Here's how you can gauge the impact of your sustainability projects as a project manager.

Well, in defining these goals, it is crucial to consider the specific context and needs of your organization and its stakeholders. This means conducting thorough assessments to understand the current environmental and social impact of your operations. Additionally, engaging with employees, customers, and community members can provide valuable insights into what areas require the most attention and what initiatives are likely to be the most effective.

Je suis parfaitement d'accord avec l'importance des objectifs dans la RSE. Cependant, le problème réside très souvent dans le choix de nos objectifs. Je crois que l'objectif doit être adossé à son contexte, c'est-à-dire à la géographie, à la culture, et donc à la société dans laquelle le projet est implanté. La prise en compte des enjeux locaux passe par l'identification des parties prenantes, en fonction de leur typologie, leur influence, et leurs attentes (cartographie). Il faut croire que la compréhension et l'intégration de ces attentes peuvent répondre en soi aux ODD. Je reste convaincu que l'intégration de toute les couches créera de la valeur partagée qui est en soi l'aboutissement de la RSE.

"You can't improve what you don't measure" Defining goals is crucial in sustainability project management. It starts with a thorough assessment of our current state, as improvements can only be measured against a clear baseline. Next, realistic goals are set based on our resources and the specific ESG aspects crucial to our industry. Global frameworks like the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) help pinpoint relevant targets and indicators, aligning our objectives with broader sustainability standards. Setting SMART goals—specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound—is essential. Learning from industry benchmarks offers insights into what’s achievable, guiding our efforts towards impactful sustainability initiatives.

When collecting and gathering data, it’s also important to keep your head on your possibilities. I say that because dealing with sustainable projects is dealing with qualitative and quantitative data. So making sure that you are collecting data from valid and safe databases is as important as making sure that qualitative data acquired from engagement with stakeholders such as entrepreneurs, community groups and others is being considered in your analysis. The result could be an enriching process with more effective outcomes.

Une chose qui m'a toujours été utile dans la mise en place de la politique RSE est la planification. C'est une étape cruciale dans la démarche RSE, car elle matérialise la vision en la déroulant en actions, puis en taches, avec des intrants, les responsables de mise en ?uvre, les délais et extrants . A ce niveau, les outils de veille, de suivi et la communication sont essentiels pour mesurer l'atteinte des objectifs fixés. Lorsque nous voyons que la collecte des données intervient au niveau des intrants et des extrants, nous comprenons que une bonne palification permet une bonne collecte de données, et donc garantie la qualité des données. Il faudrait parfois envisager des formations ou l'appui d'un organisme externe pour vérifications.

In collecting this data, it is essential to leverage both quantitative and qualitative methods to capture a comprehensive picture of your project’s impact. Quantitative data, such as energy consumption metrics or waste reduction figures, provides measurable evidence of change, while qualitative data, such as stakeholder interviews or community feedback, offers deeper insights into the social and environmental implications. Additionally, investing in robust data management systems and training staff on data collection protocols can enhance accuracy and consistency, thereby strengthening the overall impact assessment process.

D'après mon expérience, l'analyse d'un impact se fait par rapport à un référentiel. Celui-ci peut-être interne (le cas de la politique RSE) ou encore externe ou global, notamment le référentiel de la durabilité. Pour le deuxième cas, l'utilisation des outils comme SDG Compass est souvent utile pour évaluer son impact. Il faut avoir à l'esprit que l'évaluation ressort les succès, mais aussi les échecs et les opportunités d'amélioration. Je crois une fois de plus que la communication avec toutes les parties intéressées, notamment des résultats de l'analyse impact favorisera un sentiment d'appartenance et peut impulser un meilleur engagement de la part des acteurs.

In analyzing the impact, it is important to use a variety of analytical tools and techniques, such as statistical analysis, data visualization, and benchmarking against industry standards. Engaging stakeholders in this process can provide additional context and insights, ensuring a more comprehensive evaluation. Furthermore, it is crucial to maintain transparency in your analysis by documenting the methods and assumptions used, which enhances the credibility and accountability of your findings. Regularly revisiting and refining your analysis approach based on feedback and new information can also help in continuously improving the assessment process.

Moreover, in engaging stakeholders, it is important to adopt a proactive and inclusive approach. This can involve organizing regular meetings, surveys, and workshops to gather diverse perspectives and foster a sense of ownership and collaboration. Additionally, transparently communicating the goals, progress, and outcomes of your sustainability initiatives can build trust and support among stakeholders. By creating open channels for feedback and addressing concerns promptly, you can ensure that stakeholder engagement is not only a one-time activity but an ongoing, integral part of your project’s lifecycle.

"The most successful projects contribute to the well-being of a broad set of stakeholders." Transitioning from profit-driven to purpose-driven, organizations are becoming future-proof by benefiting society at large. Engaging stakeholders—employees, customers, suppliers, and the local community—is needed. It allows us to understand how our sustainability projects are perceived and their real-world impacts. This feedback is invaluable for fine-tuning our approach and ensuring the project delivers tangible benefits to all involved. Effective stakeholder engagement depends on honesty and open communication, helping align everyone towards common goals.

In reporting your findings, it is essential to present the information in a clear, accessible, and engaging manner. Use visuals such as charts, graphs, and infographics to highlight key data points and trends. Additionally, contextualize your results by comparing them with baseline data or industry benchmarks. Sharing success stories and testimonials from stakeholders can also enhance the narrative and demonstrate the real-world benefits of your project. Finally, ensure that your report outlines any lessons learned and recommendations for future actions, providing a roadmap for continuous improvement and sustained impact.

De mon expérience, la RSE est un processus. Un processus dans sa définition intègre la continuité. Aussi, l'amélioration continue est le résultat d'une évaluation sans fin de la politique. La recherche et l'innovation sont au c?ur de ce processus. Un outil d'amélioration continue communément utilisé est la roue de Deming (Planifier-faire-évaluer-agir) montre à suffisance le cycle sans fin d'un projet/entreprise qui se lance dans une perspective durable. J'ajouterai une fois de plus que la plainte participation des parties prenantes est un élément essentiel pour la réussite d'un processus.

"Leaders can only do so much by themselves; their strength lies in their team." A personal commitment of mine is to empower everyone I work with. Identifying and leveraging individual strengths within the team maximizes our collective potential and drives us towards our project goals. A motivated team achieves far beyond individual efforts. Effective leadership demands soft skills such as vulnerability, excellent communication, and resilience. Leading by example is key—the team will follow suit, much like lions follow their leader.