Sustainability

Sustainability: It's not just a buzzword. This week on Project Insights, we explore the growing importance of sustainability in project management, discussing how to integrate eco-friendly practices and create projects that benefit both the business and the planet. 

Episode Transcript

SPEAKER_00 (00:00):
Welcome back to Project Management Insights.
I'm your host, Neil.
Today we're tackling a topicthat's no longer optional in
project management.
Sustainability.
It's not just a buzzword, it's acrucial element that needs to be
embedded in your projects fromthe very beginning.
As project managers, it's ourjob to weave sustainability into
the project's DNA, from planningdocuments to the overall project

(00:23):
culture.
But balancing environmental,social, economic and
administrative factors can betricky.
So how do we do it?
A great starting point isaligning your project with
established frameworks like theUN Sustainable Development Goals
SDGs or ESG Environmental,Social and Governance Criteria.

(00:44):
These frameworks guide yourdecisions, influencing your
project's outputs, methods andeven waste management.
For example, Aligning with SDGsmight mean designing your
project to reduce energy use,source materials responsibly,
and create positive socialimpact.
But remember, this can affecttime, cost, quality, risk, and

(01:04):
scope.
Time.
Eco-friendly materials mighthave longer lead times.
Cost.
Sustainable resources might costmore initially, but could save
money long term.
Quality.
Sustainability can enhancequality by creating more durable
solutions.
Risk.
It can mitigate legal andreputational risks.
Scope.

(01:24):
You might need to add new tasksor requirements to meet
sustainability goals.
Transition sound.
Sustainability in projectmanagement means balancing four
key areas.
Environmental, think climatechange, biodiversity and energy
efficiency.
This might involve usingrenewable energy or minimizing
your project's carbon footprint.

(01:46):
Social.
This focuses on human rights,equity and community engagement.
Think fair wages, equalopportunities and considering
the project's impact on localpopulations.
Economic.
Here, we're talkingaffordability, profitability and
financial risk management.
Sustainable projects must befinancially viable and deliver

(02:08):
long-term economic value.
Administrative.
This is about legal compliance,health and safety and resource
efficiency.
Think regulations, workersafety, and optimizing resource
use.
Transition sound.
Let's imagine you're building anew public transport hub with
sustainability in mind.
Environmental.

(02:28):
You might use solar panels,green roofs, and rainwater
harvesting to reduce thebuilding's environmental impact.
This could add complexity andcost.
Social.
You'd aim to improveaccessibility, reduce
congestion, hire local workers,and ensure inclusive
infrastructure.
Economic You'd use lifecyclecosting to justify the initial

(02:50):
investment in sustainable tech,highlighting long-term savings.
Careful risk management iscrucial to stay on budget.
Administrative You'd need toadhere to building regulations
and safety standards, whichcould impact timelines but are
non-negotiable.
Balancing these differentconcerns is a core skill for
project managers, especiallywhen sustainability is a

(03:12):
priority.
Your ability to integratesustainability into planning and
decision-making is crucial.
It ensures project success andcontributes to broader goals of
environmental protection andsocial responsibility.
That's all for this episode onnavigating sustainability in
project management.
Mastering this balance willprepare you to lead more

(03:33):
impactful projects in thefuture.
Thanks for tuning in to ProjectManagement Insights.
Don't forget to subscribe andwe'll see you in the next
episode.