ISO 20121 Sustainable Events Management System is an international standard that defines the requirements for planning and managing events in an economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable manner. This system ensures that all types of events—such as conferences, festivals, and sports organizations—are conducted more responsibly by increasing resource efficiency and reducing negative impacts. It involves stakeholders in the process and encourages sustainability to be a key decision factor throughout the entire event life cycle.
Stakeholder Engagement and Communication It requires you to understand the sustainability expectations and concerns of all stakeholders—such as participants, suppliers, sponsors, local communities, and employees—and to involve them in the process while establishing transparent communication.
Sustainable Supply Chain Management It enables you to promote and demand sustainable practices throughout your entire supply chain, from supplier selection and management to evaluating the environmental and social impacts of the materials and services used.
Resource Management and Waste Minimization It encourages you to set effective management targets for issues such as energy and water consumption, waste generation (especially food waste and single-use plastics), transportation, and land use, taking measures to optimize these resources.
Continuous Improvement and Legacy It requires you to regularly monitor and measure the sustainability performance of your event and conduct a post-event evaluation. This ensures improvement for future events and allows you to leave a lasting positive legacy for society.
No; events of any scale (from a small seminar to the Olympic Games) can implement this standard. The system can be scaled according to the size and complexity of the event.
Some initial investments may be required; however, in the long run, it can balance or reduce costs by providing resource efficiency (energy, water, waste disposal costs) and increasing sponsorship opportunities.
No; ISO 20121 adopts the “triple bottom line” principle: environmental sustainability, social responsibility (inclusion, accessibility, fair working conditions), and economic viability must be balanced.
Both the establishment of the system (pre-event planning and preparation processes) and the execution of the event (implementation and performance) are audited. The certificate is issued for the continuity of your event management system.
Participants and sponsors are becoming increasingly conscious. A certified sustainable event is strong evidence of your commitment to corporate social responsibility, enhancing brand value, participation, and media interest.
Yes; many cities encourage sustainable events. ISO 20121 certification provides tangible proof that your event manages its environmental and social impacts, which can positively influence permit processes.
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