ISO 22301

ISO 20121:2024: Enhancing Sustainable Event Management for Organizations Certification

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WHAT IS ISO 20121:2024

ISO 20121:2024 provides a framework for organizations to plan and manage events sustainably, aiming to reduce environmental impact while promoting social and economic benefits. Originally introduced in 2012, the 2024 revision reflects updated sustainability insights and best practices.

Core Principles:
Stakeholder Engagement: Involving stakeholders throughout the event lifecycle to improve decision-making and outcomes.

Transparency: Encouraging open reporting and responsible management.

Accountability: Promoting ownership of sustainability performance.

HOW ORGANIZATIONS CAN IMPLEMENT ISO 20121:2024

The successful adoption of ISO 20121:2024 requires a methodical and multi-phase approach that integrates sustainability into every layer of event planning and execution. This international standard guides organizations in minimizing environmental impact while maximizing social and economic value through responsible event management.

  • Phase 1: Gap Analysis and Strategic Planning

    Implementation begins with a comprehensive gap analysis, where organizations assess their current practices against the requirements of ISO 20121. This diagnostic step helps identify areas needing improvement—such as sustainability policies, stakeholder engagement, and resource efficiency. Based on these insights, organizations can craft a customized roadmap to align their operations with the standard’s sustainability benchmarks.

  • Phase 2: Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration

    A cornerstone of ISO 20121 is inclusive stakeholder engagement. Organizations must involve both internal stakeholders (e.g., staff, leadership) and external ones (e.g., suppliers, sponsors, local communities). Hosting workshops or consultations fosters transparency and collaboration, allowing diverse perspectives to shape sustainability goals. This participatory model builds trust and ensures that sustainability efforts are relevant, actionable, and widely supported.

  • Phase 3: Embedding Sustainability into Event Operations

    Sustainability must be woven into the fabric of event planning and delivery. This includes:

    • Setting clear sustainability objectives
    • Revising procurement policies to prioritize eco-friendly suppliers
    • Implementing waste reduction and energy-saving measures

    By integrating these practices, organizations not only demonstrate environmental responsibility but also elevate the attendee experience and brand reputation.

  • Phase 4: Training and Capacity Building

    Empowering staff through education and training is vital. Workshops and learning programs equip employees with the skills and mindset needed to champion sustainability. This investment in human capital fosters a culture of continuous improvement and ensures that sustainability principles are consistently applied across all events.

CHALLENGES AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS IN SUSTAINABLE EVENT MANAGEMENT

Implementing ISO 20121:2024 involves navigating several complex challenges while preparing for a rapidly evolving future in sustainable event management.

  • Resource Constraints: Limited budgets, staffing, and time can hinder sustainability efforts. Organizations must prioritize high-impact investments like energy-efficient technologies and waste reduction strategies, while also training staff and volunteers to maximize resource efficiency.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Gaining commitment from all event participants—sponsors, suppliers, attendees—can be difficult. Early and clear communication of sustainability goals, along with inclusive collaboration and feedback mechanisms, is essential to build shared ownership and drive innovation.
  • Measuring Impact: Establishing reliable metrics to assess sustainability performance remains a challenge. Adopting standardized frameworks aligned with ISO 20121 and leveraging data analytics tools can improve tracking, reporting, and transparency.

BENEFITS OF BECOMING CERTIFIED

ISO 20121:2024 is a globally recognized standard that helps organizations integrate sustainability into event management. By aligning operations with environmental responsibilities, organizations can enhance their reputation and

  • Cost Efficiency

    • Reduces waste and optimizes resource use

    • Lowers disposal and energy costs

    • Improves overall financial performance

  • Operational Improvements

    • Streamlines workflows and reduces duplication
    • Enhances team collaboration and resource allocation
    • Boosts productivity and strategic planning

  • Stronger Stakeholder Relationships

    • Engages employees, suppliers, and customers in sustainability goals

    • Builds brand loyalty and shared environmental values

  • Competitive Advantage

    • Positions organizations as sustainability leaders
    • Attracts more clients in an eco-aware market
    • Strengthens industry standing

Global recognition as a reputable supplier

Certification is recognized internationally and accepted throughout industry supply chains, setting industry benchmarks for sourcing suppliers.

Win more business

Procurement specifications often require certification as a condition to supply, so certification and verification opens doors

Business resilience

Avoid downtime and financial losses with effective management of risk, emergency preparedness and contingency planning.

Legal Compliance

Understand how statutory and regulatory requirements impact your organization and its customers.

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Step 1

Complete a Quote Request Form so that we can understand your company and requirements. You can do this by completing either the online quick quote or the online formal quote request form. We will use this information to accurately define your scope of assessment and provide you with a proposal for certification.

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Step 2

Once you’ve agreed your proposal, we will contact you to book your assessment with an WECERT Assessor. This assessment consists of two mandatory visits that form the Initial Certification Audit. Please note that you must be able to demonstrate that your management system has been fully operational for a minimum of three months and has been subject to a management review and full cycle of internal audits.

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Step 3

Following a successful two stage audit, a certification decision is made and if positive, then certification to the required standard is issued by WECERT. You will receive both a hard and soft copy of the certificate. Certification is valid for three years and is maintained through a programme of annual surveillance audits and a three yearly recertification audit.

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