Hello, and welcome to another Parallel Project Training podcast. My name is Ruth Phillips, and I’m here today with Carmen Campos and Lisa Regan, who are two of Parallel Project’s senior trainers. We’re going to be talking about sustainability as it relates to the APM PMQ syllabus for exams starting in September 2024.
Lisa, Carmen, welcome to the podcast. I’m really interested in talking with you today about sustainability, as it’s one of the new topics included in the PMQ syllabus. In all of our previous podcasts, we’ve been reviewing the APM syllabus, looking at the learning outcomes, and then discussing them. The learning objective for sustainability is to understand it as balancing environmental, social, economic, and administrative considerations that will impact a project. We have two learning outcomes for this. The first is understanding why sustainability responsibilities, principles, and priorities are considered within a project and the impact they might have.
I’m going to go back to basics here and ask you: what exactly is sustainability? What does it mean in a project management context?
Sustainability generally refers to practices and principles that meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. In project management, it’s about considering economic, environmental, and social factors – sometimes referred to as the “triple bottom line”: people, profit, and the planet. It involves looking at the bigger picture and factoring in these issues when planning and delivering a project.
Have you seen sustainability rise in importance over recent times? What’s your perspective on this as a topic?
Absolutely. One project I worked on at a university was about electric cars and whether using them was both a responsible and practical choice. It comes back to being responsible. When we think about our projects, especially in the built environment, we’re often putting things into the world that will be there for decades, if not longer. Project teams and the organisations delivering these projects have a responsibility to genuinely incorporate sustainability into the project environment.
We’ve mentioned the environmental, social, and economic elements in the project environment. Can you expand on what we need to consider?
Sustainability can be seen in two ways: the sustainability of the product and its lifecycle, and sustainability throughout the project lifecycle itself. For instance, are we using sustainable practices? Are our suppliers sustainable? In construction, for example, are we using eco-friendly methods? The construction industry has a significant environmental impact, so we need to consider biodiversity, ecosystems, and our carbon footprint. Socially, we should consider community impact, human rights, diversity, and inclusion. Economically, affordability is key, as failure to meet sustainability requirements can damage reputations and project budgets if we don’t comply with environmental regulations.
That’s a lot to cover for a short podcast, isn’t it? It’s a big topic, and we’re only scratching the surface today, mainly from a project management perspective. The triple bottom line is critical, as embedding sustainability can bring financial benefits and help avoid penalties. When there’s a financial incentive, we often see real change. People have known it’s the right thing to do for some time, but now there’s also a financial case to be made.
Definitely. Highlighting the tangible benefits of sustainability can be essential for convincing organisations or clients. Embedding it in the business case ensures the project’s continued viability.
Yes, absolutely. When should sustainability considerations start in a project?
As early as possible – ideally in the business case and concept phase. If it’s not considered from the start, competing priorities will push it aside. But if it’s central to the vision, it’s harder to ignore. Many organisations align their strategies with net-zero goals and carbon neutrality, so introducing it later in the project becomes more difficult.
There are standards and best practices to keep in mind here. Could you mention a few relevant ones?
Standards depend on the industry and country, so project managers need to be aware of this as part of their context assessment. They might consider ESG (environmental, social, and governance) criteria, or comply with ISO standards like ISO 14001 for environmental management. Researching relevant environmental laws and best practices is essential for compliance.
Yes, and I’ve seen that an organisation’s sustainability vision is increasingly important in procurement. Companies with certifications like B Corp or ISO 14001 want to work with like-minded organisations. It’s crucial for individuals and organisations to align with partners, customers, and suppliers who share similar sustainability values.
I completely agree. It affects the entire supply chain, from clients to suppliers. Recruitment and retention are also impacted, as today’s workforce is highly aware of sustainability. A strong sustainability strategy can attract talented team members.
Absolutely, and we’ve recorded another podcast on team management and leadership, where we discussed how aligning people around a sustainability vision can be motivating. People want to work on projects that make a positive impact.
Let’s summarise why sustainability should be considered in projects. Would you like to start?
We mentioned regulatory compliance – adhering to environmental protection laws, waste management regulations, and so forth – which helps projects avoid legal issues, fines, or prosecutions.
I’d add resource efficiency – not just people, but energy and materials. Efficient resource use has both environmental and financial benefits, which can strengthen the business case for sustainability. Waste reduction and energy efficiency are good examples.
I’ll add future-proofing solutions. Embedding sustainability in the business case can lead to long-term benefits. For example, a council in southern England built a headquarters using heat from server rooms to heat the building, and solar panels that adjust to the sun. This once innovative design is now standard practice, proving that thinking ahead can yield long-term benefits.
Exactly. Regulations are likely to become stricter, so future-proofing is essential. Sustainability in design and processes helps organisations adapt to changing standards.
Let’s move on to the second learning outcome: how sustainability measures are monitored and reported. What metrics might we use to assess sustainability?
Once sustainability outcomes are defined in the business case, we can develop more specific metrics as the project progresses. Organisations often use KPIs like carbon emissions, energy use, and waste management. Tracking these metrics helps identify trends and improve future projects. Stakeholder satisfaction is another useful metric, especially for external stakeholders like communities or regulatory bodies.
You mentioned stakeholders. How does their perception of a project’s sustainability impact it?
Stakeholder perception is critical to a project’s success, both internally and externally. Internal stakeholders expect alignment with corporate sustainability goals, while external stakeholders, such as suppliers, employees, and communities, rely on the project’s commitment to sustainability. Regulatory bodies must also be satisfied with environmental and social compliance to avoid project delays or sanctions. Many stakeholders have sustainability in their agendas, and this must be carefully managed.
This is particularly important for a project’s reputation. A community or other external stakeholders’ perception of a project can greatly influence its success. A favourable view of a project’s sustainability efforts can gain valuable support.
Absolutely, and we’re seeing sustainability become a top-table discussion now.
Yes, thankfully, it’s reached a tipping point. Organisations prioritise sustainability, which meets the needs of employees who also see its importance.
We’ve had a great discussion today. We covered why sustainability should be considered in projects, the benefits it provides, and how it can be monitored and reported. The key takeaway is to think about sustainability early, as it has untold benefits for the project and our broader environment.
Thank you very much. I’ve enjoyed our conversation about sustainability.
Thank you!
Fantastic. Goodbye!
