Why green project management?

Why talk about green project management instead of just green projects?

Latter ones refer often to green initiatives such as solar panels. However, my definition of green project management includes also other sustainability related aspects such as social and economical viability as well as the method by which the result is delivered. Only then sustainable long term impacts can be achieved and without them results remain sporadic at best.

The approach highlights also the importance of thorough impact and risk analysis in the initiation phase before the actual project planning starts. The triple bottom line (economical, environmental and social) risks and impacts should be considered both on a short and long term. Most important elements can then be included in the sustainability management plan, which is further refined when project planning proceeds. Also risks and impacts need to be constantly re-evaluated.

Environmental viability alone does not guarantee sustainable results. Reduction in ecological or carbon footprints might lead to reduction in human development if other areas are not properly considered.