Driving change: APM and the sustainability interest network group

Sustainability and regeneration are no longer optional – organisations that seek a long-term future and are concerned about possible law suits and/or bad publicity must deliver both sustainability and regeneration, and usually through change projects. APM is leading the charge through its Sustainability Interest Network (Sus IN). This initiative is not just about green practices; it's about reshaping the future of project management to create lasting positive impact.

APM’s sustainability interest network and the community

The APM Sustainability Interest Network serves as a dynamic hub for professionals passionate about integrating sustainability into project management. Established in response to the growing need for sustainable practices in project delivery, this network brings together practitioners, researchers and thought leaders from diverse sectors.

The network aims to:

Engage: by highlighting the critical role of sustainability in project management, the network raises awareness members on the importance of considering environmental, social (both community and human) and economic impacts in every project
Inspire: through regular webinars, workshops and conferences, members exchange innovative ideas and proven strategies for implementing sustainable project management.
Equip: the network collaborates to create practical tools, guidelines and frameworks that project managers can readily apply in their work.
Mobilise: by engaging with policymakers and industry leaders, the network advocates for sustainability to be embedded in project management standards and practices.

The APM Sustainability Interest Network (Sus IN) doesn't operate in isolation. It actively fosters partnerships with other organisations to amplify its impact. APM has at least one formal agreement (with Green Project Management), and members of Sus IN are actively engaged with others, such as Responsible Project Management, Institution of Civil Engineers and PMI’s Sustainability Community of Action.

Getting involved as a volunteer or audience

Whether you're just starting your project management career or you're a seasoned professional, sustainability is relevant to your work:

Early career project managers: understanding sustainability principles early in your career can set you apart and prepare you for the future of project management. It's an opportunity to develop a valuable skill set that will become increasingly important.
Mid-career professionals: you're in a unique position to influence project outcomes and organisational practices. Your experience, combined with sustainability knowledge, can drive significant change.
Experienced project leaders and sponsors: your strategic oversight can ensure that sustainability is embedded in project goals and methodologies from the outset. Your support is crucial in creating an organisational culture that values sustainability.
Board members: Your decisions shape the long-term direction of your organisations. Embracing sustainability at the board level can lead to more resilient, future-proof strategies and enhanced stakeholder value.

Volunteers with APM don’t have to be members – volunteering is a chance to support and facilitate knowledge sharing and production of thought leadership content, network and learn new skill s such as event production.

You don’t have to be an active volunteer; as an APM member or interested member of the public you can follow Sus IN and see the resources we’re collating and developing and come and listen to our events. If you want to write or speak, then let us know.

By joining this vibrant community, you'll not only enhance your own knowledge and skills but also contribute to the broader mission of transforming project management for a sustainable future. Whether you're a seasoned sustainability expert or just beginning to explore this crucial area, the APM Sustainability Interest Network welcomes your involvement and unique perspective.

Resources available

We're building a comprehensive library of resources to support your sustainability journey in project management. You're invited to contribute resources you discover or prepare, which will be tagged according to our four key principles (along with other tags in different dimensions to make them easy to find):

Engage: resources that help to engage the sustainability community, especially in project management.
Inspire: case studies and success stories to motivate and guide, opportunities to meet and network and understand the issues better.
Equip: talks, webinars, panel discussions and so on illustrating tools, techniques and methodologies for sustainable project management
Mobilise: actionable strategies to implement sustainable practices.

By categorising our resources this way, we ensure that project managers at all levels can find the support they need to drive sustainable change.

Join us in this crucial mission to transform project management. Together, we can create a more sustainable and regenerative future, one project at a time.