Sustainable procurement - Extending project procurement concepts and processes based on PMBOK

This paper focuses on the extension of project procurement concepts and processes with the aim of integrating sustainable procurement into the project management methodology provided by the PMBOK framework. The starting point is to include sustainability into the organisational structure. Subsequently, a bridge is built between the organisations´ sustainability principles and the project management methodology provided by the PMBOK Guidelines. The PMBOK Guidelines are carefully analysed and the key Knowledge Areas were identified. Integration, Procurement and Quality Management are at the centre of this research. The Initiating Process Group was extended, as well as the process Develop Project Management Plan from the Planning Process Group which was extended to include the Project Sustainability Guidelines as well as the Plan Procurements. Classification standards and e-procurement can be highlighted as one of the most important additions. The Executing Process Group was also considered and extensions were proposed to include the quality standards. Monitoring and Controlling comprised the updates of the suggested sustainability guidelines and change requests in order to ensure they meet the project needs and requirements. Finally it is suggested that a project sustainability report is produced once the project is complete. A similar output was added to the Close Procurement Process in the form of a project procurement sustainability report.