The GPM - P5 Standard for Sustainability in Project Management - Version 3.1 - Foreword and Introduction

Oct 28, 2026

The GPM P5 Standard for Sustainability in Project Management (Version 3.1) presents an internationally recognized framework to place sustainability at the core of project planning, delivery, and governance. It explains why sustainability is essential for addressing climate change, ethical conduct, and social responsibility, and links the P5 approach to ESG disclosure and sustainability reporting standards. The document outlines the P5 ontology, categories and elements, perspectives and lenses, impact lenses for products and processes, value chains, and how projects, programs, and portfolios should be managed.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages105

Reading Time4 h 25 min

AccessFree to download

Foreword

Introduction

1 Sustainability and Project Management

1.1 The Evolution of Project Management Focus

1.2 The Sustainable Development Goals

1.3 Professionalization in Project Management

2 An Introduction to the P5 Standard

2.1 The P5 Ontology

2.2 P5 Categories, Subcategories, and Elements

2.3 P5 Perspectives and Lenses

2.4 P5 Impact Lenses for Product

2.5 P5 Impact Lenses for Process

2.6 Value Chains

2.7 Projects, Programs, and Portfolios

2.8 P5 and Other International Sustainability Standards

3 People Impacts

3.1 Labor Practices and Decent Work

The GPM® P5™ Standard for Sustainability in Project Management GPM Global Version 3.1 Copyright Information E-mail: [copyright@greenprojectmanagement.org](copyright@greenprojectmanagement.org) [Web: www.greenprojectmanagement.org](Web: www.greenprojectmanagement.org)[ ](Web: www.greenprojectmanagement.org)Published in the United States of America GPM® and Green Project Management® are Registered Trademarks of GPM Global, protected in the United States, and most other countries. is a trademark and/or a registered mark of Project Management Institute, Inc., in the United States of America and/or in other countries. This document is Ⓒ2025 in the United States and with the United Kingdom Copyright Service. United States Library of Congress Registration Number: TX0009407183 This work is licensed under a Creative Commons license. To view a copy of this license, visit [https://](https://)[ ](https://)[creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/](creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/) ISBN 979-8-3507-0879-0 About GPM In today’s world, sustainability is no longer a buzzword but a necessity. As we grapple with the challenges of climate change, ethical behavior, and social responsibility, businesses need to embrace sustainable practices. Organizations prioritizing sustainability will have a competitive edge in the marketplace and will contribute to a better future for all. Green Project Management (GPM) understands this responsibility well and has been at the forefront of promoting global citizenship through sustainable project management initiatives since 2009. We believe that both public and private sector entities can be agents of positive change and can actively create a more sustainable world. To help achieve this goal, GPM has released the latest version of its P5 Standard—an internationally recognized standard for sustainable project management. This new release aligns with leading ESG disclosure frameworks and sustainability reporting standards making it easier for project managers worldwide to create shared value while tackling global issues. By placing sustainability at the heart of project management, GPM aims to drive sustainable development as a central part of every project. The previous version of the P5 Standard was downloaded over 600,000 times and used in nearly every country worldwide. This new release aims to provide even better guidance and more insights that will lead to more sustainable projects and a brighter future for all. As you embark on your journey as a project manager or seek ways to make your business more sustainable, let this book guide you. The road ahead may be challenging, but we can create a better world with GPM’s expertise and commitment to sustainability. Contents [Foreword ............................................................................................................ vi](Foreword ............................................................................................................ vi) [Introduction......................................................................................................](Introduction......................................................................................................). vii 1 Sustainability and Project Management ..........................................................1 1.1 The Evolution of Project Management Focus................................................. 1 1.2 The Sustainable Development Goals ............................................................. 2 1.3 Professionalization in Project Management ................................................... 3 2 An Introduction to the P5 Standard ................................................................4 2.1 The P5 Ontology........................................................................................... 4 2.2 P5 Categories, Subcategories, and Elements .................................................. 5

FAQs

What is the purpose of the GPM P5 Standard in project management?

It provides guidance to integrate sustainability into the heart of project management, enabling projects to create shared value while addressing global issues such as climate change, ethical behavior, and social responsibility.

Which areas does the standard cover when introducing P5?

It covers the P5 ontology, P5 categories and elements, perspectives and lenses, impact lenses for products and processes, value chains, and how to manage projects, programs, and portfolios. It also relates P5 to other international sustainability standards.

How does the document connect sustainability with ESG reporting?

The new release aligns with leading ESG disclosure frameworks and sustainability reporting standards, making it easier for project managers worldwide to apply the approach consistently.

Oct 28, 2026

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