ISO 20121 Sustainable event management

The standard ISO 20121:2012 Management Systems for Sustainable Events is intended for all links in the event organization chain, from organizers and event managers to stand builders, caterers and providers of logistical services. The standard provides parties involved in the organization and execution of large- and small-scale events with a framework for identifying and eliminating or reducing possible negative social, economic and environmental effects. It also contains practical tools for communication, operational planning and control, identification and involvement of stakeholders, supply chain management, procurement and evaluation.

Cost savings

By optimizing planning and work processes in accordance with ISO 20121, event organizers and their stakeholders can take steps in important sustainability issues such as the choice of location, transport methods used, recycling and reuse, catering, etc. At a sustainably organized event, costs and the environment are saved, less waste is generated and the emission of CO2 and other harmful substances is reduced. An event organizer working in accordance with ISO 20121 also pays more attention to a diverse and inclusive workforce. ISO 20121 is related to standards such as ISO 9001, 14001, and 50001, as well as CSR and CO2 performance ladders.

ISO 20121 certification

Parties involved in organizing events can voluntarily have themselves certified by an independent third party such as Kiwa in accordance with ISO 20121. This does not mean that every event they organize is automatically ISO 20121-certified, but it does mean that the event is organized by professionals who are aware of social (‘people’), economic (‘profit’) and environmental (‘planet’) effects, are capable of identifying potential problems, have expertise in sustainable supply chain management and can involve stakeholders at all levels in making events more sustainable.

The benefits of ISO 20121 certification

• Improved environmental performance: reducing the ecological footprint
• Cost savings and efficiency improvements: effective and well-considered use of resources and optimization of processes leads to cost savings
• Competitive advantage: Strengthens the image and distinguishes from competitors. Attractive to visitors, governments, sponsors, and sustainable partners.
• Internationally recognized quality mark: ISO 20121 is internationally recognized and therefore also interesting for international clients, events, and tenders
• Sector-specific: ISO 20121 not only focuses on environmental care (‘planet’), but also includes social (‘people’) and economic (‘profit’) aspects. As a result, the standard is more broadly applicable than environmentally focused certifications. Moreover, ISO 20121 has been specifically developed for the events sector, making it better aligned with practice than generic sustainability guidelines.

Origin of ISO 20121

The ISO 20121 standard originates from BS 8901, a British quality standard for sustainable event organization developed for the London 2012 Olympic Games. The organization aimed to realize the most sustainable Games ever at that time. Based on the BS 8901 standard, the Olympic facilities were built as CO2-neutral as possible using recyclable materials. There was also a great deal of attention paid to waste and energy management and the influence of the Games on the environment in which they were held. The organization of the London Games was therefore closely involved in the further development of BS 8901 into ISO 20121, which was published in June 2012.