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ISO 20121

Event Sustainability Management System

ISO 20121 is an internationally recognised standard for Event Sustainability Management Systems. The ISO 20121 certification provides organisations with a comprehensive framework to implement and improve their sustainability practices throughout the entire event management process.

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What Is ISO 20121?

ISO 20121 certification is for organisations that manage events, ensuring their event management contributes to the three dimensions of sustainability – economic, environmental and social. It’s applicable to any organisation that organises events, from small-scale conference meetings to large-scale sporting events, across all industries.

By adopting ISO 20121, your organisation demonstrates its commitment to organising events that are socially responsible, environmentally friendly and economically viable.

What Are the Benefits of ISO 20121?

Sustainability
boost

Competitive
edge

Improved
efficiency

Risk
mitigation

Streamlined
processes

Enhanced
reputation

Environmental
stewardship

Economic
viability

Stakeholder
dedication

Waste
reduction

Resource
optimisation

Legal
compliance

Key Requirements of ISO 20121

The ISO 20121 standard outlines a number of requirements that organisations must meet to demonstrate their commitment to event sustainability. These include:

Sustainability risk assessment

Identify and assess sustainability risks associated with event planning and implementation that could interfere with sustainability regulations and policies.

Sustainable event policies
and procedures

Develop comprehensive policies and procedures aligned with ISO 20121 to support sustainability throughout the event management process for every event.

Sustainability roles and responsibilities

Clearly define roles and responsibilities related to sustainability within the organisation to support effective implementation of sustainable practices for events and provide training.

Resource management

Efficiently manage event resources such as energy, water and materials to minimise any waste and environmental impact during any and all types of events.

Stakeholder engagement

Engage stakeholders, including employees, suppliers, communities and attendees, to foster collaboration and address sustainability concerns for all events.

Continual improvement

Establish processes for monitoring, measuring and evaluating event sustainability performance to drive continual improvement initiatives that will benefit future events.

Legal and regulatory compliance

Meet compliance requirements associated with relevant laws, regulations and industry standards related to sustainability and event management.

Communication and transparency

Clearly communicate sustainability initiatives, data and performance to stakeholders transparently and effectively, fostering trust and accountability.

Why You Should Choose Amtivo

• Ireland-based team that understands your needs
• Five-star ratings, independently reviewed via Feefo
• A wide range of training courses to build your expertise
• Access to a global team with global resources

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Becoming ISO 20121 Certified

STEP 1

STEP 2

STEP 3

STEP 4

STEP 5

Stage One The initial assessment determines if the mandatory requirements of the standard are being met and if the management system is capable of proceeding to
Stage Two.

Stage Two The second assessment determines the effectiveness of the system, and seeks to confirm that the management system is implemented and operational.

Recommendation for Certification At this point in the process we review any corrective actions taken to address findings raised at Stage 1 & 2. Certification may be recommended.

Certification Review & Decision The organisations files are reviewed by an independent and impartial panel and the certification decision is made.

Certification Achieved Successful certification is communicated to the client. Certificates are issued.

STEP 1

Stage One The initial assessment determines if the mandatory requirements of the standard are being met and if the management system is capable of proceeding to
Stage Two.

STEP 2

Stage Two The second assessment determines the effectiveness of the system, and seeks to confirm that the management system is implemented and operational.

STEP 3

Recommendation for Certification At this point in the process we review any corrective actions taken to address findings raised at Stage 1 & 2. Certification may be recommended.

STEP 4

Certification Review & Decision The organisations files are reviewed by an independent and impartial panel and the certification decision is made.

STEP 5

Certification Achieved Successful certification is communicated to the client. Certificates are issued.

Implementing ISO 20121

Preparing your organisation for ISO 20121 certification requires dedication and involvement from all levels. Prior to undergoing Certification Assessments, conducting a Gap Analysis assessment can be invaluable in assessing the readiness of your Event Sustainability Management System. This assessment helps identify areas that require improvement, facilitating a more streamlined certification process.

Related Resources

ISO Buyer’s Guide

Download our ISO Buyer's Guide to read our expert tips and learn how you can simplify the certification process.

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Steps to ISO Certification

Our ISO Certification Guide provides a comprehensive introduction to the assessment process covering everything from pre-assessment to recertification audits.

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Certification Process

Download our free guide to learn the simple steps required to achieve certification and discover how the process works.

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See All Resources

ISO 20121 FAQs

What is ISO 20121?

ISO 20121 is an international standard for Event Sustainability Management, providing guidelines for organisations to improve their environmental, social and economic performance throughout the event management cycle.

How can ISO 20121 benefit my organisation?

ISO 20121 offers benefits such as enhanced sustainability, improved reputation, increased efficiency, risk mitigation and stakeholder engagement. These advantages contribute to organisational growth and competitiveness in the event management industry.

Can Amtivo help with ISO 20121 certification?

Absolutely! Amtivo is a trusted certification body with extensive experience in ISO standards. We provide comprehensive support, guidance and certification services to organisations pursuing ISO 20121 certification.

How long does it take to become ISO 20121 certified?

The duration of the certification process varies depending on the size and complexity of your organisation. Our team will work closely with you to establish a timeline that suits your specific needs.

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