ISO 20121 - Event Sustainability Management Systems
Create Sustainable Events, Build Lasting Impact
The events industry has a significant environmental, social, and economic impact. From conferences and festivals to sporting events and exhibitions, every event creates a footprint that affects communities and the environment. At Glocert International, we specialize in providing independent third-party ISO 20121 certification that validates your organization's Event Sustainability Management System (ESMS). As a leader in the Testing, Inspection, and Certification industry, we conduct thorough ISO 20121 audits that verify your ESMS meets international standards, helping you demonstrate sustainability leadership and build trust with environmentally conscious stakeholders.
What is ISO 20121?
ISO 20121 is the international standard for Event Sustainability Management Systems (ESMS). Published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), ISO 20121:2012 specifies requirements for implementing, maintaining, and improving a management system for sustainable events of all types and sizes.
The standard was developed in the context of the London 2012 Olympic Games and applies the principles of sustainable development to the planning, management, and delivery of events. ISO 20121 helps event organizers, venues, suppliers, and other stakeholders minimize negative environmental and social impacts while maximizing positive contributions to communities and the economy.
Key Components of ISO 20121
- Sustainable Development Principles: Integration of economic, environmental, and social considerations
- Stakeholder Identification and Engagement: Understanding stakeholder needs and expectations
- Supply Chain Management: Sustainability throughout the supply chain
- Issue Identification: Recognition of relevant sustainability issues
- Objectives and Targets: Measurable sustainability goals
- Communication: Transparent reporting on sustainability performance
- Continuous Improvement: Ongoing enhancement of sustainability performance
Why is ISO 20121 Important?
ISO 20121 is essential for event organizers seeking to demonstrate leadership in sustainability and meet growing stakeholder expectations. Here's why this standard is crucial:
1. Environmental Responsibility
ISO 20121 helps organizations:
- Reduce carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions
- Minimize waste generation and improve recycling
- Conserve water and energy resources
- Protect biodiversity and natural habitats
- Reduce noise, light, and air pollution
2. Social Responsibility
Implementing ISO 20121 enables organizations to:
- Support local communities and create economic opportunities
- Ensure accessibility and inclusivity for all attendees
- Promote fair labor practices throughout the supply chain
- Enhance health, safety, and security at events
- Contribute to cultural preservation and diversity
3. Economic Benefits
ISO 20121 provides a framework for:
- Cost savings through resource efficiency
- Enhanced reputation and brand value
- Competitive advantage in bidding for events
- Access to sustainability-focused sponsorships
- Improved stakeholder relationships
4. Regulatory Compliance
ISO 20121 certification demonstrates compliance with environmental regulations and helps organizations meet sustainability requirements in event contracts and tenders.
ISO 20121 ESMS Framework
ISO 20121 follows the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle and is structured around core sustainability principles:
Core ESMS Elements
Context of Organization
Understanding event-related factors and stakeholder expectations
Leadership & Policy
Commitment to sustainable event management
Planning
Sustainability objectives, targets, and action plans
Support & Resources
Resources, competence, and awareness
Operation
Event planning and delivery with sustainability integration
Performance Evaluation
Monitoring, measurement, and reporting
Improvement
Continuous enhancement of sustainability performance
Event Lifecycle Stages
- Pre-Event Planning: Sustainability integration in event design and planning
- Procurement: Sustainable sourcing and supply chain management
- Event Delivery: Implementation of sustainability measures during the event
- Post-Event: Legacy considerations, waste management, and evaluation
- Reporting: Communication of sustainability performance to stakeholders
Benefits of ISO 20121 Certification
Achieving ISO 20121 certification provides organizations with numerous strategic, operational, and reputational benefits:
Enhanced Reputation
Demonstrate sustainability leadership and build brand value in the events industry.
Cost Savings
Reduce operational costs through improved resource efficiency and waste reduction.
Competitive Advantage
Stand out in event bids and tenders requiring sustainability credentials.
Stakeholder Engagement
Build stronger relationships with attendees, sponsors, and community stakeholders.
Environmental Impact
Significantly reduce carbon footprint, waste, and resource consumption.
Social Responsibility
Create positive social impact and support local communities.
Risk Management
Identify and manage sustainability-related risks proactively.
Global Recognition
Gain internationally recognized certification accepted worldwide.
