Exploring sustainability as an emerging axis in project management: a systematic and bibliometric review

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22320/07190700.2025.15.02.04

Keywords:

sustainability, management projects, systematic review

Abstract

Sustainability has gone from an abstract aspiration to a structural obligation in key sectors, such as project management. However, its full understanding is limited by the diversity of topics and the rapid pace of knowledge expansion. This study addresses this complexity through a systematic review of international scientific literature to identify trends, categories, and transformations driven by sustainability in project management. A bibliometric-narrative methodology was applied, based on the adapted PICO model, using Scopus for searching, PRISMA for refinement, and RStudio with Biblioshiny for analysis. The study of 765 documents allowed the thematic evolution to be segmented into three stages spanning from 2000 to March 2025, evidencing the consolidation of sustainability as a central axis, with transformations associated with technologies such as BIM and the circular economy, and their integration with governance and digitization. It is concluded that sustainability has ceased to be a peripheral approach and has become a structuring dimension of project management, opening up new avenues for research and action.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Author Biographies

Jorge-Andrés Sarmiento-Rojas, Pedagogical and Technological University of Colombia - Tunja Campus, Tunja, Colombia

Doctor in Project Management
Professor, Faculty of Engineering

Fabian-David Guiza-Pinzón, Pedagogical and Technological University of Colombia - Tunja Campus, Tunja, Colombia

Master's Degree in Project Management
Lecturer, Faculty of Engineering

Juan-José Alarcón, Pedagogical and Technological University of Colombia - Tunja Campus, Tunja, Colombia

Master of Engineering
Professor, School of Engineering

Eliana-Lizeth Bohorquez-Quiroga, Pedagogical and Technological University of Colombia - Tunja Campus, Tunja, Colombia

Civil Engineer
Researcher, Faculty of Engineering

Daniel-Mateo Garzón-Agudelo, Pedagogical and Technological University of Colombia - Tunja Campus, Tunja, Colombia

Master's Degree in Construction Project Management
Lecturer, Faculty of Engineering

References

ADEREMI, B. A., OLWAL, T. O., NDAMBUKI, J. M., & RWANGA, S. S. (2022). A review of groundwater management models with a focus on IoT-based systems. Sustainability, 14(1), 148. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14010148 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/su14010148

AMOROCHO-DAZA, H., SUŠNIK, J., VAN DER ZAAG, P., & SLINGER, J. H. (2024). A model-based policy analysis framework for social-ecological systems: Integrating uncertainty and participation in system dynamics modelling. Ecological Modelling, 499, 110943. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2024.110943 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2024.110943

AMIR-BEHGHADAMI, M., & JANATI, A. (2020). Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcomes and Study (PICOS) design as a framework to formulate eligibility criteria in systematic reviews. Emergency Medicine Journal, 37(6), 387–387. https://doi.org/10.1136/emermed-2020-209567 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/emermed-2020-209567

ARIA, M., & CUCCURULLO, C. (2017). Bibliometrix: an R-tool for comprehensive science mapping analysis. Journal of Infometrics, 11(4), 959–975. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joi.2017.08.007 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joi.2017.08.007

DEMPSEY, N., BRAMLEY, G., SINEAD, P., & BROWN, C. (2011). The Social Dimension of Sustainable Development: Defining Urban Social Sustainability. Sustainable Development, 19(5), 289-300. https://doi.org/10.1002/sd.417 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/sd.417

DET UDOMSAP, A., & HALLINGER, P. (2020). A bibliometric review of research on sustainable construction, 1994–2018. Journal of Cleaner Production, 254, 120073. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.120073 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.120073

DÍAZ-DE-VALDÉS-HAASE, M. (2014). La voluntariedad de una calificación energética como causa de desinformación en los consumidores y prácticas de greenwashing. Hábitat Sustentable, 14(1), 80–91. https://doi.org/10.22320/07190700.2024.14.01.06 DOI: https://doi.org/10.22320/07190700.2024.14.01.06

FRIEDRICH, K., & WEHNERT, P. (2025). Behavioral barriers to sustainable action in project management and how to overcome them. International Journal of Project Management, 43(6), 102747. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2025.102747 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2025.102747

GALINDO-BORBÓN, C., BORBÓN-ALMADA, A., OCHOA-DE-LA-TORRE, J. M., & MARINCIC-LOVRIHA, I. (2024). Análisis costo-beneficio de estrategias para eficiencia energética en vivienda, aplicando la normatividad vigente en el Noroeste de México. Hábitat Sustentable, 14(2), 32–47. https://doi.org/10.22320/07190700.2024.14.02.03 DOI: https://doi.org/10.22320/07190700.2024.14.02.03

