Applying the PRiSM Methodology to Raise Awareness of the Importance of Using Sustainable Project Management Practices in Organizations
MDPI
January 21, 2025
Sustainability has become crucial in today’s business landscape. Customers, suppliers, partners, and investors are increasingly demanding that companies be aware of their impacts on the environment and society. Achieving sustainability in business operations, including social, economic, and environmental aspects, is one of the major challenges for companies today. Integrating sustainability into project management fosters the development of more sustainable and responsible projects, considering environmental, social, and economic aspects. This integration allows for benefits such as risk and operational cost reduction, strengthening of the company’s reputation, and gaining stakeholders’ trust. This study takes an exploratory approach, focusing on a pilot test to investigate how the PRiSM (Projects Integrating Sustainable Methods) methodology can be applied in a business context to assess the level of maturity of sustainable project management practices and thus raise awareness of the importance of these issues. PRiSM was developed by GPM Global (Global Project Management, Lees Summit, MO, USA) in 2013 to help organizations integrate project processes with sustainable initiatives and it is based on the P5 Standard, which incorporates tangible tools and methods to manage the balance between finite resources, social responsibility, and delivery of sustainable project outcomes. Based on the PRiSM methodology and the P5 Standard (2nd Edition), a comprehensive questionnaire was developed under the Portuguese Project Management Observatory to assist companies in assessing their performance in terms of sustainable practices, resulting in a sustainable maturity level. The questionnaire aimed to evaluate companies in four impact categories: product/process impacts, social impacts, economic impacts, and environmental impacts. The results, obtained from 30 respondents, indicated that the majority of organizations achieved medium-level ratings, with an overall average of 65%. However, some still showed unsatisfactory performance, with a minimum score of 14%, indicating there is still a long way to go for the full integration of sustainability. Based on participants’ feedback, the study found that many recognized the importance of sustainability but were unaware of how to integrate sustainability practices into their project management activities, highlighting the importance of promoting education and raising awareness about sustainable project management practices. The findings, while based on a limited sample, provide valuable initial insights into the potential of PRiSM to foster sustainability in project management. This research underscores the need for further studies to expand and validate these preliminary conclusions.
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Tags: Project Management, Sustainability
Embedding Sustainability in Project Management: A Comprehensive Overview Embedding Sustainability in Project Management
In book: Multidisciplinary Approaches in AI, Creativity, Innovation, and Green Collaboration
May 01, 2023
The issue of sustainability is the most pressing issue facing the world today. Companies are incorporating sustainability concepts into their marketing, corporate communication, annual reports, and other aspects of their operations...
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Tags: Project Management, Sustainability
Generation Restoration: The Project Profession’s Defining Moment Joel Carboni - June 5, 2025
Project Management Institute
June 05, 2025
A Call That Cannot Be Ignored
June 5 is World Environment Day. And this year’s theme—“Our Land. Our Future. We are #GenerationRestoration”—is not simply aspirational. The theme is personal, urgent and speaks to planetary truth we can no longer look away from. The earth is not just warming; it is warning us.
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Tags: Project Management, Sustainability
The Global Goals Are Everywhere—So Why Are We Silent on Biodiversity?
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May 27, 2025
Everyone—and I mean everyone—loves to talk about the SDGs. You’ll find them on coffee mugs, corporate websites, and LinkedIn banners. They’ve become the go-to badge for “we’re doing our part.” And that’s not a bad thing. They’ve done wonders for global sustainability awareness. But
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Tags: Project Management, Sustainability
Killing Zombie Projects: A Sustainability Imperative
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May 23, 2025
They’re the projects no one wants to talk about. They drag on quietly in the background—over budget, out of step with strategy, and somehow still alive in the system. No one’s championing them anymore, but no one’s pulled the plug either. They take up time, resources, and headspace, yet deli
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Tags: Project Management, Sustainability
Green Tariffs or Trade Barriers? How Supply Chain Shocks Are Threatening Sustainability
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May 09, 2025
The global project environment is facing an unexpected but serious disruption—not from a natural disaster or technological collapse, but from policy. The return of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency has brought with it a new wave of aggressive trade tariffs, with levies as high as 145% on a range
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Tags: Project Management, Sustainability
The End of Neutrality: Why Project Managers Must Lead with Ethical Clarity
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April 28, 2025
Back in the late 1900’s (as my kids like to poke fun and say) when I started as a project manager, I was taught that the gold standard was neutrality. “Be objective,” they said. “Stay out of politics. Focus on deliverables.” The idea was simple: if you stayed neutral, y
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Tags: Project Management, Sustainability
The Hidden Costs Of Unsustainable Project Practices
Forbes
April 22, 2025
For years, businesses have viewed sustainability as a box to check—a marketing play, a feel-good initiative or something to address once all the “real” work is done. But companies that see sustainability as an added cost are missing the bigger picture. The true cost of unsustainable project management isn’t always obvious—it’s lurking in project delays, bloated budgets, supply chain disruptions, regulatory penalties and reputational damage. At its core, project management is about delivering value efficiently. And when sustainability is left out of the equation, projects can become more expensive, riskier and—quite frankly—less competitive.
