Getting started with ISO 20121 Sustainable Event Management

The best starting point for any event is sustainability. That means managing it so that you get more from less. ISO 20121 will help you minimize your impact on the environment and local communities. It will also maximize performance, achieve energy efficiency and win you full support from all stakeholders. 

ISO 20121 has been developed for the events industry to help you put sustainability first when managing and delivering your event. It’s for event companies or for businesses that put on events. The standard takes into account the geography, culture and social demographic of your event. ISO 20121 lets you take a long-term view and identify all potential impacts early on – helping you to reduce or prevent any that could be negative. 

• Identify ways to improve event planning and delivery
• Achieve best practice levels of efficiency and performance
• Define roles and responsibilities for staff, contractors and suppliers
• Cut costs through better energy and waste management
• Integrate with ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 for even better results 

The PAS 2060 standard specifies a four-stage process to demonstrate carbon neutrality. This involves:

• Assessment of GHG emissions based on accurate measurement data
• Reduction of emissions through a target-driven carbon management plan
• Offsetting of excess emissions, often by purchasing carbon credits
• Documentation and verification through qualifying explanatory statements and public disclosure.

Through independent BSI verification to PAS 2060, your business can demonstrate that it has met these requirements. You can show you are serious about sustainability, responding to the challenge of climate change and contributing to the UNSDGs, while enhancing your organization’s performance and resilience.