PRISM is the de facto sustainability based project delivery method. It was developed for organizations to integrate project processes with sustainability initiatives in order to achieve business objectives while decreasing negative environmental impact.
2. What is PRiSM?
PRiSM is short for (Projects integrating addressed, can reduce environmental impact in all
Sustainable Methods) types of projects.
PRISM is the de facto sustainability based project
delivery method. It was developed for
organizations to integrate project processes with
sustainability initiatives in order to achieve
business objectives while decreasing negative
environmental impact.
PRISM is a Process-based, structured project
management methodology that highlights five
areas of sustainability and for core project
phases, when understood and effectively
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3. PRiSM’s Strengths
PRISM has several features that are new to Another important aspect of PRiSM is the Impact
project management thus easily distinguishing it analysis. This is a new method for calculating risk
from other project management methodologies. as it measures it on five levels and takes into
Its true strength lies in its ease of use approach. account the product of the project from cradle to
Each of the following features supplements what grave rather than from initiation/pre-project to
each body of knowledge provides - through a close/hand-off.
practical, environmentally conscious, and The key points to PRiSM lie in a project manager’s
repeatable approach. personal values and ethics, accountability, ability
One of the most significant of PRISM's features is to think beyond the scope without gold
the concept of the sustainability management plating, and using leadership based on the global
plan. This is a set of controls that govern aspects impact of the project.
of a project to consider five measureable
elements (People, Planet, Profit) and how they
relate to the delivery of projects. Each are
measured individually and as a complete package.
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4. Visible differences
Business Operation Business Operation
Five Separate
Revenue and
Measrable
Bottom Lines
Cost of Doing Business
PRiSM
Hard Soft In a standard project, principles will
achieve business objectives and
produce results most often Cost of Doing Business
targeted to improving the bottom
line or adding a new service
Hard Soft
Environmental Impact The effects of the project if external
to the impact on the bottom line are
often ignored or left as a secondary Environmental Impact
concern.
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5. Challenges to Sustainability
Managing in an Integrated Manner while involving all stakeholders
Aligning Social Responsibility with Corporate Strategy
Rationalizing harmony with economy, compliance, and ethical
responsibility
Managing Risk to Brand and Reputation
Integrating Eco-Design into Product and Service Offerings
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6. Meaning of Success
Business Objectives
Continuous Improvement
Successful Change Footprint
Reduction
Management
Product Processes
Delivery
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7. Examples of long term benefits that projects
will make to business objectives
Reducing cost of production
Reducing cost of delivery
Reducing the dependency on non-renewable resources
Improved business processes
Increased revenue
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