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What is the ISO 20121
La ISO 20121 It's a sustainability certification which defines the requirements of a Event Sustainability Management System (SGS). It is designed to help organizations, of any type and size, to design, plan and implement sustainable events. This must be done by minimizing negative impacts on the environment, on society and on the economy, while maximizing the positive effects.
ISO 20121 was published for the first time in 2012, on the occasion of London Olympics, becoming the reference for sustainability in the events sector. In Italy, the first major application was for Expo Milan 2015, which has received certification according to this standard.
The standard is based on the established principles of management systems, such as PDCA model (Plan, Do, Check, Act), and applies them to event lifecyclei, from the conception phase to the creation, up to the closing and the post-event.
ISO 20121 also includes key elements taken from the guideline ISO 26000 on social responsibility, strengthening the holistic approach to sustainability.
With the 2024 update, ISO 20121 is enriched with new indications and tools, with an even wider focus on all-round sustainability. Let's see what are the areas for improvement.
- Environmental and climate impact: strengthening measures to identify, reduce and offset emissions related to the event.
- Circularity and resilience: promotion of circular models and strategies to address environmental risks and climate change.
- Double materiality: assessment of both the impact of the event on the environment and society, and of the influence of external factors on the event itself.
- Sustainable supply chain: greater control over suppliers, sponsors and partners, who must comply with sustainability criteria throughout the collaboration cycle.
- Digital, hybrid and virtual events: new guidelines for managing digital technologies efficiently and with low environmental impact.
Its main objective is to allow event organizers, suppliers and involved stakeholders to establish, implement and improve a sustainable management system, consistent with company policies and international criteria of sustainable development.
Whether it's a major sporting event, a music festival, a scientific conference or a political event, ISO 20121 helps to responsibly manage direct and indirect impacts.
The impacts considered include a wide range of factors, from the climate footprint to the use of water resources, from the generation of waste and waste to the effects on biodiversity and the surrounding environment.
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Who is ISO 20121 intended for?
ISO 20121 is an extremely important standard versatile, designed to be adopted by a wide range of subjects involved, directly or indirectly, in the organization of events.
It is not limited exclusively to major international events, but it can also be applied to corporate, cultural, sporting or institutional events of any scale.
First of all, the standard is aimed at organizations whose core business is the organization of events. These include:
- communication and marketing agencies;
- event and exhibition company;
- trade fair bodies and convention centers;
- theaters, cinemas, auditoriums and concert halls;
- accommodation facilities such as hotels and sports centers;
- departments for culture, tourism or the environment of public bodies;
- record companies and festival organizers.
For these subjects, the adoption of ISO 20121 represents a strategic lever for differentiate yourself in the market, demonstrating a concrete commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.
The standard can then also be adopted by all companies and organizations that intend manage your events, even occasional, in a sustainable way. This includes:
- private companies that organize corporate events (such as conferences, open days, product launches);
- third sector bodies and foundations;
- universities, schools and training institutions;
- cultural, environmental or trade associations.
In these cases, the adoption of ISO 20121 makes it possible to integrate sustainability into communication activities and public relations, strengthening the reputation and consistency of company values.
Even the service providers those who support the implementation of events can benefit from the application of the standard or collaborate with organizations that adopt it. Among them are:
- catering and food service;
- suppliers of technical and logistics equipment;
- hostesses, stewards and reception operators;
- sustainable mobility companies;
- cleaning and waste management companies.
In addition, trade associations and sector networks can promote the adoption of the standard among their associates as part of a collective strategy to improve the impact of the events sector.
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The 5 steps to obtain the ISO 20121
Obtaining ISO 20121 certification means having a Event Sustainability Management System structured, documented and verifiable. This makes it possible to ensure that each event is designed, implemented and evaluated according to sustainability criteria environmental, social and economic.
The path to certification is articulated and requires a concrete commitment, but it represents a strategic added value for all organizations operating in the events sector.
Initial analysis and evaluation of gaps
The first step is to conduct a analysis of existing practices, to identify the already compliant points to the requirements of ISO 20121 and those that need adjustments. This phase of Gap analysis is essential for building a tailor-made system, capable of adapting to the type of event and organizational characteristics.
