Abstract

Research on sustainability in project management has been prolific in fields of knowledge such as business, environmental sciences and engineering. There are attempts in the literature to consolidate this knowledge, but there are no comprehensive studies using integrative approaches that combine bibliometric softwares and systematic content analysis. The objective of this study is twofold: (i) to identify and discuss the evolution of themes that relate sustainability and project management; (ii) propose a research agenda to advance knowledge in this interconnected area. The Science Mapping Analysis Software Tool (SciMAT) was used to analyze a sample of 851 articles defined through the PRISMA protocol. The study covered three time periods: 2007 to 2011, 2012 to 2016 and 2017 to May/2023. For each period, a longitudinal maps, strategic diagrams and cluster networks generated by SciMAT were analyzed with the support of content analysis. Sustainable construction project management it is an important topic throughout the development of the area, with great influence in all clusters. Cross-cutting themes were identified, which have the potential to become motor themes in the coming years, with an emphasis on competencies needed by managers to lead sustainable projects. The research agenda includes themes related to decision support systems, new sustainability frameworks and paradigms (circular economy, digital transformation and industry 5.0), smart cities and industry 4.0. The findings and discussions of this study can support future researchers as well as managers who wish to incorporate sustainability aspects into projects activities.