Our ISO 20121 Certification Process
At Glocert International, we follow a structured and systematic approach to conduct ISO 20121 certification audits. Our audit process is designed to be transparent, efficient, and supportive, verifying that your ESMS meets all ISO 20121 requirements:
Application Process
Submit your application with required documentation. We review your organization's scope and readiness for certification.
Initial Audit (Stage 1)
Documentation review and readiness assessment. Our auditors verify that your ESMS documentation meets ISO 20121 requirements.
Initial Audit (Stage 2)
On-site audit to verify ESMS implementation. Our auditors assess the effectiveness of your sustainability management processes.
Technical Review
Independent review of audit findings by our technical committee to ensure accuracy and compliance.
Decision and Approval
Certification decision based on audit findings. Upon successful completion, certification is approved.
Certification Issuance
Receive your ISO 20121 certificate, valid for three years, with international recognition.
Surveillance Audits
Annual surveillance audits to ensure continued compliance and effectiveness of your ESMS.
Re-certification Audit
Comprehensive audit before certificate expiry to renew certification for another three-year period.
Steps in Obtaining ISO 20121 Certification
While obtaining ISO 20121 certification may seem daunting, following a structured approach makes the process manageable. Here's the path your organization should take:
- Gap Analysis and Readiness Assessment: Assess your current event sustainability practices against ISO 20121 requirements to identify gaps and areas for improvement. (Note: This should be conducted by an independent consultant, as certification bodies cannot provide consultation services.)
- Stakeholder Identification and Engagement: Identify all relevant stakeholders and understand their sustainability expectations and concerns.
- Issue Identification: Identify relevant sustainability issues (environmental, social, economic) for your events and organization.
- Sustainability Policy Development: Create an event sustainability policy expressing organizational commitment and principles.
- Objectives and Targets: Establish specific, measurable sustainability objectives and targets for your events.
- ESMS Documentation: Develop comprehensive documentation including procedures, processes, and records.
- Supply Chain Integration: Engage suppliers and partners to integrate sustainability throughout the event supply chain.
- Implementation and Training: Implement sustainability measures and train staff on their roles and responsibilities.
- Performance Monitoring: Establish KPIs, collect data, and monitor sustainability performance.
- Communication and Reporting: Develop communication strategies for sustainability performance to stakeholders.
- Internal Audit and Management Review: Conduct internal audits to verify ESMS effectiveness and hold management reviews.
- Pre-assessment Audit (Optional): Consider a pre-assessment audit to identify any remaining issues before the formal certification audit.
- Final Assessment and Certification: Undergo the formal certification audit (Stage 1 and Stage 2) conducted by Glocert International's accredited auditors.
- Surveillance Audits and Recertification: Maintain certification through annual surveillance audits and prepare for recertification every three years.
Typical Timeline: The certification process typically takes 4-8 months from application to certificate issuance, depending on your organization's size, event portfolio, and current sustainability maturity level.
ISO 20121 Certification Pricing
Our ISO 20121 certification pricing is transparent and based on your organization's size, event scale, and scope. We offer competitive rates with no hidden fees. Contact us for a customized quote tailored to your specific needs.
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Get a personalized estimate based on your organization's size, event types, and sustainability management requirements.
Contact Us for PricingWhat's Included in ISO 20121 Certification Pricing:
- Documentation review and ESMS assessment
- Stage 1 and Stage 2 audit days (calculated per IAF MD 5)
- Technical review and certification decision
- ISO 20121 certificate (valid 3 years)
- Certificate listing on our public register
- First year surveillance audit
- Ongoing audit services and support
Note: ISO 20121 pricing may vary based on audit complexity, event portfolio size, geographic scope, and additional services. Small organizations typically start from $3,500, medium organizations from $6,500. Contact us for a detailed, no-obligation quote.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Find answers to common questions about ISO 20121 certification:
ISO 20121 is the international standard for Event Sustainability Management Systems (ESMS). You need it to systematically manage the environmental, social, and economic impacts of your events, demonstrate sustainability leadership, meet stakeholder expectations, reduce operational costs through resource efficiency, enhance reputation and brand value, and comply with sustainability requirements in contracts and tenders.
ISO 20121 was developed based on BS 8901, a British standard used for the London 2012 Olympic Games. The London 2012 Olympics were the first Games to be delivered with a certified event sustainability management system, demonstrating the practical application and value of systematic sustainability management for major events. This success led to the development of ISO 20121 as an international standard.
