ISO 20121 – Sustainable Event Management

ISO 20121:2024 is the latest edition of the international standard for sustainable event management. It is designed to help event organizers minimize the negative environmental impacts of their events, support local communities, and implement responsible practices. This article explains what ISO 20121 is, who it is for, and the benefits of implementing it.

What is ISO 20121?

ISO 20121:2024 is a standard developed to support event organizers in designing and implementing sustainable processes. It helps organizations manage the environmental, social, and economic impacts of their events while promoting sustainability principles.

The standard includes:

• Identifying and managing the impacts of events on the environment, society, and economy.
• Engaging stakeholders, including participants, sponsors, partners, and local communities.
• Developing continuous improvement strategies to enhance event management efficiency over time.
• Risk management to anticipate potential challenges and mitigate them effectively.

ISO 20121:2024 provides a framework for sustainable event management without mandating specific technologies or methods.

Who is ISO 20121 for?

ISO 20121:2024 is designed for a wide range of organizations involved in the events industry, regardless of their scale:

1. Event organizers – Agencies and companies managing conferences, festivals, trade fairs, or sporting events.
2. Event service providers – Businesses offering services like catering, stage technology, transport, or venue management.
3. Venue owners and operators – Such as stadiums, conference centers, or concert halls.
4. Event sponsors and partners – Organizations looking to associate themselves with responsible initiatives.

The standard is versatile and applicable to both small local firms and large multinational corporations.

What are the benefits of implementing ISO 20121:2024?

1. Minimizing environmental impact

ISO 20121:2024 encourages actions like reducing CO₂ emissions, cutting waste, and conserving natural resources, all of which contribute to environmental protection.

2. Building a positive reputation

Organizations implementing the standard demonstrate their commitment to sustainability, boosting their credibility among partners, participants, and communities.

3. Improved process organization

The standard requires streamlining operations and adopting efficient management processes, enhancing event execution effectiveness.

4. Cost savings

Optimizing resources, better planning, and waste reduction can lead to significant cost reductions.

5. Increased stakeholder engagement

ISO 20121:2024 supports active engagement of local communities, participants, and partners in sustainability initiatives.

6. Risk management

The standard helps identify potential issues and develop strategies to address them effectively.

How to achieve ISO 20121:2024 certification?

To implement the standard and obtain certification, follow these steps:

1. Analyze current processes – Identify areas needing improvement, such as waste management, energy consumption, or stakeholder involvement.
2. Develop a management system aligned with the standard – Introduce appropriate procedures and strategies for sustainable development.
3. Conduct an internal audit – Verify that all implemented measures meet the standard's requirements.
4. Undergo an external audit – A certification body will assess the organization's compliance with ISO 20121:2024.
5. Obtain the certificate – After a successful audit, you will receive certification confirming compliance with the standard.

Where to find a certification body?

If you’re looking for a certification body to help you achieve compliance with ISO 20121:2024, visit our ISO Certification Bodies Directory or contact us directly. We’ll help you find the right partner.

Conclusion

ISO 20121:2024 is a standard that helps event organizers operate responsibly and sustainably. Its implementation brings environmental, social, and economic benefits while strengthening the organizer’s position in the market.

If you want to implement ISO 20121, explore our directory and find a certification body that can guide you through the process. Sustainable event management is the future of the events industry!

Link to purchase the ISO 20121:2024 standard: ISO 20121:2024 – Sustainable events management