Examining the Effectiveness of Green Project Management in Promoting Environmental Sustainability: A Case Study of the WASH Project at WaterforWater (WFW) Zambia

With rising environmental challenges and concerns over resource depletion, embedding sustainability in project management has become a global necessity. Green Project Management (GPM), which focuses on environmentally conscious planning, execution, and monitoring, offers a practical framework for fostering sustainability, particularly in development-driven projects. This study examines the WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) project implemented by Water for Water Zambia, with the aim of evaluating how GPM practices support environmental sustainability within the project’s activities. The study’s main objective is to determine the extent to which applying GPM principles contributes to sustainable outcomes in the WASH project. More specifically, it aims to establish the strategies adopted, examine their impact on areas such as water resource protection, waste management, and energy efficiency, and ascertain limitations faced during implementation. A case study exploratory design was adopted, using a quantitative research methodology to gather and analyze primary data. Data was collected through structured questionnaires administered to project staff, environmental officers, and other stakeholders involved in the planning and implementation of the WASH project. Data analysis was conducted using STATA software, with descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, and means used to summarize responses. Chi-square tests were applied to explore associations between GPM practices and perceived sustainability outcomes. The study findings indicate that Green Project Management (GPM) principles are integrated into the WASH project primarily through resource efficiency (40%), life cycle thinking (25%), and stakeholder engagement (20%), with lower emphasis on risk reduction (15%). GPM practices are most applied during implementation (45%), while planning, monitoring, and closure show less integration. Half of the respondents use comprehensive strategies combining waste reduction, energy-efficient equipment, and water-saving technologies. ISO 14001 and PRiSM methodologies guide implementation, with sustainability objectives embedded mostly in project goals. Solar energy (80%) and recycling (40%) are the dominant renewable energy and waste management practices, while donors and project staff are the main promoters of GPM adoption. The integration of GPM principles correlates significantly with the conduct of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs). Environmental outcomes show notable improvements in water quality (35%), energy efficiency (30%), and carbon footprint reduction (30%), with secondary benefits including access to safe water (40%) and cleaner environments (30%). Operational efficiency gains include reduced costs (40%) and improved time management (30%). Limitations to GPM adoption include limited funding, high initial costs, inadequate skills, weak policies, and logistical and institutional constraints, particularly during planning and renewable energy integration. Capacity building, resource mobilization, and improved monitoring systems are identified as critical strategies for addressing these challenges and strengthening the sustainability impact of GPM practices.