Why it’s time for project professionals to go carbon positive

Sustainability in project management has often been treated as an afterthought; something to be discussed at a conference stream. If it were lucky enough to find its way into a project it’s usually once the scope is set, the stakeholders aligned and the budget approved. But in today’s world, that mindset simply doesn’t hold up.

We are facing escalating climate disruption, biodiversity loss and growing social inequality. These aren’t distant concerns — they’re on our doorsteps. If we’re serious about being change-makers, then it’s time we moved beyond simply doing less harm. It’s time we lead the way by going carbon positive.

This isn’t a trendy slogan. It’s a new way of thinking — one that sees our projects as regenerative rather than extractive. It’s about leaving things better than we found them and using our position not just to deliver outcomes, but to deliver impact.

Project professionals are in the driver’s seat

Let’s put it into perspective. Project-based work now represents 57% of global GDP. That’s roughly £19 trillion worth of economic activity driven by the work we lead. If you’re in the business of delivery, you’re also in the business of shaping the future.

And that means the opportunity — and the responsibility — to embed sustainability isn’t just within our reach. It’s squarely in our hands.

From infrastructure to IT, construction to community programmes, we decide what gets built, how it’s built and who benefits. Every project is a lever. What we do with that leverage matters.

Beyond carbon neutral: Why positive is the new imperative

We’ve spent the last decade pursuing carbon neutrality, and rightly so. But neutrality is essentially the art of breaking even — of balancing emissions rather than eliminating them. It’s important, but it’s no longer enough.

Going carbon positive means taking the next step. It means designing projects that actively remove carbon from the atmosphere, restore ecosystems and strengthen communities. It’s about regenerative outcomes that have a lasting, measurable effect.

This shift isn’t just ethical — it’s strategic. It builds trust, it boosts resilience and it positions organisations to lead in a world that increasingly rewards sustainable performance.

The economic case is clear

One lingering misconception is that sustainability adds cost. But the evidence tells a different story. Sustainable projects often reduce lifecycle costs, improve risk profiles and unlock access to investment. They’re more resilient in the face of volatility — and more attractive to partners, investors and end users alike.

In the finance sector, for instance, one multinational bank underwent a transformation to embed sustainability across its project portfolio. The result? More transparent reporting, better stakeholder engagement and greater alignment with ESG expectations.

In the energy industry, major players are transitioning from carbon-intensive operations to community-integrated, low-impact projects with regenerative aims. These aren’t PR stunts —they’re strategic shifts with tangible value.

And the UK isn’t exempt. With increasing regulatory scrutiny and growing public awareness, organisations that fall behind the sustainability curve will find themselves outpaced — not just environmentally, but commercially.

What does going carbon positive look like?

So how do we translate this from principle into practice? Here are five key actions every project professional can take — starting now:

Broaden the definition of success
Move beyond the traditional ‘iron triangle’. Incorporate social and environmental indicators into your KPIs. Time, cost and scope still matter — but so do biodiversity, emissions and social impact.

Take a whole-system view
Think holistically. Understand the ripple effects of your project — not just on the environment, but across supply chains, communities and future generations.

Design with regeneration in mind
Can your project enhance green space? Can it restore land, improve air quality, or reduce waste to zero? Regenerative thinking isn’t abstract — it’s practical. And the tools to support it already exist.

Upskill your teams
Sustainability is no longer a specialist’s domain. Every project role needs to understand its impact and managers need to invest in training. Make sustainability literacy a baseline, not a bonus.

Engage sponsors and stakeholders early
Collaborate with those who hold the purse strings. Help them see sustainability not as an add-on, but as a driver of long-term value. If sustainability is embedded at the business case stage, it has far more chance of lasting success.

From complexity to confidence

Project professionals are uniquely equipped for this challenge. We understand systems. We manage uncertainty. We align people with goals and drive outcomes forward. These are precisely the capabilities needed to lead the transition to a regenerative, low-carbon future.

And if we don’t? We risk being left behind.

Already, public and private sector organisations across the UK are rethinking their approach to procurement, reporting and delivery. ESG expectations are rising and so is climate risk. The profession must keep pace.

Let’s be clear — this isn’t about adding unnecessary complexity. It’s about embracing the complexity that already exists and navigating it with purpose.

Let’s raise the bar

This isn’t about compliance. It’s about leadership. About showing that our profession isn’t simply following the shift towards sustainability — it’s helping define it.

Let’s stop asking “How do we minimise harm?” and start asking “How do we maximise benefit?”
Let’s stop settling for sustainability as a footnote and start making it the foundation.
Let’s move from neutral to positive — from balancing the books to rebuilding the bank.

Because the truth is this: if we’re going to meet our climate targets, regenerate ecosystems and build a future that is fair and resilient, project professionals must be at the forefront.

We don’t just deliver change — we deliver the future. And the future needs us to be carbon positive.