P43.03 The global corporate attitude towards sustainability.
Is your company truly committed to sustainability? A recent UN report reveals that 99% of CEOs are expanding their sustainability commitments. But, a staggering half don't feel comfortable speaking about their efforts! Watch this episode to uncover the gap between vision and execution, and how project management can bridge it.
Mark Engelhardt
Founder of PPPM Academy
Guest
Lucila Dotto is the Global Head of Sustainability at the Project Management Institute (PMI) - a true pioneer helping shape how the profession responds to one of the defining challenges of our time: sustainability.
Summary
Bridging the Sustainability Gap: From Vision to Action for Project Leaders
Sustainability is no longer a buzzword; it's a critical imperative for businesses worldwide. Project management leaders are increasingly tasked with integrating sustainable practices into their projects and operations. But how effectively are companies translating their sustainability visions into tangible action?
The Global Corporate Attitude Towards Sustainability: A Promising Trend
Recent research from the United Nations Global Compact, conducted in partnership with Accenture, offers encouraging insights. The CEO report, based on interviews with 2,000 CEOs globally, reveals that a remarkable 99% are either considering, maintaining, or expanding their commitment to sustainability. This clearly indicates that the business case for sustainability is gaining significant traction at the highest levels of organizations.
The Disconnect: A Challenge for Project Management
Despite this widespread commitment, a significant challenge remains. According to the same report, half of the CEOs surveyed admitted they don't feel comfortable speaking publicly about their sustainability efforts. This highlights a critical disconnect between strategic vision and practical implementation. Project Management Institute (PMI) is also observing that many organizations emphasize the importance of sustainability, but there is a gap with execution.
The Role of Project Management in Closing the Gap
As the podcast highlights, project management professionals are uniquely positioned to bridge this gap. Drawing on Stephen Covey's insights from The 8th Habit, a CEO's role is to develop a vision and mission. However, this strategic vision must be effectively translated into tactical and operational levels for real impact. The challenge is translating the vision into day-to-day work.
PMI recognizes this need and is actively working to support project managers in driving sustainable practices. A key step was the launch of a joint venture with Green Project Management in April.
PMI's Action-Oriented Approach
PMI's focus is on:
- Raising Awareness: Creating a broader understanding of sustainability principles and their relevance to project management.
- Reinvigorating the Community: Engaging project professionals worldwide to champion sustainable practices.
- Making it Action-Oriented: Providing practical tools, resources, and frameworks to implement sustainable projects.
The Importance of Top-Down Support
While grassroots initiatives are valuable, support and endorsement from leadership are crucial for successful implementation. When sustainability is championed from the top down, it becomes embedded in the organization's culture and values.
Conclusion: Driving Sustainable Change Through Project Management
The global corporate attitude towards sustainability is evolving, with a clear commitment from leadership. However, the challenge lies in translating this commitment into concrete action. Project management professionals, with the support of organizations like PMI, play a vital role in bridging the gap between vision and execution, ultimately driving sustainable change across industries and contributing to a more sustainable future. By focusing on awareness, community engagement, and action-oriented strategies, project leaders can ensure that sustainability becomes an integral part of every project.