GERNER, M. (2019). Assessing and managing sustainability in international perspective: corporate sustainability across cultures – towards a strategic framework implementation approach. International Journal of Corporate Social Responsibility, 4(1), 1–34. https://doi.org/10.1186/S40991-019-0043-X DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40991-019-0043-x

GIMENEZ, C., SIERRA, V., & RODON, J. (2012). Sustainable operations: Their impact on the triple bottom line. International Journal of Production Economics, 140(1), 149–159. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpe.2012.01.035 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpe.2012.01.035

HWANG, B-G., & TAN, J. S. (2012). Green building project management: obstacles and solutions for sustainable development. Sustainable Development, 20(5), 335–349. https://doi.org/10.1002/sd.492 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/sd.492

IBRAHIM, I., & AL-CHADERCHI, B. M. (2023). Exploring sustainable approaches at Dubai Expo 2020: a blend of biophilic and biomimicry designs. Hábitat Sustentable, 13(2), 22–35. https://doi.org/10.22320/07190700.2023.13.02.02 DOI: https://doi.org/10.22320/07190700.2023.13.02.02

INTERGOVERNMENTAL PANEL ON CLIMATE CHANGE [IPCC]. (2023). Climate Change 2022: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability. Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009325844 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009325844

JACOB, C. (2012). The Impact of Financial Crisis on Corporate Social Responsibility and Its Implications for Reputation Risk Management. Journal of Management and Sustainability, 2(2), 259–275. https://doi.org/10.5539/jms.v2n2p259 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5539/jms.v2n2p259

KAEWUNRUEN, S., & LIAN, Q. (2019). Digital twin aided sustainability-based lifecycle management for railway turnout systems. Journal of Cleaner Production, 228, 1537–1551. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.04.156 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.04.156

KOPLIN, J., SEURING, S., & MESTERHARM, M. (2007). Incorporating sustainability into supply management in the automotive industry – the case of the Volkswagen AG. Journal of Cleaner Production, 15(11–12), 1053–1062. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2006.05.024 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2006.05.024

KUHL, M. R., DA CUNHA, J. C., MAÇANEIRO, M. B., & CUNHA, S. K. (2016). Relationship between innovation and sustainable performance. International Journal of Innovation Management, 20(6), 1650047. https://doi.org/10.1142/S136391961650047X DOI: https://doi.org/10.1142/S136391961650047X

LIMA, L., TRINDADE, E., ALENCAR, L., ALENCAR, M., & SILVA, L. (2021). Sustainability in the construction industry: A systematic review of the literature. Journal of Cleaner Production, 289, 125730. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.125730 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.125730

MARTINEZ LAGUNAS, A. J., & NIK-BAKHT, M. (2024). Process Mining, Modeling, and Management in Construction: A Critical Review of Three Decades of Research Coupled with a Current Industry Perspective. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 150(11). https://doi.org/10.1061/JCEMD4.COENG-14727 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1061/JCEMD4.COENG-14727

MARTINSUO, M., & GERALDI, J. (2020). Management of project portfolios: Relationships of project portfolios with their contexts. International Journal of Project Management, 38(7), 441–453. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.IJPROMAN.2020.02.002 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2020.02.002

MEDINA-REYES, M. F., FAJARDO-CUADRO, J. G., & MARTINEZ-SANTOS, J. C. (2025). Driving the development of energy communities in Colombia: challenges and opportunities for a decentralized energy transition. Hábitat Sustentable, 15(1), 10–19. https://doi.org/10.22320/07190700.2025.15.01.01 DOI: https://doi.org/10.22320/07190700.2025.15.01.01

MITCHELL, C., CORDELL, D., & FAM, D. (2015). Beginning at the end: The outcome spaces framework to guide purposive transdisciplinary research. Futures, 65, 86–96. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.futures.2014.10.007 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.futures.2014.10.007

ONU. (1995). Copenhagen Declaration and Programme of Action of the World Summit for Social Development. United Nations Digital Library. https://digitallibrary.un.org/record/198966?ln=en

ONU. (1998). Kyoto Protocol To The United Nations Framework Convention On Climate Change. United Nations. https://unfccc.int/resource/docs/convkp/kpeng.pdf

ONU. (2000). United Nations Millennium Declaration: resolution / adopted by the General Assembly. United Nations Digital Library. https://digitallibrary.un.org/record/422015?ln=en

ONU. (2007). Indicators of Sustainable Development : Guidelines and Methodologies. October 2007. Third Edition. United Nations. https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/content/documents/guidelines.pdf

ONU. (2012). The future we want: outcome of the Conference on Sustainable Development, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 20-22 june 2012. United Nations Digital Library. https://digitallibrary.un.org/record/3826773

NIYOMMANEERAT, W., SUWANTEEP, K., & CHAVALPARIT, O. (2023). Sustainability indicators to achieve a circular economy: A case study of renewable energy and plastic waste recycling corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects in Thailand. Journal of Cleaner Production, 391, 136203. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2023.136203 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2023.136203

