The Smith Family's Environmental Sustainability Strategy Program

Client: The Smith Family

Website: thesmithfamily.com.au

Dates: June - ongoing

Project Type: Discovery

Background

The Smith Family (TSF) is a leading not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting Australian children experiencing disadvantage through educational programs.

The Smith Family’s Environmental Sustainability Strategy (ESS) was developed to fulfil the Environmental Sustainability Commitment in TSF’s Organisational Strategy. The project is driven by TSF’s commitment to be an effective Not-for-Profit and system citizen through incorporating social, environmental and governance (ESG) considerations into decision-making at all levels and actively contributing towards UN Sustainability Development Goal (UNSDG) 12 “Responsible Consumption and Production” targets by ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns.

The ESS aims to establish a baseline understanding of TSF’s environmental impact and to create a roadmap for future environmental sustainability efforts. However, competing priorities commencing the program in a structured way led to PMLogic's engagement three months into the program's initiation to plan the program and provide program management support.

Approach

1. Program structuring

The project is a first-of-its-kind initiative for TSF, led by an internal team with no environmental sustainability experience. PMLogic’s innovative DELIVER methodology enabled this team to rapidly acquire knowledge of global best practices and emerge as champions for the ESS within the organisation.

PMLogic supported the establishment of a complete structure internally, through the development of a comprehensive program plan that served as the foundation for providing directional clarity.

Phase 1: Discover–Examine–Learn (DEL)

In FY24, under Horizon 1: Position, the project introduced baseline metrics across NABERS ratings, carbon offset benchmarks, and a bespoke Employee Environmental Sustainability Survey co-developed with student environmental advocates from the University of Sydney. This survey had a 40% participation rate, capturing workforce sentiment and expectations, and identified existing sustainability practices.

Phase 2: Implement–Validate–Evaluate (IVE)

To facilitate executive alignment and buy-in, PMLogic developed a “strategy on a page,” a succinct visual tool that enhanced clarity of the ESS and its strategic relevance. This tool was used to secure Executive Group endorsement and Board approval, ensuring support at all levels of governance.

Phase 3: Reinforce (R)

PMLogic applied a system-of-systems approach, combining technical project management expertise with broader mentoring. Delivered through weekly online collaboration using a Planner board, Kanban principles, and action alerts to maintain momentum and build long-term capability. This dual-track method ensured focus on objectives while addressing broader opportunities and constraints within the project’s operating environment.

2. Resource management

PMLogic helped to fill in resourcing gaps which had been critically affecting the delivery, by leveraging our extensive professional and academic networks.

3. Initial assessment (baseline understanding)

A tailored ESG framework benchmarking tool was developed by PMLogic to be aligned with the needs of The Smith Family.

Outcomes

PMLogic’s engagement helped The Smith Family to establish a solid foundation for a program that faced commencement challenges. Our support enabled The Smith Family to gain a data driven baseline understanding of its environmental footprint through a standards underpinned ESG framework.

This work supplements TSF’s already deep sustainability efforts in advocating for the needs of students and families and the inequalities that exist within the education system. Embarking on this work to enhance TSF’s environment footprint has ensured a more comprehensive approach to sustainability alongside existing social and governance impacts.

This is an important priority, and this reflects the quality [of] our approach to be environmentally responsible.

   - Doug Taylor, CEO of The Smith Family  

During the initiation of our Sustainability Strategy, PMLogic provided invaluable support and expertise. They actively collaborated with our team, assisting in the creation of vital project artefacts, such as the RASCI chart and Project Charter. These artefacts provide a clear roadmap for our sustainability initiative, aligning seamlessly with our organisation's mission and values, demonstrating PMLogic's dedication to the success of our program.

 - Skye Allison, Program Manager for the Sustainability Program at The Smith Family

At the initiation phase of our sustainability program, we chose PMLogic due to their alignment with B-Corp principles and their proven capabilities, assuring us that we've initiated with the right partner for a robust sustainability strategy.

 - Dylan Rose, National Manager Customer Experience (CX) and Strategy at The Smith Family