Summary
Details
- Global
ISO 20121 is intentionally broad and can be used by any organization involved in planning, managing, supporting, or delivering events, regardless of the organization's size or the type of event.
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Background
Events can generate significant environmental, social, and economic impacts, including greenhouse gas emissions, waste, energy and water consumption, traffic congestion, and effects on local communities. ISO 20121 was developed to help organizations manage these impacts through a structured management system rather than a checklist of sustainability measures. The standard applies equally to small meetings, exhibitions, concerts, festivals, and international sporting events.
The standard originated from the British Standard BS 8901, which was developed in preparation for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. ISO adopted the first international version in 2012, and a substantially revised second edition (ISO 20121:2024) was published in April 2024. The revision aligns the standard with ISO's common management system structure and places greater emphasis on ESG, human rights, children's rights, sustainable procurement, and creating positive event legacies.
Certification Requirements
Organizations implementing ISO 20121 establish an event sustainability management system based on continual improvement. Rather than prescribing specific sustainability targets, the standard requires organizations to identify their most significant environmental, social, and economic impacts and manage them through structured policies, objectives, and operational processes. Depending on the nature of the event, this may include reducing greenhouse gas emissions, minimizing waste, improving resource efficiency, promoting sustainable procurement, supporting accessibility and inclusion, protecting human rights, and creating positive social and economic legacies. Key requirements include:
Developing a sustainability policy and objectives for events.
Identifying environmental, social, and economic sustainability issues.
Engaging stakeholders throughout the event life cycle.
Managing sustainability risks and opportunities.
Integrating sustainability into procurement and supply chain management.
Monitoring performance, conducting internal audits, and continually improving the management system.
ISO 20121 allows organizations to demonstrate conformity in several ways. They may self-declare compliance, obtain validation from interested parties such as clients, or pursue independent third-party certification.
Current Status
ISO 20121:2024 is the current edition of the standard and replaces ISO 20121:2012. Certification bodies are transitioning organizations to the revised requirements, with transition periods established by accreditation bodies. The updated standard reflects growing expectations from governments, sponsors, attendees, and event owners for more comprehensive sustainability management, particularly regarding climate change, responsible supply chains, human rights, and long-term event legacy.
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