ØKLAND, A. (2015). Gap Analysis for Incorporating Sustainability in Project Management. Procedia Computer Science, 64, 103–109. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.procs.2015.08.469 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.procs.2015.08.469

PAGE, M. J., MCKENZIE, J. E., BOSSUYT, P. M., BOUTRON, I., HOFFMANN, T. C., MULROW, C. D., SHAMSEER, L., TETZLAFF, J. M., AKL, E. A., BRENNAN, S. E., CHOU, R., GLAMVILLE, J., GRIMSHAW, J. M., LALU, M. M., LI, T., LODER, E. W., MAYO-WILSON, E., MCDONALD, S., MCGUINNESS, L., STEWART, L. A., THOMAS, J., TRICCO, A. C., WELCH, V. A., WHITING, P., & MOHER, D. (2021). The PRISMA 2020 statement: an updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews. Revista Española de Cardiologia, 74(9), 790–799. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.recesp.2021.06.016 DOI: https://doi.org/10.31222/osf.io/v7gm2_v1

PRANCKUTĖ, R. (2021). Web of Science (WoS) and Scopus: The Titans of Bibliographic Information in Today’s Academic World. Publications, 9(1), 12. https://doi.org/10.3390/publications9010012 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/publications9010012

SARMIENTO ROJAS, J., GÜIZA PINZÓN, F., RUEDA VARÓN, M., BOHÓRQUEZ QUIROGA, E., & GARZÓN AGUDELO, D. (2024). La sostenibilidad como motor de cambio en la gerencia de proyectos en Colombia. Editorial UPTC.

SPANGENBERG, J. H. (2011). Sustainability science: a review, an analysis and some empirical lessons. Environmental Conservation, 38(3), 275–287. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0376892911000270 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/S0376892911000270

STERN, N. (2007). The Economics of Climate Change: The Stern Review. Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511817434 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511817434

SUTTER, C., & PARREÑO, J. C. (2007). Does the current Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) deliver its sustainable development claim? An analysis of officially registered CDM projects. Climatic Change, 84, 75–90. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10584-007-9269-9 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10584-007-9269-9

TAKATA, S., KIRNURA, F., VAN HOUTEN, F. J. A. M., WESTKAMPER, E., SHPITALNI, M., CEGLAREK, D., & LEE, J. (2004). Maintenance: Changing Role in Life Cycle Management. CIRP Annals, 53(2), 643–655. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0007-8506(07)60033-X DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0007-8506(07)60033-X

TJAHJADI, B., SOEWARNO, N., KARIMA, T. EL, & SUTARSA, A. A. P. (2023). Business strategy, spiritual capital and environmental sustainability performance: mediating role of environmental management process. Business Process Management Journal, 29(1), 77–99. https://doi.org/10.1108/BPMJ-11-2021-0718 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/BPMJ-11-2021-0718

UNEP. (2011). Towards a Green Economy: Pathways to Sustainable Development and Poverty Eradication- A Synthesis for Policy Makers. https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/content/documents/126GER_synthesis_en.pdf

VON CARLOWITZ, H. C. (2013). Sylvicultura oeconomica (1713) in L. Robin, S. Sörlin, & P. Warde (Eds.), The Future of Nature: Documents of Global Change (2nd ed., pp.67-74). Yale University Press DOI: https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctt5vm5bn.12

WALKER, G., DEVINE-WRIGHT, P., HUNTER, S., HIGH, H., & EVANS, B. (2010). Trust and community: Exploring the meanings, contexts and dynamics of community renewable energy. Energy Policy, 38(6), 2655–2663. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enpol.2009.05.055 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enpol.2009.05.055

WATSON, R. T. (Ed.). (2001). Climate Change 2001: Synthesis Report. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change [IPCC]. https://www.ipcc.ch/site/assets/uploads/2018/05/SYR_TAR_full_report.pdf

XUE, K., HOSSAIN, M. U., LIU, M., MA, M., ZHANG, Y., HU, M., CHEN, X., & CAO, G. (2021). Bim Integrated Lca For Promoting Circular Economy Towards Sustainable Construction: An Analytical Review. Sustainability, 13(3), 1310. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13031310 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/su13031310

Published

2025-12-30

How to Cite

Sarmiento-Rojas, J.-A., Guiza-Pinzón, F.-D., Alarcón, J.-J., Bohorquez-Quiroga, E.-L., & Garzón-Agudelo, D.-M. (2025). Exploring sustainability as an emerging axis in project management: a systematic and bibliometric review. Sustainable Habitat, 15(2), 52–65. https://doi.org/10.22320/07190700.2025.15.02.04

Issue

Section

Artículos