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ISO 20121

Event sustainability management

If you are seeking to enhance your organisation's approach to sustainable event management, then ISO 20121 is your definitive guide.

When your business achieves ISO 20121 certification, you demonstrate your commitment to sustainable event management. This international standard details the requirements for establishing, implementing, maintaining and continuously improving an Event Sustainability Management System. This system enables organisations to navigate the complexities of event management, ensuring sustainable practices, transparency and continuous learning. Whether you organise or attend events, ISO 20121 assists in managing risks and capitalising on opportunities in this ever-evolving industry.

What is ISO 20121

What is ISO 20121?

ISO 20121 is the international standard for establishing and maintaining an Event Sustainability Management System (ESMS). This standard provides a framework for organisations to ensure the responsible development, deployment and management of sustainable event practices. Certification signifies your commitment to ethical event management, enabling you to manage risks and opportunities effectively in this rapidly evolving field.

By adhering to ISO 20121, your organisation can enhance its reputation, foster stakeholder trust and promote transparency in event sustainability governance. The standard addresses critical areas such as sustainable considerations, event accountability and compliance with regulatory requirements, ensuring your events are not only innovative but also responsible and sustainable.

Organisations of all sizes can benefit from implementing an ESMS based on ISO 20121, aligning internal practices with global best practices. Achieving certification not only meets customer expectations but also positions your organisation as a leader in the responsible management of sustainable events.

ISO 20121 is an international standard that specifies requirements for establishing, implementing, maintaining and continually improving an Event Sustainability Management System (ESMS) within organisations. It is designed for entities that organise or utilise events, ensuring the responsible management and sustainable delivery of event practices.

Why is ISO 20121 important?

ISO 20121 is the world’s first sustainable event management system standard, offering valuable guidance for this dynamic and rapidly evolving industry. It addresses the unique challenges that events face, such as environmental impact, social responsibility and ongoing improvement. For organisations, it provides a structured approach to manage risks and opportunities associated with event sustainability, balancing innovation with effective governance.

The ESMS facilitates improvements in event sustainability governance by focusing on risk management, stakeholder engagement and the establishment of clear accountability mechanisms. It promotes the responsible use of resources, transparency in event operations and compliance with regulatory requirements, ensuring that events are not only innovative but also responsibly managed and sustainable.

ISO 20121 adopts a risk-based approach, assisting organisations in identifying, assessing and managing risks associated with event operations effectively. By implementing a structured ESMS, businesses can ensure that their events align with organisational objectives while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and sustainability awareness.

The standard provides guidance on several key areas:

Risk Assessment: Establishing processes to identify and manage risks associated with event sustainability.
Organisational Structure: Defining roles and responsibilities related to event sustainability governance within the organisation.
Transparency Mechanisms: Creating systems to ensure stakeholders are informed about decision-making processes related to event sustainability.
Continuous Monitoring and Reporting: Implementing practices to regularly review and report on the performance of event sustainability measures, ensuring they meet ethical and operational standards.

Organisations of any size can develop an ESMS centred around ISO 20121, supporting them in achieving their sustainability management objectives and maintaining global best practices. By obtaining this certification, your organisation demonstrates adherence to the standard for implementation, maintenance and continual improvement—an essential commitment in today’s environmentally and socially conscious landscape.

Why ISO 20121

Why would a business need ISO 20121 certification?

There are several compelling reasons why a business may need ISO 20121 certification. Whether you aim to enhance your approach to sustainable event management or to formally validate your current event sustainability practices through a globally recognised accreditation, ISO 20121 is essential.

The benefits of meeting this standard are numerous, including improved risk management and the promotion of a culture of sustainable practices. Certification can enhance your organisation’s credibility and trust with stakeholders, ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements while positioning you as a leader in responsible event management. Additionally, obtaining ISO 20121 certification can significantly boost your brand reputation, making your business more competitive in the rapidly evolving events landscape.

