Sustainability in Project Management

From 'Nice-to-Have' to 'Must-Have' - The Role of Sustainability in Project Implementation

Foto von einem Erdmännchen auf einem Hügel | Projektmanagement

As the CEO of a progressive group of companies, I have seen the need for sustainability in all our projects and activities. In the 21st century, sustainability is no longer just an attractive feature – it’s imperative. Let me explain why.

Prof. Dr. Reinhard Wagner

Sustainability – An increasing business need

Our company, Tiba, has recently undergone an external sustainability assessment. The results were more than encouraging: they not only show a significant improvement compared to our last evaluation, but also portray us in a positive light compared to the industry. This development confirms that sustainability is much more than a fashion buzzword at Tiba – it is an essential part of our business model. In view of the growing customer expectations that demand sustainability proofs, this aspect has now become critical for business.

UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and projects

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations are an important orientation framework for corporate action in order to align sustainability initiatives with them and to evaluate progress in concrete terms. Every project that is started in the company is analyzed in terms of its impact on these goals. This ensures that each project not only meets the company’s immediate goals, but also makes a positive contribution to sustainable development in the magic triangle of “People, Planet, Profit”.

Sustainable practices in project implementation

However, sustainability encompasses more than just project initiation. It permeates the entire implementation of our projects. Aspects such as energy efficiency, water and waste management, as well as social responsibility towards stakeholders are just some of the elements that are firmly integrated into project planning and implementation at Tiba. We rely on sustainable technologies and ways of working to further reduce our ecological footprint. This applies, for example, to the use of virtual working methods to avoid unnecessary travel, the use of public transport and the conversion of the vehicle fleet to electric vehicles. The more intensive use of modern planning tools, such as Building Information Modelling (BIM) in construction projects, also ensures shorter throughput times, significant cost savings and a reduction in the use of resources.

Sustainable products and delivery results

Sustainability also extends to the products, deliveries, and services of our projects. Our focus is on projects that generate sustainable value, for example in the transition to electric mobility in the automotive industry or in the renewable energy sector. In doing so, we take into account the entire life cycle of the products, from the initial spark to recycling. We also work towards sustainable implementation when supporting companies in the context of a transformation. This can be achieved, for example, through close involvement of those affected in the process, comprehensive empowerment of all parties involved and socially acceptable solutions.

The importance of ESG reporting and CSRD

The requirements of ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) reporting requirements and the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) are increasingly coming to the fore in Europe. Companies need to be able to measure and report on their progress towards achieving sustainability goals. Of course, this also applies to the part of the operational activities that is implemented in project form. Tiba has implemented robust data collection and reporting systems to ensure that progress can be communicated in a transparent and accountable manner. Modern technologies of automation and digitization are used.

Summary

The relevance of sustainability in projects is undeniable. As Managing Director of Tiba, I am proud that we have proactively accepted this challenge and integrated sustainability into the core of our business processes. I firmly believe that the path to a sustainable future leads through sustainable projects, and this belief shapes every aspect of what we do. At Tiba, we take our responsibility for a more sustainable world seriously. By consistently integrating sustainability into all our projects, we help to turn this vision into reality.

Would you like to make your project more sustainable? We're happy to provide advice during a free initial consultation - contact us now!

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