of introducing and promoting sustainability
in projects, programs, and portfolios
ADVISORY ARTICLE
By Manuel Ancizu
Pamplona, Spain
Abstract
Climate change and sustainability are among the greatest challenges society faces; and this also brings tremendous opportunities for sustainable project managers who can have a positive impact on people’s lives and at the same time, create benefits for the planet.
In this article, the author explores four simple yet powerful ways of introducing and promoting sustainability in every project, program, and portfolio.
Context
Climate change and sustainability are among the greatest challenges society faces. In recent years, the world has seen a significant focus driven by the Sustainable and Development Goals (2016-2030), the different environmental agreements signed at global level and the target for a sustainable energy transition to carbon neutrality by 2050. It has certainly become a megatrend.
The Green Deal for the next ten years approved in the US and similar plans in other countries demonstrate the growing momentum towards sustainability, which has become a key driver for individuals and companies in their decision-making process, investments, materials, and innovations.
This global context brings tremendous opportunities for sustainable project managers who can have a positive impact on people’s lives and at the same time, create benefits for the planet.
And the good thing is that it is not necessary to work in climate related projects to create the benefits, because they can be achieved in every type of project, program, or portfolio. We are all together on this and we can contribute from wherever we are and whatever we do.
Characteristics of sustainability:
- Satisfies the needs of the present without compromising the future.
- Aims for triple benefit: economic, social, environmental.
- Circular economy: Change the mindset from input to output to always inputs (reuse and recycle); the waste of a process can turn into the raw material of another process.
- Delivers value that remains long after the activity has been concluded (long-lasting value).
Four Simple yet powerful ways of introducing sustainability in projects, programs, and portfolios.
- Measure Project, program or portfolio’s carbon footprint
First step is measuring and being aware of the starting point. Sustainability is not just words, it needs to be measured, monitored, and audited; this will enable first, to be aware of the starting point and second, move from ideas and words to action.
More…
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How to cite this article: Ancizu, M. (2022). Four simple yet powerful ways of introducing and promoting sustainability in projects, programs, and portfolios, PM World Journal, Vol. XII, Issue V, May. Available online at https://pmworldlibrary.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/pmwj12-May2023-Ancizu-four-simple-ways-to-introduce-sustainability-2.pdf
About the Author
Manuel Ancizu
Pamplona, Spain
Human leadership, Global Sustainable Projects, Renewable energy, Story-teller, Keynote speaker, Lifetime learner, Risk management, Standardization
Manuel Ancizu is passionate about human leadership, sustainable projects and people’s motivations. Enjoys working in international multicultural environments and wants to have a positive impact in society.
Manuel graduated in Economics from University of Navarra and obtained an MBA from IESE Business School (Spain); he has also studied in CEIBS (China) and University Anahuac del Sur (Mexico). He holds a number of professional certificates such as the PMP by Project Management Institute, Lead Auditor in ISO 9001:2015 by IRCA Association and has also received training in Management of Development Projects and Risk Management by Interamerican Development Bank (IDB).
Manuel has lived in Spain, France, UK and Mexico; he currently works in the wind energy sector leading the quality management of Offshore projects. Manuel has been involved in wind energy renewable projects developed in different parts of the globe with external customers, as well as in internal projects of cultural transformation, IT and global processes.
Thanks to his experience, he has delivered training sessions, lectures and keynotes to a different number of institutions.
Manuel is a qualified member of the Spanish Standardization Body (UNE) and has been involved in the development of Standards and Norms in Projects, Programs and Portfolios; he has also participated in the translation of different ISO 21500 to Spanish language.
Manuel loves smiling, storytelling, dreaming and making ideas come true in a sustainable manner.
Manuel lives in Pamplona, Spain and can be contacted at manuel@manuelancizu.com
To view other works by Manuel Ancizu, visit his author showcase in the PM World Library at https://pmworldlibrary.net/authors/manuel-ancizu-beramendi/
