---
skill_id: SKL-03-18
skill_name: Integrate Sustainability into Project Planning
pack: 03 — Planning
version: 1.0.0
status: Active · Tested
source_type: PMI-derived
primary_artifact_output: A06 — Project Management Plan (Sustainability section)
artifacts_updated:
- A06 — Project Management Plan
pmbok8_process_anchor: Standard §3.7 Integrate Sustainability Within All Project Areas
  · Guide §2.1.6.5 Manage Sustainability
performance_domains:
- Governance
- Scope
- Resources
focus_area: Planning
upstream_prerequisites:
- SKL-02-01 — A04 Project Charter must be baselined
- SKL-03-02 — Scope Management section of A06 must be baselined
downstream_skills:
- SKL-03-01 — Integrate and Align Project Plans
file_path: skills/03-planning/SKL-03-18-integrate-sustainability-into-project-planning.md
tests: 6
lifecycle_applicability:
- predictive
- adaptive
- hybrid
lifecycle_notes: Universal process applicable across all lifecycle models with appropriate
  tailoring.
---

# SKL-03-18 — Integrate Sustainability into Project Planning

**Skill ID:** SKL-03-18  
**Pack:** 03 — Planning  
**Status:** Active · Tested  
**Source type:** PMI-derived  
**PMBOK8 anchor:** Standard §3.7 Integrate Sustainability Within All Project Areas · Guide §2.1.6.5  
**File path:** `skills/03-planning/SKL-03-18-integrate-sustainability-into-project-planning.md`

---

## Purpose

Embed environmental, social, and governance (ESG) sustainability considerations into the project plan, ensuring the project’s approach to delivery, resource use, and stakeholder impact aligns with PMBOK 8 Principle 3.7: Integrate Sustainability Within All Project Areas. The output is the Sustainability section of A06.

---

## Scope

This skill produces the Sustainability section of A06. It does not create sustainability-specific deliverables unless the project scope includes them; it embeds sustainability criteria into planning decisions across scope, schedule, resources, and risk.

---

## Inputs Required

| Input | Source | Mandatory? |
|---|---|---|
| A04 — Project Charter | SKL-02-01 | Yes |
| A06 — Scope, Resource, Risk sections (drafts) | SKL-03-02 to SKL-03-17 | Yes |
| A05 — EEF (organizational ESG policy, regulatory sustainability requirements) | SKL-01-01 | Yes |

---

## Instructions

### Step 1 — Identify Sustainability Obligations
1. Review A05 EEF for organizational ESG policy and regulatory sustainability requirements.
2. Review A04 for any sustainability commitments or constraints stated in the charter.
3. Identify applicable sustainability frameworks (UN SDGs, GRI, ISO 14001, organizational ESG policy).
4. Record all applicable obligations in A06 Sustainability section.

### Step 2 — Assess Sustainability Impacts Across Planning Domains
1. For each planning domain, identify sustainability considerations:
   - **Scope:** Do any deliverables have environmental or social impact? Are any exclusions related to sustainability?
   - **Schedule:** Are there seasonal or regulatory sustainability constraints on timing?
   - **Finance:** Are there sustainability-related costs (green procurement premium, carbon offset, regulatory compliance cost)?
   - **Resources:** Are resource choices (vendors, materials, energy use) aligned with ESG policy?
   - **Risk:** Are there sustainability-related risks (regulatory change, reputational risk, climate events)?
   - **Stakeholders:** Are there stakeholders with sustainability-specific interests or concerns?
2. Record the impact assessment in A06.

### Step 3 — Embed Sustainability Criteria in Planning Decisions
1. Update affected planning sections of A06 with sustainability criteria:
   - Add sustainability acceptance criteria to A10 deliverables where applicable.
   - Add sustainability risk entries to A19 (during SKL-03-10).
   - Add green procurement criteria to resource and procurement planning.
   - Add sustainability reporting to the Communications Register (if applicable).
2. Confirm that sustainability criteria are testable and measurable.
3. Record in A06 and note the cross-references to affected sections.

### Step 4 — Define Sustainability Metrics and Reporting
1. Define how sustainability performance will be measured during the project:
   - Carbon footprint tracking (if applicable)
   - Waste reduction metrics
   - Social impact indicators
   - ESG compliance checkpoints
2. Define reporting frequency and audience.
3. Record in A06 Sustainability section.

### Step 5 — Baseline Sustainability Section
1. Review with Sponsor and relevant stakeholders (ESG officer, regulatory body if applicable).
2. Record version, date, and approval.

---

## Outputs

| Output | Artifact | Section |
|---|---|---|
| Sustainability Plan | A06 | Sustainability section |

---

## Tests

| Test ID | Test description | Pass condition | Fail condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| T-1 | Sustainability obligations identified | Applicable ESG policy, regulatory requirements, and frameworks documented | Obligations section blank |
| T-2 | Impact assessment completed | All six planning domains assessed for sustainability impact | Any domain not assessed |
| T-3 | Sustainability criteria embedded in affected sections | Scope, risk, resource, and comms sections updated with sustainability criteria where applicable | Criteria identified but not embedded |
| T-4 | Criteria are measurable | All sustainability acceptance criteria are specific and testable | Any criterion vague or untestable |
| T-5 | Metrics and reporting defined | Measurement approach and reporting frequency documented | Metrics absent |
| T-6 | Section in A06 signed off | Version, date, approver recorded | Section unsigned |

---

## Change Log

| Version | Date | Change description |
|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 | 2026-05-30 | Initial build |

---

*Authority: PMBOK8 Standard §3.7 Integrate Sustainability Within All Project Areas*  
*Source type: PMI-derived*