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Why it’s time for project professionals to go carbon positive
The Association for Project Management
April 22, 2025
Sustainability in project management has often been treated as an afterthought; something to be discussed at a conference stream. If it were lucky enough to find its way into a project it’s usually once the scope is set, the stakeholders aligned and the budget approved. But in today’s world, that mindset simply doesn’t hold up.
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Tags: Climate Change, Project Management, Sustainability
The Hidden Power of Dual Materiality: Why Impact Is a Business Metric
Blog Green
April 21, 2025
It’s a deceptively simple question—until you realize how much is riding on the answer. Investors are asking it. Regulators are demanding it. And your communities are watching to see if your impact matches your intent.
That’s where dual materiality comes in.
If your business is only measuring what affects you—without accounting for what you affect—you’re only seeing half the landscape. And in a world where risk, trust, and transparency are converging fast, that’s a costly omission.
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Tags: Agile, Project Management, Sustainability
Is It Time to Break Up With “Stakeholders”?
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April 17, 2025
Every so often, someone drops a comment in a conversation that completely reframes the way you see something. Recently, I was in a meeting when someone mentioned that the term “stakeholder” has roots tied to colonialism—and for a split second, the air in the room changed. It was like someone u
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Tags: Project Management, Sustainability
Beyond Ego and Eco: The Next Business Imperative
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April 02, 2025
The way businesses operate has always followed an unspoken framework—one that dictates how they engage with markets, resources, and people. Whether they realize it or not, organizations function within three distinct paradigms: Ego, Eco, and Seva. The question is, which one will define the next er
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The “Sustainability Premium” Myth—Why Sustainable Projects Are Actually More Cost-Effective
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March 25, 2025
In the last month alone, I’ve been on multiple panels, podcasts, and interviews. Each time, I’m asked variations of the same question: “Is sustainability really cost-effective?” It’s the classic argument. People hear “sustainable project” and immediately assume “expensive pro
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Is COP30 Climate Action or Climate Hypocrisy?
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March 17, 2025
The 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) is set to take place in Brazil in this year, a symbolic moment for global climate action. Leaders, policymakers, and environmentalists will gather under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) banner to discuss sustainability. But
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Tags: Project Management, Sustainability
Beyond Borders: Global Challenges Demand Local Solutions
Forbes
March 11, 2025
Sustainability is often framed as a global challenge, yet I believe the most pressing solutions need to start at the local level.
I think the 2025 California wildfire, which burned over 40,500 acres before being contained, proves this point. Fueled by record-breaking heatwaves, extended drought and shifting winds, it devastated communities, displaced thousands and strained emergency response systems.
Its effects weren’t confined to California—air quality deteriorated in neighboring states, and supply chain disruptions followed.While I think we as business leaders should continue to think globally about sustainability, success will often require localized execution.
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Tags: Business Strategy, Project Management, Sustainability
The Leadership Crisis—And the Leaders Who Are Fixing It
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March 10, 2025
The world feels like it’s on a knife’s edge. Wars rage. Global markets swing unpredictably. Political leaders stoke division instead of solving problems. Democracies, once seen as stable, now teeter as strongmen and populists rewrite the rules to serve themselves. Trust in institutions—governm
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Beyond Greenwashing: How To Measure Real Impact In Corporate Sustainability
Forbes
December 27, 2024
Sustainability is no longer a niche concern or an afterthought. It has become a foundational expectation for businesses operating in today’s marketplace. Yet, as organizations rush to meet this demand, many fall into the trap of greenwashing—claiming environmental or social responsibility without delivering tangible results.