The timeline varies based on your organization's size, event portfolio, and current sustainability maturity. Typically, the ISO 20121 certification process takes 4-8 months from application to certificate issuance. This includes gap analysis, stakeholder engagement, ESMS development, implementation, internal audits, and the formal certification audit (Stage 1 and Stage 2).
ISO 20121 applies to all types and sizes of events, including: conferences and conventions, festivals and concerts, sporting events, exhibitions and trade shows, corporate events, weddings and private celebrations, virtual and hybrid events, mega-events (Olympics, World Cups), and cultural events. Event venues, organizers, suppliers, and service providers can all be certified.
No, you don't need to have held an event to implement ISO 20121, but you need to demonstrate that your Event Sustainability Management System is operational and will be applied to future events. Organizations can be certified based on their systems, processes, and plans for integrating sustainability into event management, though evidence of system implementation and testing is beneficial.
ISO 20121 certification costs vary based on organization size, event portfolio complexity, and geographic scope. Small organizations typically start from $3,500, medium organizations from $6,500, and large event organizations require custom pricing. Costs include audit days, technical review, certificate issuance, and first-year surveillance. Contact us for a detailed quote tailored to your organization.
Key sustainability issues for events include: Environmental - carbon emissions, waste generation, energy and water consumption, biodiversity impact; Social - community engagement, accessibility, health and safety, labor practices, cultural heritage; Economic - local economic impact, procurement practices, legacy and long-term benefits. Organizations must identify and prioritize issues relevant to their specific events and stakeholders.
ISO 20121 provides a framework for managing sustainability comprehensively, including carbon emissions. While ISO 20121 doesn't specifically require carbon neutrality, many organizations use the standard to systematically reduce their event carbon footprint and work toward carbon neutral or net zero goals. The standard encourages measurement, reduction, and reporting of environmental impacts including greenhouse gas emissions.
After certification, your ISO 20121 certificate is valid for three years. You'll undergo annual surveillance audits to ensure continued compliance. You must continue operating and improving your ESMS, monitoring sustainability performance, engaging stakeholders, and demonstrating continuous improvement. During the third year, you'll complete a recertification audit to renew your certificate.
Yes, virtual and hybrid events can absolutely be certified to ISO 20121. While these events may have different sustainability considerations (e.g., digital infrastructure energy consumption, electronic waste, digital accessibility), they still have environmental, social, and economic impacts that can be managed through an ESMS. The standard applies to all event formats and delivery models.
ISO 20121 supports multiple UN SDGs including SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and others depending on your specific sustainability objectives. Implementing ISO 20121 helps organizations align their events with the global sustainability agenda and contribute to achieving the SDGs through responsible event management practices.
Why Choose Glocert for ISO 20121 Certification?
Accreditations
Glocert International is a globally accredited Conformity Assessment Body for ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015 by IAS Inc, USA, a member of the IAF (International Accreditation Forum) and signatory to a number of bilateral, regional and international agreements.
This provides international recognition and acceptance to certificates issued by Glocert International in the following schemes:
- ISO 9001 – Quality Management Systems (QMS)
- ISO 20000-1 – Information Technology Service Management Systems (ITSMS)
- ISO 22301 – Business Continuity Management Systems (BCMS)
- ISO 27001 – Information Security Management Systems (ISMS)
- ISO/IEC 27701 – Privacy Information Management Systems (PIMS)
- ISO 55001 – Asset Management Systems (AMS)
Expertise in Event Sustainability Auditing
Our team of experienced auditors possess in-depth knowledge of ISO 20121, event sustainability principles, and industry best practices across different event types. We understand that every organization is unique, which is why we conduct thorough ISO 20121 certification audits that assess your specific event sustainability requirements, stakeholder expectations, and compliance with ESMS requirements.
Continuous Audit Support
Beyond ISO 20121 certification, we provide ongoing audit services through surveillance audits to help you maintain compliance and demonstrate continuous improvement of your ESMS. We pride ourselves in providing the highest standard of audit services in the industry and it is a major reason why more and more organisations choose us as their certification partner for their ISO 20121 certification needs.
Related Certifications
Many organizations combine ISO 20121 with other certifications for comprehensive governance. Consider pairing ISO 20121 with ISO 9001 for quality management, ISO 14001 for environmental management, or other standards to create a comprehensive management system framework.
Unlock the Full Potential of Your Organization
Contact us today to learn more about our ISO 20121 certification and audit services and how we can verify your organization's event sustainability management system.
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