Enhanced Sustainable Event Practices

ISO 20121 certification promotes responsible and sustainable event management practices. By implementing the standard, organisations ensure that their events are planned and executed with fairness, transparency and accountability. This commitment mitigates ethical and environmental risks while fostering public trust and stakeholder confidence.

Improved Risk Management

The standard provides a structured framework for identifying, assessing and managing risks associated with event planning and delivery. By adopting a risk-based approach, organisations can proactively address potential challenges, reducing the likelihood of adverse outcomes and enhancing overall operational resilience.

Regulatory Compliance

With evolving regulations surrounding environmental impact and social responsibility in events, ISO 20121 certification helps organisations meet legal requirements and industry standards. Certification demonstrates a commitment to governance and accountability, bolstering credibility with regulatory bodies and customers alike.

Competitive Advantage

Achieving ISO 20121 certification distinguishes your organisation from competitors. It signals a dedication to best practices in sustainable event management, appealing to clients and partners who prioritise responsible event delivery. This competitive edge can lead to increased market share and expanded business opportunities.

Continuous Improvement Culture

ISO 20121 emphasises the importance of ongoing improvement in event management processes. By adhering to the standard, organisations foster a culture of innovation and continual enhancement, encouraging teams to refine sustainability practices and adapt to emerging trends. This proactive approach keeps organisations at the forefront of sustainable event management.

Strengthened Stakeholder Engagement

Certification fosters improved engagement with key stakeholders, including employees, attendees, suppliers and partners. By aligning event sustainability practices with stakeholder interests and concerns, organisations can build stronger relationships and facilitate more effective collaboration. This enhanced engagement leads to more informed decision-making and ultimately delivers better outcomes for all involved.

ISO 20121 Requirements

What are the requirements of ISO 20121 certification?

The ISO 20121 standard is divided into two main parts: the management system clauses, which outline the requirements for establishing and maintaining a sustainable event management system, and the annexes, which provide practical guidance and illustrative examples for effective implementation.

Management System
  • Scope, Normative References and Terms & Definitions
  • Context of the Organisation
  • Leadership and Commitment
  • Planning for Sustainable Events
  • Support and Resource Management
  • Operational Planning and Control
  • Performance Evaluation
  • Continual Improvement
Annexes
  • Guidance on Implementation
  • Best Practice Examples and Case Studies
  • Sector-Specific Sustainability Considerations
  • Additional Illustrative Information
How to get ISO 20121

How can ISO 20121 be achieved?

Establish your ISO 20121 Event Sustainability Management System (ESMS). This involves evaluating your current event management practices, undertaking risk assessments, identifying potential challenges and opportunities, and implementing appropriate sustainability controls. Although this process may seem overwhelming, many aspects of the standard may already be informally integrated. Securing buy-in from the entire organisation at this stage is vital, as the ESMS will affect all areas involved. Early engagement with employees will ensure a smoother rollout.

Choose a UKAS accredited certification body to verify compliance with recognised best practices. A UKAS accredited body ensures that the assessment is both competent and impartial, providing assurance to clients and stakeholders that your ESMS meets international standards.

Carry out a thorough review of your ESMS to ensure all required documentation and resources are in place before your initial audit. Involve all team members responsible for developing the system, as they are key to maintaining up-to-date documentation and ensuring readiness for the audit. Clear and effective communication is essential to confirm that the ESMS is comprehensive and compliant ahead of the first audit.

An auditor will first conduct a stage one audit, often a documentation review, to assess whether your processes align with ISO 20121 requirements and to identify any areas for improvement. Following this, the stage two audit—also known as the certification audit—will involve a detailed evaluation of the ESMS in action. Provided the system complies with the standard and any identified non-conformities have been resolved, the auditor will issue a certificate confirming your compliance with ISO 20121.

Once the stage two audit is completed and certification awarded, the focus shifts to sustaining your ESMS at a high standard. Continuous improvement is essential, and a UKAS accredited auditor will carry out annual reviews to assess ongoing compliance and recertify your organisation. Regular updates and enhancements to your ESMS will ensure its continued effectiveness and relevance over time.

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