True sustainability requires more than well-crafted press releases or glossy annual reports. It demands measurable impact, rigorous accountability and a willingness to embrace hard truths. As climate change intensifies and societal inequalities widen, businesses must rise above empty promises and demonstrate real progress. The stakes are too high to settle for less.
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What Keeps Executives Up At Night: The Hidden Pressures Of Sustainability Reporting
Forbes
December 27, 2024
As a sustainability executive and a standards writer, I have seen firsthand how the nonfinancial reporting landscape has transformed from a niche concern to a boardroom priority. Executives today are facing mounting pressures to meet transparency demands, particularly in the realm of environmental, social and governance (ESG) metrics. The stakes are high, and the complexities are daunting. Yet, there lies an opportunity for businesses to thrive if they can rise to the occasion.
True sustainability requires more than well-crafted press releases or glossy annual reports. It demands measurable impact, rigorous accountability and a willingness to embrace hard truths. As climate change intensifies and societal inequalities widen, businesses must rise above empty promises and demonstrate real progress. The stakes are too high to settle for less.
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Tags: Project Management, Sustainability
DEI: A Commitment to Fairness, Not Extremism
GPM
August 29, 2024
Over the past couple of years, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) has become a divisive topic. Some folks are quick to label it as nothing more than left-wing extremism or even compare it to affirmative action. But here’s the thing: DEI isn’t about politics, and it’s definitely not about lowering the bar or handing out unearned advantages. It’s about making sure that everyone—no matter who they are—gets a fair shot. It’s about ensuring that our workplaces, our communities, and our society as a whole don’t exclude anyone based on their background, identity, or circumstances. Any argument counter to this is WRONG. Now, this post is my personal viewpoint, and I respect… Nope. I don’t. There is right and wrong, and diversity is a strength. Any opposing viewpoint belongs in 1930, not 2024.
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Tags: Project Management, Sustainability
Beyond Skills: The Power of Traits in Sustainable Project Management
GPM
August 21, 2024
Yesterday, we announced an exciting update to our core text, Sustainable Project Management. As part of this update, I’ve been revisiting the section on characteristics—a topic that, in my view, deserves more attention as we look ahead to 2024 and beyond.
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Tags: Project Management, Sustainability
Designing for Regenerative Business: From Fear to Hope?
GPM
August 13, 2024
Over the past ten to fifteen years, I have noticed the conversation around sustainability often gets bogged down in narratives of minimizing harm and managing decline. The prevailing mindset is to reduce negative impacts and avoid worsening the status quo. But what if we reimagined this narrative? What if, instead of merely sustaining our businesses and the ecosystems they rely on, we focused on regenerating them? This is the essence of regenerative business practices—a forward-thinking approach that aims not just to sustain but to rejuvenate the environments and communities that businesses touch. I know that I have written about regeneration a lot over the years but hear me out. I have a couple ideas.
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Tags: Project Management, Sustainability, Ecosystems
Investing in Sustainable Project Management: A Strategic Imperative for Project Owners
GPM
July 24, 2024
As the initial fervor around ESG fades amidst political backlash and economic challenges, the true integration of sustainability into corporate operations is gaining momentum. For project owners, this transition offers a crucial opportunity to lead sustainable project management, ensuring investments not only comply with current environmental standards but also lay the foundation for long-term resilience and success.
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Tags: Project Management, Sustainability
From Profit-Driven To Purpose-Driven: How Organizations Can Embrace Sustainability
Forbes
April 12, 2024
The business world is undergoing a significant transformation. It’s no longer sufficient to simply focus on profit margins and shareholder returns. Today, companies are being called upon by customers, employees and investors to take an active role in addressing societal and environmental challenges. The companies that are thriving in this evolving landscape are those that can seamlessly balance financial goals with a genuine sense of purpose. But achieving this shift isn't just about rolling out sustainability initiatives or releasing polished annual reports. It requires embedding purpose into every facet of the organization, especially in how projects are planned, executed and evaluated.
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Navigating Regulatory Divergence: The Imperative of Shared Responsibility in Climate Action
LinkedIn
November 20, 2023
In our journey towards a sustainable future, the role of corporations is undeniably pivotal. Yet, our global efforts face complexities due to divergent regulatory approaches. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is signaling a potential pullback from some proposed greenhouse gas emissions disclosure requirements, particularly concerning Scope 3 emissions. This move contrasts the European Union's direction, which mandates Scope 3 disclosures for large companies starting in 2024.
