-world scenarios and practises can feel daunting. So, what are the actionable sustainability steps project managers can take on their next project to ensure that sustainability is integrated into every aspect?

Seven steps to sustainable project management

  1.     Conduct a sustainability assessment
Before beginning any project, project managers can conduct a sustainability assessment to identify potential negative impacts on the environment, society, and the economy. This assessment should be undertaken in consultation with stakeholders, covering all aspects, from cultural impacts to the carbon footprint.
  1.     Set sustainability goals
Based on the results of the sustainability assessment, project managers can then set sustainability goals that align with the organisation’s overall sustainability strategy. These goals should be specific and measurable so they can be easily integrated into the project plan.
  1.     Identify sustainable practices
Project managers can also identify sustainable practices that can be implemented during the planning, execution, and closure phases of the project. These practices may include using sustainable materials, reducing energy consumption, and minimising waste, for example.
  1.     Engage stakeholders
Project managers should engage with stakeholders throughout the project to ensure that the project aligns with their needs and values. This involves taking into account the social and cultural impact of the project and looking at ways the project could improve communities and the environment, for example, or at least minimise the harmful impact the project may potentially create.
  1.     Monitor and evaluate sustainability performance
Throughout the project, project managers should monitor and evaluate sustainability performance to ensure that sustainability goals are being met. This may involve tracking energy consumption, waste reduction, and other sustainability metrics.
  1.     Incorporate sustainability into project management methodologies
To ensure that sustainability is integrated into every project, project managers should incorporate sustainability into their project management methodologies. This may involve developing new tools, utilising specific software and adopting techniques that help project managers identify and address potential negative impacts on the environment, society, and the economy.
  1.     Review and revise
As with all good projects, taking time at the end of a project to reflect on lessons learnt is critical for the success of the next project. Taking time at the end of a project to review it from a sustainability perspective can also be helpful in shaping the next project and potentially help to keep an organisation on track for any of its own sustainability goals and objectives.

Making project management sustainable

By following these steps, project managers can effectively implement sustainability into project management practices and help organisations achieve their sustainability goals and become more environmentally conscious. The sustainable project management approach not only benefits the environment but also the organisation itself by reducing costs, enhancing reputation, and increasing efficiency.To make project management sustainable, organisations need early adoption and buy-in to incorporate sustainability into their project management processes from the very beginning. They need to develop a comprehensive sustainability strategy that aligns with the organisation’s goals and objectives. This strategy should be communicated to all stakeholders, and they should be involved in the implementation of sustainable project management practices. Moreover, the use of technology is also essential in making project management sustainable. Project management software can help organisations to reduce resources, minimise travel, and track energy consumption, among others. This technology can also enhance collaboration, reduce errors, and improve efficiency.In addition to this, organisations should also consider the impact of their projects on the environment and society. This involves evaluating the environmental impact of their projects and taking measures to mitigate adverse effects while also looking at ways the project may be able to benefit the community.To sum up, making project management sustainable is not only a strong value focus for many but also an intelligent business decision. By adopting sustainable project management practices, organisations can enhance their reputation, reduce costs, and increase efficiency. With the right strategy, technology, and consideration for the environment and society, organisations can make their project management practices sustainable and contribute towards a better future.

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