Sustainable Project Management: It’s Our Time to Lead

When I think about sustainability, it feels personal. It’s not just about the projects I manage or the organizations I work with—it’s about the world I want to live in and the legacy I want to leave.?

We often hear about building for the next generation, but here’s the reality: we are the next generation. The choices we make as project managers today shape the systems, communities, and environments we will all depend on tomorrow. This isn’t some far-off responsibility—it’s ours. It’s now.

My Perspective on Sustainable Project Management?

In my career, I’ve realized that sustainability isn’t just a checkbox or a buzzword; it’s a mindset. It’s about looking beyond deadlines and budgets to ask, “What impact will this project have in the long run?”

For me, sustainability means creating something that lasts—whether it’s a process, a product, or a relationship. It means thinking about the ripple effects of my work, not just for stakeholders today but for the communities and ecosystems that will live with the results long after the project closes.?

Lessons I’ve Learned (and Am Still Learning)?

If you’re like me, balancing sustainability with the immediate demands of project delivery can feel daunting. But here are a few approaches that have helped me integrate sustainability into my work:?

Start Small, Think Big. I’ve learned that even small steps—choosing a greener vendor, reducing paper use, or incorporating renewable resources—can lead to meaningful change. Each decision matters.? What you think is impossible today, if worked on with the right people and resources, can make it possible over time.

Ask More Questions. I now make it a habit to ask questions like: How can we make this project more inclusive? What are the environmental trade-offs? These conversations often lead to solutions that me and the team hasn’t considered. Also, the more the team hears these questions the more they are ready to jump into the conversation. Hearing responses like, “This is what we did last time, or We are trying a similar approach for another project?” means you are making a difference in the way people think about making a difference.

Share the Vision. ?I’ve seen firsthand how sharing a project’s sustainability goals with the team energizes and motivates them. It’s no longer just about completing tasks; it’s about contributing to something bigger. Social impacts have a significant impact on the way people get excited about implementing sustainable changes to their project.

Celebrate the Wins. Sustainability can feel overwhelming, but celebrating progress—big or small—helps maintain momentum. I make it a point to recognize efforts that align with these values, even if they’re incremental.

Why This Matters to Me?

This isn’t just about my projects; it’s about the kind of world I want to live in. When I look back on my career, I want to feel proud of the impact I’ve had—not just in delivering results, but in doing so responsibly.?

I believe we, as project managers, have an incredible opportunity to lead this change. We’re uniquely positioned to influence processes, teams, and strategies. And if we don’t take ownership of sustainability now, who will??

If this resonates with you, I’d love to hear your thoughts. What does sustainability mean in your projects? What challenges have you faced? Let’s share ideas and inspire each other to take this responsibility seriously—not as an obligation, but as an opportunity to shape the future we want to see.?

Because the truth is, this is our time. We are the leaders we’ve been waiting for. Let’s make it count.?

To learn more about sustainable project management and other valuable insights, be sure to attend the La Crosse-Rochester, MN PMI Chapter Professional Development Day 2025. It's a fantastic opportunity to expand your knowledge and connect with fellow professionals who are passionate about making a positive impact. Let's continue to lead and inspire each other towards a sustainable future.

PDD 2025 CONFERENCE DETAILS: ?? Date: February 13, 2025, 8 AM-4:30 PM Happy hour will follow. Early Bird Registration is available until January 11th. Grab your spot! Register here: https://lnkd.in/gwNrQ9fb

#SustainablePM #PMI #PDD2025 #ProjectManagement #Leadership #PMILaCrosseRochester #ProfessionalDevelopment

Written by Amanda Severson, VP of Communications for the PMI La Crosse – Rochester Chapter.

Interested in volunteering to be part of the chapter communications team or adding an idea for an article? Email us at?[email protected]?

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