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Tags: Sustainability
Are you a LinkedIn Bully? Five things to ask yourself.
LinkedIn
November 30, 2016
I have had a LinkedIn account since 2004. It a great place to network, share ideas, and learn from individuals with similar interests and experiences. Sometimes, although rare (I write with a grin on my face), people tend to go overboard. "LinkedIn Bullying" is commonly unwanted, aggressive posting or commenting based on a perceived power imbalance.
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Tags: Sustainability
Becoming Regenerative: A leadership Journey for Those who refuse to Burn Out
Bowker
May 03, 2025
You weren’t meant to burn out. You were meant to lead differently.
In a world addicted to speed, performance, and profit-at-all-costs, Becoming Regenerative is a bold call to reclaim your power—not by pushing harder, but by leading from wholeness.
Joel Carboni, internationally recognized expert in sustainability leadership, delivers a groundbreaking guide for change-makers who are done sacrificing their well-being for broken systems. This isn’t a leadership manual—it’s a manifesto for a new era.
Inside, you’ll discover:
How to root your leadership in integrity, not exhaustion
Practices to build resilience, presence, and relational intelligence
A radical model of accountability that heals rather than harms
Tools for navigating uncertainty, restoring trust, and creating lasting impact
Each chapter is a portal—a principle, a practice, and a shift in perspective that invites you to lead from the inside out.
Whether you’re a visionary CEO, a burned-out team lead, or a mission-driven entrepreneur, this book meets you at the edge of what’s no longer working—and walks with you toward what’s possible.
The future needs leaders who regenerate.
Not just organizations, but ecosystems. Not just results, but relationships. Not just metrics, but meaning.
This is your invitation to lead like life depends on it—because it does.
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Tags: Sustainability, Ecosystems
Sustainable Project Management; The GPM Practice Guide
Amazon
October 01, 2024
Welcome to the future of project management, where sustainability is just the beginning. In the Third Edition of Sustainable Project Management: The GPM Practice Guide, we introduce the groundbreaking concept of regeneration, taking sustainable project management to a new level. This edition empowers project managers to go beyond minimizing harm—toward actively restoring ecosystems, building resilient communities, and creating lasting positive change for both the planet and society.
This guide is more than just a book—it's a comprehensive roadmap for integrating regenerative practices into every stage of project management. If you're looking to align your projects with the global shift toward regeneration, this is your essential resource.
What's New in the 3rd Edition?
Regenerative Focus: Discover how projects can go beyond sustainability to rejuvenate natural systems, enrich communities, and build social equity.
Updated Case Studies: Explore real-world examples of successful regenerative projects that demonstrate the impact and value of this approach.
New Tools and Frameworks: Use updated templates, checklists, and tools to seamlessly incorporate regeneration into your project life cycle.
Why This Book is a Must-Have for Project Managers:
Transformative Concepts: Understand the evolution from "do no harm" sustainability to a regenerative mindset, where projects create net-positive impacts.
Comprehensive Approach: This guide offers step-by-step guidance on applying regeneration principles throughout the project management process—from planning to execution and beyond.
Applicable to Any Industry: Whether in construction, finance, or IT, the principles and practices in this guide will help you deliver projects that succeed while contributing positively to the world.
Future-Proof Your Skills: With global attention increasingly focused on environmental and social responsibility, project managers who embrace these practices will be at the forefront of the next era of leadership.
As we face unprecedented challenges like climate change and social inequity, the need for regenerative project management has never been greater. This edition provides the strategies and tools you need to make a real difference—whether managing a single project or overseeing a portfolio. Sustainability is no longer enough. Now is the time to lead with regeneration, actively creating a better, more resilient world.
What You’ll Learn:
How regenerative sustainability can transform your projects and organization, aligning with global goals like the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Practical steps to evaluate and improve the long-term impact of your projects using regenerative development principles.
How to create meaningful stakeholder engagement strategies that ensure buy-in and long-term support for regenerative initiatives.
Strategies to incorporate circular economy principles into your projects, ensuring efficient resource use and minimal waste.
Don’t just manage projects—lead them toward a regenerative future. The Third Edition of Sustainable Project Management: The GPM Practice Guide is your ultimate resource for integrating regeneration into your project management approach, offering a holistic view that aligns business success with the needs of people and the planet.
