ISO 20121

ISO 20121 was developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and is an international standard that specifies the general requirements for developing, implementing, and continuously improving a Sustainable Event Management System. It helps event organizers minimize the environmental, social, and economic impacts of their activities, ensuring that their events are conducted in a sustainable and responsible manner.

ISO 20121 can be applied by any organization involved in organizing events, regardless of size or the type of event. It is intended for conference and exhibition organizers, cultural and sporting bodies, tourism enterprises, and any business looking to incorporate sustainability into the management of its events.

Developing a Sustainable Event Management System in accordance with ISO 20121 involves the following steps:

• Identifying the environmental, social, and economic impacts of an event
• Developing policies and procedures to reduce the environmental footprint, improve resource efficiency, and enhance social responsibility
• Managing suppliers and partners in accordance with sustainability principles
• Training staff and interested parties in best practices for sustainable event management
• Continuously monitoring, evaluating, and improving the system through performance indicators and audits

The complexity of implementing ISO 20121 depends on the size and nature of the event, as well as the organization’s existing commitment to sustainable management. Businesses that already apply environmental management practices can more easily integrate the standard’s requirements. Working with specialized consultants can facilitate the process and ensure effective implementation.

Several certification bodies in Greece are accredited by the Hellenic Accreditation System (ESYD) or by equivalent bodies to issue relevant certificates, depending on the company’s activities. The certification process involves evaluating the company’s compliance with its event management procedures, assessing the Sustainable Event Management System against the standard’s requirements, and reviewing its practical implementation.

Upon successful completion of the assessment, the Certification Body issues a Certificate of Conformity valid for three years. If there are significant deviations, corrective actions must be taken by the organization before the certificate is issued. Minor deviations must be resolved by the next assessment.

The certificate remains valid as long as scheduled periodic assessments are carried out by the Certification Body—at least once a year—confirming continued compliance with the specified requirements.

Organizations adopting ISO 20121 can enjoy multiple advantages, such as:

• Reducing the environmental footprint of events by optimizing resources and minimizing waste
• Enhancing social responsibility by supporting local communities and social initiatives
• Complying with regulatory and legislative requirements related to sustainable development and event management
• Improving corporate image and building customer and partner trust through a commitment to sustainable management
• Lowering costs by using resources more efficiently, saving energy, and reducing operational expenses

The time required to develop and certify a Sustainable Event Management System depends on the types and scale of the events, the existing sustainability practices, and staff involvement. For smaller events, it typically ranges from 2 to 3 months.