ISO 20121

ISO 20121: Event Sustainability Management System

ISO 20121 is the internationally recognised standard for sustainable event management designed to help organisations plan, manage and deliver events in a way that minimises their impact on the environment and local communities. Whether you're organising a small local craft show or a large-scale sporting event, ISO 20121 provides a comprehensive framework to manage social, economic and environmental impacts responsibly. By adopting this standard, you can ensure that your events contribute positively to society and the environment while also enhancing your competitive advantage and reputation.

TÜV UK offers expert guidance and support throughout the certification process, helping you integrate sustainability into every aspect of your event management system. Contact us today to start your journey towards creating environmentally friendly and socially conscious events that leave a lasting positive legacy.

What is ISO 20121?

ISO 20121 is a globally recognised standard specifically tailored for the event industry to integrate sustainability throughout the event management cycle. It encourages organisations to adopt ethical, eco-friendly and socially conscious practices, focusing on inclusivity, human rights and creating lasting legacies. The standard is not about auditing the event itself but the management system, ensuring a holistic approach to sustainability.

Certification Process

Year 1

Stage 1

This initial audit involves verifying the documentary requirements necessary for certification. It ensures that your management system documentation aligns with ISO 20121 standards, setting the foundation for a sustainable event management process.

Year 1

Stage 2

The second stage assesses the efficiency of your Sustainability Management System through dialogue with managers and analysis of documentation. This audit evaluates how well your system operates in practice, ensuring it meets the standard's requirements.

Year 1

Certification Decision

After successful completion of the audits, a certification decision is made. If your management system meets all the necessary requirements, a certificate is issued, valid for three years, marking your commitment to sustainable event management.

Years 2 & 3

Annual Surveillance

These audits are conducted annually to ensure ongoing compliance with ISO 20121 standards. They involve reviewing your management system's performance and making necessary adjustments to maintain sustainability practices effectively.

Year 4

Recertification

Conducted in the final year, this audit is essential for renewing your certification. It involves a comprehensive review of your management system to ensure continued adherence to ISO 20121, allowing you to maintain your certification status for another three years.

Benefits of ISO 20121 Certification

Reduce costs and environmental impact of events
Enhance stakeholder engagement and satisfaction
Reinforce reputation and increase brand value
Contribute to UN Sustainable Development Goals

Why Choose TÜV UK?

TÜV UK is a leader in ISO 20121 certification, offering:

Expert Support: Our skilled auditors provide comprehensive guidance throughout the certification process.
Global Recognition: TÜV UK is part of the TÜV NORD Group, a globally respected certification body.
Impartial Certification: Benefit from an independent, third-party assessment.

Get Started Today!

Embark on your journey to excellence in sustainable event management with TÜV UK. Contact us today to learn more about our ISO 20121 certification services and how we can support your organisation in achieving its sustainability goals.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

ISO 20121 is a globally recognised standard that helps organisations plan and execute events sustainably, minimising environmental, social and economic impacts while enhancing reputation and competitive advantage.

ISO 20121 certification is ideal for any organisation or individual involved in event planning, from small local shows to large-scale sporting events, ensuring sustainable practices across all types of events.

The standard aims to integrate sustainability into event management processes, promoting ethical, eco-friendly and socially conscious practices, inclusivity, human rights and creating lasting legacies.

Key stakeholders include event organisers, venue managers and service providers, all playing crucial roles in implementing sustainable practices throughout the event management cycle.

ISO 20121 includes a 10-paragraph structure, a Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle, stakeholder analysis, sustainability policies, legislative compliance, risk management and continuous improvement processes.

Unlike general sustainability standards, such as ISO 14001, ISO 20121 is specifically tailored for the event industry, focusing on integrating sustainability throughout the event management cycle.

ISO 20121:2024 includes updates that enhance focus on inclusivity, human rights and sustainability's transformative role, building on the foundation set by ISO 20121:2012.

Benefits include reduced environmental impact, enhanced stakeholder engagement, improved reputation, cost savings and contribution to UN Sustainable Development Goals.

The process involves initial audits, annual surveillance audits and a recertification audit every three years, with duration varying based on organisational readiness.

Yes, ISO 20121 can be seamlessly integrated with other standards like ISO 9001 and ISO 14001, providing a comprehensive approach to sustainability and enhancing overall management system efficiency.