Join the movement for sustainable and regenerative project management. Order your copy today and become a catalyst for lasting change!
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Tags: Project Management, Sustainability, Ecosystems
Sustainable Project Management
IPMA Serbia
April 22, 2025
Advancing Sustainability through project management
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Tags: Project Management, Sustainability
Bridge 2022 PM & PMO Conference
Project Management United
August 29, 2023
In his presentation Joel will share the current state of the world through the lens projects that GPM has assessed and research that have been conducted with thousands of practitioners.
GPM is the global leader in sustainable project management practices. As a social enterprise, they advocate principled and value-based project approaches.
Founded in 2009, they have been instrumental in shaping sustainable practice as it relates to Portfolio, Program, and Project Management on a global scale and are advocates for the profession’s role in solving wide-scale challenges facing humanity.
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Tags: Project Management, Sustainability
The Era of Sustainable Project Management
Petronas
December 18, 2022
Dr. Joel Carboni, IPMC’s Keynote Speaker shares his take on “The Era of Sustainable Project Management”. Amongst the topics that will be covered are trends and how the profession can meet current needs of the industry in meeting the challenges of climate change and contributing towards sustainability.
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Tags: Project Management, Sustainability
How Project Management Can Deliver Sustainability
PMI New Zealand
September 14, 2022
In this presentation, Dr. Carboni will share some of the challenges humanity is facing and the impacts that project can have in solving global issues. He will present some tools and methods and what is needed to mainstream sustainable practice in the PM Profession.
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Tags: Project Management, Sustainability
Agility in the context of sustainability
Agile Business Consortium
October 14, 2021
Sustainability is at the forefront of business and has moved from a talking point to an action item for the project and change profession. Joel will share some insights on the current state of the profession and what the agile community can do to adopt sustainable practices.
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Tags: Agile, Project Management, Sustainability
Project Management for a Regenerative Future: Dialogue between UCI and GPM
UCI
June 17, 2025
Let’s rethink how we design and lead projects toward a future that serves both people and the planet.
Join us for a thought-provoking conversation between two global leaders in sustainability and education:
️ Eduard Müller, Rector of Universidad para la Cooperación Internacional
️ Joel Carboni, Founder of GPM (Green Project Management) Global
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Tags: Project Management, Sustainability
Boosting Your PMO's Role in Sustainable Project Management
Planisware
June 27, 2024
Dr. Carboni will discuss the strategic importance of integrating sustainability into the very DNA of your PMO, ensuring it supports and drives your organization’s long-term objectives.
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Tags: Project Management, Sustainability
Sustainability & Green Project Management
Dubai International Project Management Forum
January 15, 2024
Dr. Carboni stands as the preeminent global authority on sustainable project management. His pioneering tools and methodologies have become the benchmark for green practices, garnering global adoption by corporations, organizations, and governments to weave sustainability seamlessly into their project frameworks.
A distinguished alumnus of Ball State University, Dr. Carboni holds a Ph.D. in Sustainable Development and Environment. His portfolio encompasses over 25 years across multifaceted domains of project management—spanning government, finance, consulting, manufacturing, and the academic sphere.
An esteemed voice in the industry, Dr. Carboni regularly takes the stage at conferences and symposiums related to project management and sustainability. His expertise is not just bound by geography, he has left his mark in more than 55 nations.
His notable accolades include his tenure as President Emeritus of the International Project Management Association (IPMA) in the U.S. and his pivotal role on the Global advisory board.
As the visionary behind GPM (Green Project Management), Dr. Carboni's influence extends into academia, serving as a visiting professor at Skema Business School.
His commitment to global causes is evident as the GPM representative to the United Nations Global Compact. Dr. Carboni played a foundational role as a signatory for both the Business for Peace Initiative and the Anti-Corruption Call to Action. Furthermore, he was instrumental in crafting the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (SDGs).
Beyond his vast professional contributions, Dr. Carboni is renowned for introducing the PRiSM project delivery methodology and the P5 Standard for Sustainability in Project Management. His educational modules on Green and Sustainable Project Management are taught in over 145 countries, thanks to collaborations with professional training entities, business consortiums, and esteemed universities. His prowess as a writer shines in his leading work, "Sustainable Project Management."
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Tags: Project Management, Sustainability