Incorporating Sustainability in Defense Projects: Evidence From Norway

This study examines how sustainability is incorporated into major defense projects in Norway—a sector that significantly contributes to public spending, resource use, and emissions. Stakeholder theory is applied to analyze sustainable project management (SPM) and its relationship to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Semi-structured interviews with 24 key project personnel indicate that the sector is in the early stages of adopting sustainable practices. Although respondents expressed commitment to sustainability, few concrete practices were reported. Findings suggest that SPM can help project managers identify innovative ways to balance operational and environmental goals in the military context, benefiting internal and external stakeholders. This study contributes theoretically by highlighting the inadequate engagement of broader societal stakeholders in early SPM efforts within a rigid institutional setting. It also reveals potential trade-offs around interactions with SDGs, especially between military operational capacity and biosphere-related goals, underscoring the need for strong governance to address issues holistically.