January 8, 2024
Aligning with Arizona State University’s top-rated sustainability practices, ASU’s project management program recognizes the urgency for a more sustainable environment and society and, as a result, is the first American university to partner with Green Project Management, a global sustainability organization and recognized United Nations Global Compact PRME (Principles for Responsible Management Education)-supporting organization, to incorporate sustainability into undergraduate and graduate-level project management curriculum.
“With concerns about climate change, deforestation, plastic pollution, water scarcity and biodiversity loss, organizations are increasingly expected to shift their culture and act in ethically, environmentally and socially responsible ways; therefore, we want to invest in the people, tools and technologies with a sustainable focus,” said Emily Mertz, an associate teaching professor in ASU’s School of Applied Professional Studies in the College of Integrative Sciences and Arts, a senior global futures scholar in ASU’s Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory and a Green Project Management Global Ambassador.
Together, faculty in ASU’s School of Applied Professional Studies and Green Project Management will infuse PRiSM and P5 standards for sustainability in project management frameworks — which align with the 17 United Nations sustainable development goals — into undergraduate and graduate-level curriculums, as well as the growing local industry.
“What better way to send our graduates into the world — with skill sets in sustainability, so they can stand out in the job market and do their part to make the world a better place,” said Professor Sean Williams, director of ASU’s School of Applied Professional Studies at the Polytechnic campus.
Green Project Management, an organization that advances sustainability and planetary regeneration through sustainable project management methods and standards, and ASU’s School of Applied Professional Studies faculty agree that, as Williams put it, “incorporating sustainability practices at the project management level is vital ... and supporting this initiative via educational opportunities in a large market like Phoenix would make a profound impact.”
David Smyth, vice president of engagement for Green Project Management, added, “We are thrilled to be working with Arizona State University. Their level of professionalism, outstanding team and commitment have built the top sustainability program in the country. We look forward to jointly advancing the cause of sustainable development and providing ASU students with the skills required to be leaders in the profession.”
This first-of-its-kind partnership establishes ASU’s project management program as a leader in training sustainable project managers.
“We hope this model sets the stage for other universities so sustainability becomes diffused throughout the entire project management discipline,” Williams said.
Advancing the project management program at ASU has been a priority for Williams, considering the amplified demand for project management professionals in the Valley, across Arizona and beyond. To meet the demand, CISA recently launched a bachelor’s degree in project management and has one of the handful of master’s in project management (MPM) programs in the country. ASU’s MPM program is one of six top online MPM programs (U.S. News & World Report, 2024).
Building upon that momentum, this partnership will enable CISA to offer sustainability-focused training modules, capstone projects and certifications for undergraduate and graduate students, as well as community workshops and seminars for those in the workforce looking to upskill and reskill to become more competitive in their industries.
“My course modules examine how sustainable leadership and sustainable project management can engage stakeholders to jointly confront wicked challenges and promote just conservation and development practices, aligning with environmental sustainability and social justice,” said Mertz.
Students in the MPM program can look forward to transforming an existing unsustainable project or practice into a sustainable one in their capstone course: Impact Analysis and Sustainability in Project Management, developed by Mertz. In addition, the GPM-b exam is integrated into the final module, accrediting students as certified green project managers upon completion of the course.
“Phoenix has a lot of large companies moving into the Valley, especially along the 202 corridor, with large project management operations, and we are increasingly interested in supporting these industries by integrating sustainability into their projects,” Williams said. “So by building up the community around us and giving our students the sustainability tools they need to be successful, we hope to generate a synergistic effect that benefits current and future project managers and, eventually, the world.”
Monday, July 22nd 2023
Detroit, MI – GPM (Green Project Management), a trailblazing force in the profession of project management, is set to be featured in an upcoming documentary series produced by the acclaimed TBD Media Group. The series, to be broadcasted by CBS News in 2024, will be available worldwide on CBSNews.com and will showcase GPM's exceptional journey as a disruptor and innovator, transforming the project management landscape with their revolutionary tools and methods for sustainable project management.
In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, disruptive technologies and sustainable practices have become essential drivers of success. GPM has risen to the challenge, standing at the forefront of innovation by introducing groundbreaking solutions that redefine project management paradigms. Their visionary leaders have embraced the responsibility of shaping a sustainable future while leveraging cutting-edge technologies to meet the ever-changing demands of the industry.
The upcoming documentary will offer a captivating glimpse into GPM's pioneering approach to project management. By embedding sustainable practices into the DNA of projects, GPM has redefined the principles of successful project delivery while championing social and environmental stewardship. The featured leaders will demonstrate how their innovative tools and methodologies have empowered businesses to thrive in an era where responsible practices are paramount.
Through insightful interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and compelling narratives, viewers will witness how GPM's visionary leaders have navigated challenges and harnessed innovation to reshape the project management landscape. As a result, they have earned a reputation for excellence and are setting new benchmarks for the industry to follow.
"We are incredibly excited about the opportunity to share GPM's mission and vision with a broader audience through the CBSNews documentary," says GPM Founder Joel Carboni. "Since our inception in 2009, GPM has been at the forefront of driving sustainable change in the project management profession. This documentary provides an invaluable platform to showcase the power of sustainable practices and inspire others to embrace socially and environmentally responsible approaches. We will be showcasing one of our clients in the series and some of the incredible advances they have made using our approaches."
GPM's story serves as an inspiration for other businesses and project leaders seeking to embrace disruption and sustainability in their operations. The documentary series will not only highlight GPM's remarkable achievements but will also provide valuable insights into the transformational power of sustainable project management in action.
About GPM:
GPM is a leading project management organization renowned for its disruptive tools, methods, training and certification, setting new standards for sustainable project delivery. With a steadfast commitment to innovation and regenerative practices, GPM empowers organizations to thrive in an ever-changing business landscape while making a positive impact on people and the planet. Learn more at www.greenprojectmanagement.org
This partnership marks a significant step towards fostering sustainable PMO practices and highlights the shared vision of both organizations in promoting sustainability within their respective domains. By combining PMOGA's expertise in PMO with GPM's focus on sustainable project management, this collaboration is expected to yield innovative and impactful solutions that will benefit PMOs globally and, consequently, the entire planet.
Americo Pinto, Chairman of PMOGA, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, "This collaboration with GPM signifies a crucial milestone for the PMO community, as we recognize the importance of integrating sustainability into our practices. Together, we can work towards a greener future for project management offices worldwide."
Joel Carboni, President of GPM, echoed Pinto's sentiments, adding, "As the leading organization dedicated to driving sustainable project management practices, we are thrilled to join forces with PMOGA. By leveraging our combined knowledge and experience, we can create a lasting impact in the PMO landscape and contribute to a more sustainable world."
Further details about the joint initiatives and their implementation will be shared in the coming months as PMOGA and GPM continue to work closely on this exciting collaboration. Both organizations are confident that this partnership will usher in a new era of sustainable PMO practices and reinforce the critical role of sustainability in the project management world.
About PMO Global Alliance:
PMO Global Alliance is the leading professional organization dedicated to PMOs, with members in over 120 countries worldwide. The organization supports PMOs and PMO professionals’ development and growth through collaborative learning, knowledge sharing, networking opportunities, and internationally recognized certifications. Learn more at https://www.pmoga.world/
About Green Project Management (GPM):
GPM is the global leader in sustainable project management practices. They have been instrumental in shaping sustainability as it relates to Portfolio, Program, and Project Management on a global scale. They advocate for the profession’s role in solving wide-scale challenges facing humanity offering training, methods, standards, and certification. Learn more at www.greenprojectmanagement.org
Making projects sustainable on a global scale since 2009.
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