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Are we ready for net zero in project management?
The challenges and strategies for project managers in the delivery of low-carbon major projects
Current national strategies and pledges to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 have highlighted the importance of carbon as an increasingly relevant factor for successful project delivery. Considering the significance of major projects and programmes in developing national infrastructure, the successful delivery of these projects will be a key factor in ensuring that the UK meets its net zero commitments.
In addressing this, this research investigates the preparedness of the project management profession by identifying challenges faced by project professionals when planning and delivering current major projects and programmes in the UK. Furthermore, this report explores the necessary strategies and actions to successfully deliver major projects aligned with net zero commitments over the next few decades.
How to cite this research
Gimhan Rathnagee Godawatte, G.A., Navarro-Bringas, E. and Ogunlana, S. (2024) Are we ready for net zero in project management? The challenges and strategies for project professionals in the delivery of UK major projects. Association for Project Management. https://doi.org/10.61175/QGAF8026
Why is this research relevant?
The escalating concern over the impact of greenhouse gas emissions on the global climate has been in the spotlight as one of the main governance challenges of the century. Against this backdrop, efforts across the world, like the United Nations Climate Change Conference in 2021, have set ambitious targets with the intention of achieving net zero emissions by 2050.
To attain these goals, there is a need for monumental investments, estimated at $9.3 trillion annually by 2050. In this context, major projects, renowned for their scale and complexity, emerge as linchpins in this transition, operating across sectors like energy, housing, and transportation. While their influence extends beyond technical realms, scant attention has been given to carbon metrics within major project management literature.
This study aims to address this gap, exploring integration challenges and strategies for delivering major projects under carbon reduction constraints.
Who should read this report?
- The report targets a diverse audience engaged in major projects within the UK, including project professionals, project sponsors, policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders in sustainability and environmental management.
- Organisations aiming to achieve net zero carbon-related targets, especially within major projects.
- Individuals and entities involved in infrastructure development, energy, construction, transportation, and other sectors affected by major projects would benefit from understanding the challenges and strategies for integrating carbon reduction goals.
How was the research undertaken?
The study used a qualitative research methodology to explore the connections between carbon targets and major projects.
Seventeen semi-structured interviews were conducted with project management professionals from various sectors and projects. A purposive sampling technique ensured a diverse yet knowledgeable pool of interviewees. Finally, a reflexive thematic analysis was employed as an inductive approach to analyse emergent themes from the collected data.
This facilitated the categorisation of findings into coherent themes, shedding light on the relationship between net zero targets and major projects.
What did we discover?
Role of sponsors:
- Understand organisational carbon drivers
- Strategically integrate carbon reduction
- Position carbon reduction as a central project benefit
- Prioritise genuine sustainability over capital-intensive solutions
Effective integration of net zero considerations into major projects:
- Embed carbon mitigation from the feasibility phase
- Establish comprehensive carbon management systems
- Ensure continuous monitoring and reporting
- Provide CPD for project teams on carbon management and literacy
Addressing worrying gaps:
- Recognise future decarbonisation challenges
- Re-evaluate funding models
- Provide support through CPD for local clients and authorities