How to Choose a Credible Sustainability Certification – And Why GPM® Stands Above the Rest

With sustainability certifications flooding the market, it’s crucial to separate meaningful credentials from marketing gimmicks. Not all certifications are created equal, and choosing the right one can make the difference between recognition of real expertise and just another badge.

Industry expert Stacy Goff, in his article Comparing PM Certifications: Which is Best for You? identified three essential dimensions for evaluating certifications: prerequisites, breadth of coverage, and rigor of assessment.  When it comes to sustainabilty, there isn't an organization in the world with an approach that can equal what we have established as a world-class certification body.

1. Strong Prerequisites: Certifications That Are Earned, Not Bought

Goff emphasized that strong prerequisites are the foundation of a credible certification to ensure it is open to those with real experience.

Why GPM?
GPM sets a high bar, demanding real-world experience and demonstrated capability through evidence-based assessments. Our process goes beyond exams to verify that professionals have applied sustainability principles in their work.

  • Evidence-based assessments requiring real project and sustainability experience
  • Structured evidence submissions that demonstrate competence
  • No “certifications for life” – ongoing competence is required for certification renewal

2. Comprehensive Coverage: Beyond Theory to Real-World Impact

Goff also noted that certifications should cover more than methodologies and knowledge—they should evaluate competence, behavior, and impact.

Why GPM?
GPM’s certifications are built on our globally recognized sustainability standards, ensuring professionals don’t just know about sustainability—they know how to implement it effectively. We provide a complete sustainability ecosystem with clear implementation guidance:

  • The GPM Sustainability Competence Standard (What to Know): Defines the core competencies for sustainability and sustainable project professionals
  • The GPM P5™ Standard for Sustainability in Project Management and The GPM P5 Standard for Sustainability in Business Practice (What to Do): Structured frameworks for embedding sustainability into projects and business operations
  • Sustainable Project Management™: The GPM Practice Guide (How to Do It): Step-by-step guidance for applying sustainable practices in real projects

Sustainability is more than a concept. It’s a discipline. We help you master it.

3. Unparalleled Rigor of Assessment: Performance-Based Competence Assessment

Goff made it clear: rigorous assessment is needed to separates meaningful certifications from marketing gimmicks.

Why GPM?
GPM’s assessment process, aligned with ISO 17024, sets the global standard for competence-based sustainability certifications. Our assessments require real-world evidence of competence and are conducted by experienced professionals with deep expertise in both sustainability and project management.

  • ISO 17024-aligned processes – the global gold standard for certification of persons
  • Competency-based assessments – you must demonstrate real expertise, not just knowledge
  • Expert assessors – our assessors are experienced sustainability practitioners and project managers, not generalists
  • Global leadership – the head of GPM’s assessor pool sits on the ISO committee that governs ISO 17024, meaning we help shape the standards, not just follow them

4. Credibility and Industry Recognition: A Certification That Opens Doors

Finally, a certification is only as valuable as its reputation. Is it recognized and respected by employers, governments, and global organizations?

Why GPM?
GPM certifications are trusted and recognized by governments, Fortune 500 companies, universities, and NGOs worldwide. We’ve set the global standard for sustainable project management since 2011.

  • Internationally recognized and adopted by leading global organizations
  • Trusted by governments and Fortune 500 companies for their sustainability initiatives
  • Endorsed and taught by major universities and professional institutions worldwide

5. Transparency and Commitment to Sustainability

If a certification provider can’t demonstrate their own sustainability commitments, why should you trust them?

Why GPM?
At GPM, we practice what we preach. Our commitment to sustainability is transparent and measurable.

  • We are carbon neutral and report our emissions in line with the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi)
  • We publish a bi-annual Communication on Progress (COP) Sustainability Report, available on the UN Global Compact website
  • Our policies and procedures align with the highest standards of professional integrity and sustainability reporting

No vague claims. No hidden processes. Just clear, transparent results.

Why GPM Is the New Gold Standard in Competence-Based SustainabilityCertification

Goff’s framework for evaluating certifications – prerequisites, breadth of coverage, and rigor of assessment – remains the gold standard for judging a certification’s value. But the leader has changed. GPM now sets the standard that others fail to meet.

GPM is the only certification provider that:

  • Excels in all three dimensions of certification excellence
  • Aligns with ISO 17024 for competence-based assessment
  • Offers a complete sustainability ecosystem with clear implementation guidance:
    • The GPM Sustainability Competence Standard (What to Know)
    • The GPM P5 Standard for Sustainability in Project Management and The GPM P5 Standard for Sustainability in Business Practice (What to Do)
    • Sustainable Project Management: The GPM Practice Guide (How to Do It)
  • Is globally recognized and trusted by industry leaders

In Short:

Others may sell badges. GPM certifies competence.

  • The first organization to certify individuals in sustainability-based project management (since 2011)
  • The only provider whose assessments align with ISO 17024 and are conducted by experienced sustainability experts
  • The only program offering a complete competence ecosystem that guides professionals from learning to application
  • The only certification provider that practices sustainability with transparency—not just preaches it

Choose GPM. Get Certified. Lead the Change.

Don’t settle for marketing gimmicks. Choose the certification that sets the standard. Choose GPM. And if you're just getting started, we also have an exam-based certification for you!

GPM-b™ | CSPMs™ | CSPMx™ | CSP™ | CSF™


Updated: March 13, 2025