This study aims to propose and to validate a research model on project sustainability management. Moreover, it investigates the relation between project sustainability management and project success. The methodological approach is a survey-based research, using structural equation modelling to validate the research model. The hypotheses were tested based on a field study involving 222 projects distributed among eight industries and two countries. The results show a low degree of commitment to social and environment aspects of the surveyed projects. The structural model proposed shows a significant and positive relation between project sustainability management and project success and in reducing the social and environmental negative impact. Display omitted •A project sustainability management (PSM) model is proposed and validated.•More than 200 projects were surveyed in different industry sectors.•The results show a positive and significant impact of PSM on project success dimensions.•There is a positive and significant impact of PSM on social and environmental performance.•The use of sustainability practice in the surveyed companies is still low.