Insights into Sustainable Project Management 2024
The 2024 Insights into Sustainable Project Management report, developed in partnership with the Association for Project Management (APM), offers the most comprehensive examination of the state of sustainable project management today. Drawing from over 10,000 responses across 113 countries, this report sheds light on how sustainability is shaping project management practices globally, highlighting both progress and critical areas for growth.
Key Highlights from the Report:
- The Escalating Impact of Climate Change on Projects: 53% of projects worldwide have been affected by extreme weather, up from 38% in 2021, underscoring the urgent need for climate-resilient project management.
- Sustainability as a Strategic Imperative: 31% of organizations report an increased influence of sustainability on their strategies since 2021, reflecting its growing importance in long-term planning and operations.
- ESG Reporting and Transparency Gaps: While 39% of organizations engage in ESG reporting, 42% do not, revealing a significant opportunity for improvement in transparency and accountability.
- High Importance Among Project Professionals: 73% of project professionals rank sustainability as a top priority, emphasizing its critical role in future project success.
- Challenges in Combating Climate Change: Despite growing awareness, 79% believe the project management profession is not doing enough to address climate change, highlighting the need for more robust action.
What’s Inside the Report?
This edition explores:
- The growing adoption of regenerative practices in project management.
- How global sustainability challenges impact project timelines and budgets across industries.
- The evolving role of project management in achieving organizational sustainability goals.
- Insights into the maturity of sustainable project management practices and the competitive advantage they provide.
- An in-depth analysis of the GPM P5™ Standard’s impact on project sustainability since 2016, with 89% of respondents now integrating it into their projects.
Bridging the Gap Between Strategy and Action
One of the most significant findings is the gap between sustainability strategy and project management execution. Although many organizations acknowledge the importance of sustainability, 68% have not yet aligned their project management practices with their long-term sustainability goals. This misalignment poses risks such as operational inefficiencies, missed regulatory compliance, and diminished stakeholder trust, emphasizing the need for systemic change within the profession.
Industry-Specific Challenges and Opportunities
The report highlights how sustainability challenges affect various industries differently. Sectors such as Hospitality and Tourism, Construction, and Healthcare report the highest levels of disruption, with sustainability challenges critically impacting timelines and budgets. This underscores the need for tailored, industry-specific strategies that enhance resilience while maintaining project performance.
The Role of the GPM P5™ Standard
The report tracks the growing adoption of the GPM P5™ Standard, a framework designed to embed sustainability into every stage of project management. From 2016 to 2024, the use of the P5 Standard has steadily increased, with 94% of users reporting tangible improvements in their projects' sustainability performance. This trend illustrates the critical role that standardized frameworks play in driving consistent, measurable sustainability outcomes across industries.
A Call to Action for Project Management Professionals
The 2024 report is not just a reflection of where we stand but a call to action. As climate change accelerates and stakeholder expectations grow, project management professionals have a unique opportunity—and responsibility—to lead the charge in sustainable development. By integrating sustainability into every project decision, professionals can drive innovation, enhance organizational resilience, and contribute to global sustainability efforts.
Download the full report to explore detailed insights, industry-specific data, and practical recommendations for embedding sustainability into your project management practices.
