Stakeholder management is a perfect opportunity for you and your team to drive the topic of sustainability on your project. By taking intentional, small steps to include sustainability in your engagements with stakeholders, you not only build stronger relationships but also contribute to a project culture that values and prioritises long-term environmental impact.
As you plan your stakeholder management, consider add one (or a few) of the following suggestions in order to weave sustainability into everyday conversations, decisions, and partnerships.
Planning Sessions guidance
2. Stakeholder Identification
As you and your team identify and analyse the various stakeholders for your project, consider also addressing stakeholders with sustainability expertise.
Examples:
· SMEs and management experts within the organisation with a background in environmental policy
· Key active members of a local environmental groups
· Sustainability specialists
· Anyone who has completed a certification in sustainable processes
· Individuals who are actively researching and promoting sustainable sourcing options for the company
· Those who sit on the board of a local sustainability-focused business network
· HR team members championing the inclusion of sustainability topics in employee training programmes
· Staff members who have experience in implementing lean and green practices in a previous role
When considering and choosing communication channels to reach your stakeholders, focus on ones that minimise environmental impact while ensuring clear, effective communication. Opt for digital platforms that reduce the need for physical resources, and consider the longevity and accessibility of the channels to maintain continuous engagement without unnecessary waste.
Examples:
· Cloud-based project management platform:
· Digital daily reports submitted via mobile app
· Online document storage and version control for designs and plans
· Electronic submission and approval of change orders
· Digital signatures for all approvals to eliminate the need for printing and scanning documents
· For safety incidents, a mobile app that allows for on-site photo documentation and immediate digital reporting
Incorporate sustainability updates into routine project communications to keep stakeholders informed and engaged with your green initiatives. Regularly sharing progress and milestones related to sustainability reinforces the project's commitment to environmental responsibility and encourages continued support from all parties involved.
Examples:
· Dedicate a section in your monthly newsletter to update stakeholders on sustainability initiatives, such as energy savings, waste reduction, or eco-friendly practices adopted during the project.
· Integrate a brief update on sustainability metrics during regular project status meetings. This could include progress towards green goals, the environmental impact of project decisions, or upcoming sustainability-focused events.
· Include a sustainability message or a quick fact about your project's environmental efforts in your email signature. This keeps sustainability top of mind in everyday communications.
· Add a sustainability widget that tracks and displays key environmental metrics to your dashboard reporting. This could include data on resource usage, carbon footprint, or sustainable materials used.
· Regularly post on social media about your project's sustainability efforts on social media platforms. Share stories, images, and milestones related to your green initiatives to keep the broader community informed and engaged.
· Use channels like Slack or Teams to create a dedicated sustainability thread where team members can share updates, tips, and successes related to eco-friendly practices within the project.
· Incorporate a section on sustainability in all key project documents, such as progress reports and final deliverables, to ensure that the project's environmental impact is recorded and communicated consistently.
Please come back for Parts 3 - 12 for more sustainability ideas during the planning phase.
3. Scope Definition
4. Requirements Gathering
5. Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)
6. Timeline and Schedule
7. Resource Planning
8. Risk Assessment
9. Budget Discussion
10. Quality Standards
11. Communication Plan
12. Next Steps
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