Development of the Event Sustainability Management System (SGSE)
Based on the results of the initial analysis, the organization develops its SGSE personalized, which must include:
- the 'sustainable development policy' which must be clear and consistent with the institution's mission;
- its “mission statement” in which the organization must define and document its mission, social, environmental and economic benefits, risks and values in relation to its activities;
- measurable objectives and concrete actions;
- procedures and operational plans for each phase of the event;
- monitoring and data collection tools.
It is essential to draw up a detailed documentation, able to demonstrate how the requirements of the standard will be met.
Training and operational implementation
Once the system has been defined, it is necessary Train all staff involved, so that everyone understands roles, responsibilities and practices to adopt. During theentire event lifecycle, from design to post-production, the organization must monitor performance through key indicators (e.g. water consumption, waste management, impacts on the territory, accessibility, etc.).
Independent audit and issuance of the certificate
Once the operational phase is over, an accredited certification body will carry out a independent audit to verify the system's compliance with ISO 20121 criteria. The verification activity is divided into three key moments:
- Event design (to be audited compulsorily before certification),
- Monitoring during the course,
- Final reporting with impact measurement.
At least one of the three phases must be verified before the certificate is issued. Any non-compliances detected must be corrected before final approval.
Duration and maintenance of certification
La ISO 20121 certification is generally valid for three years, with annual surveillance audits to verify that the management system continues to be applied correctly over time. At the deadline, there is a recertification audit for the renewal of the certificate.
However, the Actual duration may vary depending on the field of application:
- For a Single event without further editions, the certification covers the entire event cycle, even if longer than a year;
- for events recurring or of more than one type, or for systems applied to more events, the duration is Three years with annual audits;
- The same applies to those who certify related activities to events, such as the management of locations or services, valid for three years and periodic surveillance.
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Who issues the ISO 20121
The ISO 20121 certification is not issued by the ISO (International Organization for Standardization) itself, but by Certification Bodies (OC), i.e. accredited independent bodies responsible for verifying the organization's compliance with the requirements of the standard.
The OCs are unbiased third parties, whose task is to conduct accurate audits and issue ISO certification only when the organization demonstrates that it fully meets the established criteria. They operate with autonomy, neutrality and technical expertise, thus ensuring thetrustworthiness And the credibility of the certification process.
To ensure that certifications are valid and recognized internationally, it is essential that Certification Bodies are in turn accredited by a Accreditation Body. The latter are national or international bodies who check and certify the competence of OCs, ensuring that they operate according to strict standards and shared globally.
For example, in Italy, the accreditation of OCs is managed by Accredia, the only national body authorized to perform this role.
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The 6 advantages for companies of obtaining the ISO 20121
Adopting the ISO 20121 certification does not only mean complying with a technical standard, but also grasping aconcrete opportunity to transform the way events are designed and managed. Organizations that choose to implement this standard get tangible benefits on several fronts.
Let's see the 6 advantages main factors that make ISO 20121 a strategic investment.
- Reducing costs and resource use: thanks to more efficient management, the standard makes it possible to optimize the consumption of energy, water, materials and transport. This translates into a reduction in waste and economic savings, improving the overall profitability of the event.
- Effective risk management: the adoption of structured procedures helps prevent any critical issues related to environmental and social impacts, reducing the risk of sanctions or litigation. The ISO 20121 system guarantees greater security and full compliance with current regulations.
- Increased organizational efficiency: the standard introduces a systemic approach to event management, encouraging the standardization of processes and performance monitoring. The result is stronger planning, better coordination between teams and more precise control of activities.
- Competitive advantage and innovation: in a market increasingly oriented to sustainability, certification represents a distinctive element. Organizations that adopt ISO 20121 demonstrate leadership, capacity for innovation, and a concrete commitment to responsible practices.
- Strengthening reputation: Communicating the achievement of certification reinforces the corporate image, demonstrating transparency, consistency and environmental and social commitment. This improves perception by customers, partners, media and public opinion.
- Better relationships and new opportunities: the participatory and transparent approach promoted by the standard consolidates the dialogue with all stakeholders. In addition, certification can represent a rewarding requirement for access to public tenders, contracts and strategic partnerships.
In conclusion, the ISO 20121 is much more than a technical standard: it is a strategic lever for creating more sustainable, efficient and competitive events, actively contributing to the creation of environmental, social and economic value.
