Inspired by the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, ISO has updated ISO 20121, the international flagship standard on sustainable events management.

This article discusses the background to the standard’s creation, the changes introduced by the 2024 reboot and the impact on events’ management the standard can make.

Olympic inspiration

As it goes, BS ISO 20121 didn’t start life as an international standard. The London 2012 Olympic Games delivery body wanted to make good on sustainability promises made in its bid and asked BSI to create a sustainable events standard. BS 8901:2007 Specification for a sustainable event management system with guidance for use was the result.

Even though it was published as a national document, it clearly met an international need. By 2009 both Microsoft’s Convergence event in New Orleans and COP 15 in Copenhagen were BS 8901 certified. Given the level of interest, ISO convened work to produce an international version. This was published as BS ISO 20121:2012 Event sustainability management systems – Requirements with guidance for use just in time for the London Games.

The fact that the 2024 revision has been timed for use by the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games brings a satisfying circularity, and moreover marks an enduring collaboration between ISO and the International Olympic Committee.

One size fits all

All that said, it would be a mistake to assume the standard is only for use by big, international events. On the contrary, in a world where environmental concerns and sustainable practices are increasingly at the forefront of everyone’s mind, BS ISO 20121 should be deployed at each and every event, irrespective of size.

As such, the standard acknowledges that by their very nature, events are transitory and generate both positive and negative social, economic and environmental impacts. To help organizers produce more sustainable events, BS ISO 20121 sets out comprehensive requirements for a sustainability management system. The requirements range across all the key factors, from context and needs of the event to leadership, roles and policies. It takes planning, support and operations into account and concludes in thinking about performance evaluation and lessons learnt that will contribute to continual improvement.

Delivering a sustained impact

BS ISO 20121 can deliver a multitude of positive outcomes for event organizers, participants, and event host communities. By minimizing environmental impacts such as air and water pollution, habitat destruction, and carbon emissions, it can contribute to the conservation of natural resources and biodiversity.

By encouraging meaningful engagement with local communities and supporting local businesses, it can help events to leave a positive lasting legacy long after they’re over.

When events certify to the standard, it gains them credibility and a reputation for their commitment to sustainability that can attract sponsors, partners, and attendees who prioritize environmental and social responsibility.

Finally, when users implement the sustainable practices outlined in BS ISO 20121 it can lead to cost savings through reduced energy consumption, waste management efficiency, and streamlined resource utilization.

All told, when event organizers embrace the principles and practices of BS ISO 20121 it helps them play their part in shaping a more sustainable world. Which is surely a fitting legacy of London’s commitment to run a sustainable Olympics in 2012.

Key 2024 changes to BS ISO 20121

The 2024 revision brings the standard fully up to date with the key issues for event participants and attendees including climate change, human rights and legacy latest thinking and developments in the events sector – including the dawn of hybrid and virtual events.

BS ISO 20121:2024 now actively seeks to improve sustainability throughout the entire event management cycle. It aligns fully with the other harmonized ISO management system standards; extends the list of issues to be evaluated to include human and child rights and social impacts; and increases the focus on the supply chain.

Add BS ISO 20121:2024 to your collection today.

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