Sustainable project management as a lever for competitiveness: a case study in the portuguese furniture industry

The growing environmental, social, and regulatory pressures have made sustainability a central concern for industrial organisations, particularly in sectors with significant resource consumption, such as the furniture industry. In this context, the integration of ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) criteria into project management has emerged as a critical factor for improving organisational performance and long-term competitiveness. This research explores how sustainable project management can act as a strategic lever within the Portuguese furniture industry. A mixed-method approach was adopted, combining a bibliometric analysis of recent scientific literature with an in-depth case study of AM Furniture Group. The bibliometric analysis highlights a clear increase in academic interest in sustainability within project management, with a strong emphasis on environmental and governance dimensions, while the social dimension remains comparatively less explored. Complementing this, the case study provides practical insights into how ESG principles are embedded in real organisational contexts. The findings show that sustainability is being operationalised through concrete practices, including the use of certified materials, investment in energy efficiency, adoption of eco-design principles, and the implementation of hybrid project management methodologies that balance structure with flexibility. These practices not only reduce environmental impact but also enhance innovation capacity, operational efficiency, and responsiveness to market demands. Overall, the study demonstrates that sustainable project management should not be viewed merely as a compliance requirement but as a strategic approach that supports value creation, strengthens competitive positioning, and aligns business objectives with broader environmental and social responsibilities. This perspective is particularly relevant for traditional industries undergoing transformation, such as the Portuguese furniture sector, where sustainability can play a decisive role in future growth and differentiation.