As we’ve mentioned before, several excellent books really brought EarthPM from an idea we’ve long shared to a real book and a small but growing consulting company.

But we have never stopped reading. And we won’t.

One of the most recent books we’re finding invaluable is The Necessary Revolution, by Fifth Discipline author Peter Senge.

You’ll probably see a few postings here with their roots in this book, because it is that rich with good ideas.

One we wanted to share with you immediately is the concept of “The Business Rationale for Sustainability”, which actually comprises a full chapter of the book.  As usual, we see portfolios, programs, and projects as microcosms of business.

So, with that, we’ve interpreted (interpolated?) the models that Senge uses for those of us who are at the “business end” of business – project managers.

We start with Senge’s assertion that for many years – in fact, during most of the entire Industrial Age, business leaders saw the economy in the following way:

Industrial Age view of the economy, society, and the environment

But instead, consider this view (below) which considers that business is a “wholly-owned subsidiary of nature”. And our addition – that portfolios, programs, and projects are at the core of the enterprise’s business.

A better view - including project management as the "business end" of business

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Without giving you the whole chapter, we want to show you how closely connected the concept is to the assertions that we make as EarthPM. Those assertions are here.

Compare those with Senge’s rationale for sustainable business:

• There is significant money to be saved
• There is significant money to be made
• You can provide your customers with a competitive edge
• Sustainability is a point of differentiation
• You an shape the future of your industry
• You can become a preferred supplier
• You can change your image and brand

You will see more from this book.

For now, think about the way this may help you express sustainability to your stakeholders.