Build a structured approach to sustainable event management by considering environmental, social and economic impacts throughout event planning, delivery and continual improvement.
Get in Touch Explore the StandardISO 20121:2012 is an international standard that specifies requirements for an Event Sustainability Management System (ESMS). It provides organizations with a structured approach to managing the environmental, social and economic impacts associated with events.
The standard can be applied to events of different sizes and types, helping organizations integrate sustainability into event planning, operations and continual improvement.
ISO 20121:2012 can be implemented by organizations involved in planning, managing, organizing or supporting events. It is suitable for both public and private organizations.
A sustainable event management system considers the wider impacts of events and supports a planned, measurable approach to improvement.
Identify ways to reduce waste, energy consumption, emissions and other environmental impacts associated with events.
Consider accessibility, inclusivity, employee welfare, stakeholder expectations and community impacts.
Improve resource utilization, consider long-term value and support responsible economic decision-making.
Understand relevant stakeholder needs and incorporate them into event sustainability planning.
Establish appropriate policies, responsibilities, objectives and processes for the management system.
Review event performance, identify improvement opportunities and update practices based on findings.
The standard helps organizations make sustainability a practical part of event management rather than treating it as a separate activity.
Implementing a sustainable event management system can help organizations assess impacts, manage resources and strengthen their approach to responsible event delivery.
The right management approach helps event teams identify relevant impacts, assign responsibilities and review results to make informed improvements over time.
The implementation journey generally involves understanding existing practices, closing identified gaps and preparing the management system for assessment.
Understand the organization's event sustainability requirements and existing practices.
Identify areas where current processes may need improvement to meet the applicable requirements.
Develop appropriate policies, procedures, responsibilities and sustainability objectives.
Apply the sustainability management system to relevant event activities and operations.
Review the system, evaluate implementation and address identified gaps where required.
Prepare for the certification assessment by the selected certification body.
Ascent INSPECTA provides professional ISO consulting and advisory services to organizations seeking to establish effective management systems and prepare for internationally recognized certifications.
Looking for guidance on ISO 20121:2012? Contact Ascent INSPECTA to discuss your organization's event sustainability management needs and implementation requirements.