Solution: ISO 20121: Sustainable Events

ISO 20121:2024 is the international standard for planning and managing events in a sustainable way. It provides a structured framework for organizing events that are environmentally responsible, socially inclusive, and economically viable, addressing impacts across the entire event lifecycle. The standard sets out the requirements for establishing and implementing a sustainability-based Event Management System. Its core objective is to minimize negative environmental, social, and economic impacts, while ensuring that events contribute positively to communities and stakeholders.

About the standard
ISO 20121 supports event organizers and related service providers in embedding sustainability into every phase of their operations, from planning and execution to post-event evaluation. Key principles include:

• Sustainable event development: Integration of sustainability objectives throughout the entire event lifecycle.
• Impact assessment: Identification and evaluation of environmental, social, and economic effects.
• Supplier and resource management: Promotion of responsible procurement practices, energy efficiency, and waste reduction.
• Stakeholder engagement: Active collaboration with clients, suppliers, staff, and local communities to achieve shared goals.

By following ISO 20121, organizations demonstrate a commitment to sustainability while maintaining operational efficiency and compliance with international best practices.