GPM® Sustainability Competence Standard: Welcome to the Future of Sustainability Leadership!

The GPM Sustainability Competence Standard Version 2.0 is here—rewritten from the ground up to empower today’s sustainability leaders and project managers with the tools, knowledge, and frameworks needed to thrive in a world demanding regeneration, not just sustainability.

Why Download the GPM® Sustainability Competence Standard Version 2.1?
The world is changing—and so are the expectations placed on leaders and project managers. From tackling climate change to ensuring social equity and biodiversity preservation, the challenges we face today demand more than good intentions. They demand bold, forward-thinking action.

That’s where the GPM® Sustainability Competence Standard Version 2.1 comes in. This is not just a document; it’s your roadmap to impactful leadership in a world that needs real solutions. Whether you're leading sustainability initiatives, managing complex projects, or championing systemic change, this standard provides the tools, frameworks, and criteria to:

• Prove your competence with performance-based criteria that set a clear benchmark for sustainability excellence.
• Lead with clarity and confidence, using the expertise of authors who helped shape global sustainability frameworks like the GRI Standards and the UN SDGs.
• Stay ahead of the curve by embracing regenerative practices that go beyond traditional sustainability and drive real impact.

This isn’t about checking boxes or following outdated practices—it’s about becoming a leader who creates lasting, meaningful change.

What’s Inside?
This standard isn’t just another guide—it’s a comprehensive framework crafted by industry leaders with decades of hands-on experience. Our contributors include architects of the GRI Standards and contributors to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Inside, you’ll find:

Core Competence Units for Sustainability Leaders and Project Managers

Each unit is meticulously defined, with actionable elements and performance criteria designed to assess and enhance real-world competence. 
*We even have an industry forward looking unit on Regenerative Design that is not being used for formal assessments at the onset but will be a game changer in the near future as we move the profession forward.

Our Commitment to Accessibility

We believe these tools are far too important to put behind a paywall. That’s why we make them accessible to everyone—no fees, no membership requirements, and no complex processes. Sustainability is the defining challenge of our lifetime, and we are committed to tackling it with unwavering seriousness and inclusivity. By removing barriers, we empower individuals and organizations to drive meaningful change in creating a sustainable future.

Why This Standard?

• Regenerative Focus: Go beyond sustainability to focus on regeneration—building systems that restore, renew, and enhance our planet.
• Real Expertise: Written by professionals trusted by industries worldwide, our framework reflects the cutting edge of sustainability practices.
• Actionable and Measurable: Performance-based criteria make this standard not just a guide, but a benchmark for real-world impact.
• Comprehensive Tools: Includes frameworks for ethical decision-making, sustainability impact assessments, and stakeholder engagement.

What Sets It Apart?

This standard raises the bar, leaving outdated concepts like CSR in the dust. It integrates regenerative development principles and equips you to lead with confidence in a world where results matter more than ever.

Take the Next Step!

The GPM Sustainability Competence Standard Version 2.0 is available for free download. Redefine your approach to sustainability and join a growing global network of professionals driving meaningful change.