ISO 20121:2012 Certification

EVENT SUSTAINABILITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

What is the ISO 20121:2012 standard?

Through organizing events, companies present themselves and their expertise to their target audience. Whether institutional or technical/informative events, they reflect the company's vision and can contribute to defining its image towards stakeholders. Organizing an event implies a strong commitment in terms of costs, resources and time and, like all business activities, this too must ensure an approach that properly considers economic and logistical aspects, but also the social and environmental context in which the event takes place, in line with the company's overall sustainability policy.

The ISO 20121 is a Management standard for the sustainable organization of events. Born as an evolution of the previous BS8901 standard, ISO 20121 applies to any organization that intends to:

  • Establish, implement or improve a Sustainable Management System for all types of events and subjects involved in the process
  • Ensure compliance with a sustainable development policy.

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How to obtain the certification according to the ISO 20121 guideline?

The verification activities proposed by Bureau Veritas focus on three particular phases:

  • Event design
  • Monitoring during the event
  • Reporting activities.

At least one of the three phases must be verified before issuing the certificate, and it is possible to certify the management system of one or more events. The validity of the certificate can be three years, with the possibility of shorter validity periods, in the case of events with a limited duration. The verification methods and frequency change according to:

  • Type of organization
  • Type of event
  • Organizations responsible for the event management system
    • Design Phase: verified before issuing the certificate;
    • Monitoring and Reporting Phases: verified when available;
  • Organizations that offer services that can be included in sustainable events/facilities and platforms where events take place.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions about the ISO 20121:2012 guideline

  • What are the main benefits of ISO 20121?

    Applying the ISO 20121 standard leads to numerous benefits for the company and stakeholders:

    • It reduces the risks and economic, environmental and social impact of the event
    • It improves the effectiveness of the company's overall sustainable management
    • It allows you to differentiate yourself from competitors
    • It enhances the image and strengthens the reputation and relationships with stakeholders
    • It generates sustainable growth and drives innovation in the supply chain.

  • Who is the ISO 20121 standard for?

    The standard is aimed not only at companies whose core business is event organization (Trade Fairs, Hotels, Convention Centers, Sports Centers, Theaters, Cinemas, Catering, Local Government Tourism/Environment Departments, Record Labels, Communication Agencies...) but also at:

    • All organizations that intend to implement or improve their ability to sustainably organize their corporate events
    • Service providers for the sector (e.g. catering, hostesses...)
    • Industry associations.

  • Is it possible to apply ISO 20121 to a single event?

    Yes, it is possible. Although it is a standard applicable to Event Management Systems, ISO 20121 allows you to certify the organization of a single event.

  • What qualifies an event as sustainable?

    Taking as a starting point the context in which the event takes place, the organization must identify the environmental, social and economic aspects that can make the event sustainable: location, accessibility, accommodation, procurement of products and services, choice of materials, beverages and food, transportation and logistics, water and sanitation, noise, waste, respect for labor standards, occupational health and safety, safety practices, prevention of the use of harmful chemicals, social guarantees, energy consumption, emission reduction, protection of biodiversity and the environment, use of resources, non-competitive behavior, anti-corruption, staff development and training, prevention of drug and doping use, respect for local communities, consumption practices, discrimination and vulnerable groups, animal welfare, economic performance, market presence, indirect economic impacts.