ASU Project Management Goes Green: Becomes first US university to infuse sustainability into Curriculum

Arizona State University (ASU) is taking a pioneering step towards a greener future. Its highly-regarded project management program has partnered with Green Project Management (GPM), a global sustainability leader, to become the first university in the United States to integrate sustainability concepts directly into its undergraduate and graduate-level curriculum.

Sustainability: A Top Priority

This innovative partnership aligns perfectly with ASU’s commitment to sustainability practices. Recognizing the urgency of environmental and social challenges, ASU’s project management program is equipping future leaders with the skills and knowledge to make a positive impact.

“With concerns about climate change, deforestation, plastic pollution, water scarcity and biodiversity loss, organizations are increasingly expected to shift their culture and act in ethically, environmentally and socially responsible ways; therefore, we want to invest in the people, tools and technologies with a sustainable focus,” said Emily Mertz, an associate teaching professor in ASU’s School of Applied Professional Studies in the College of Integrative Sciences and Arts, a senior global futures scholar in ASU’s Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory and a Green Project Management Global Ambassador.

The collaboration will see ASU faculty and GPM experts work together to infuse PRiSM and P5 standards – frameworks aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals – into existing project management curriculums. This initiative will benefit both undergraduate and graduate students, preparing them to lead the way in sustainable project development.

The partnership extends beyond ASU’s walls. The local project management industry in Phoenix will also benefit from this groundbreaking initiative. Educational workshops and seminars will equip professionals with the latest sustainability expertise, enhancing their competitiveness and fostering a culture of responsible project management within the community.

“What better way to send our graduates into the world — with skill sets in sustainability, so they can stand out in the job market and do their part to make the world a better place,” said Professor Sean Williams, director of ASU’s School of Applied Professional Studies at the Polytechnic campus.

A Model for the Future

ASU and GPM hope this pioneering partnership will serve as a model for universities nationwide. Integrating sustainability into project management education has the potential to transform the entire discipline, driving positive change across industries.

David Smyth, vice president of engagement for Green Project Management, added, “We are thrilled to be working with Arizona State University. Their level of professionalism, outstanding team and commitment have built the top sustainability program in the country. We look forward to jointly advancing the cause of sustainable development and providing ASU students with the skills required to be leaders in the profession.”

This partnership positions ASU’s project management program at the forefront of sustainability education. By equipping future project managers with the knowledge and tools to build a more sustainable future, ASU and GPM are fostering a new generation of responsible leaders ready to tackle the world’s most pressing challenges.

“My course modules examine how sustainable leadership and sustainable project management can engage stakeholders to jointly confront wicked challenges and promote just conservation and development practices, aligning with environmental sustainability and social justice,” said Mertz.

“Phoenix has a lot of large companies moving into the Valley, especially along the 202 corridor, with large project management operations, and we are increasingly interested in supporting these industries by integrating sustainability into their projects,” Williams said. “So by building up the community around us and giving our students the sustainability tools they need to be successful, we hope to generate a synergistic effect that benefits current and future project managers and, eventually, the world.”