Events such as festivals, concerts, and sports attract visitors who spend money, boosting local economies. However, large events can also negatively impact host communities if not managed sustainably. The ISO 20121 standard provides requirements for event sustainability management systems to minimize environmental, social, and economic impacts. It has helped certify sustainable events like the 2012 London Olympics and music festivals that implement initiatives for energy efficiency, waste reduction, and green purchasing.

1. www.pecb.org
The Role of ISO 20121 in
the Events Industry

2. 2
Overview
Tourism is among rapidly growing industries and activities today. Developments in tourism
during the last decades are considered between the most profitable processes in the history
of humanity. Notably popular events have obtained a paramount importance in this industry.
Festivals, concerts, conferences, fairs, exhibitions and sports events offer a host of economic
and social benefits to host communities from all around the world. As these events attract visitors
from other places, their economic benefits are apparent. Visitors spend significant sums of money
in hotels, restaurants and shops during their stay in host cities. In this regard, it increases the
average consumption, therefore increases the income as well. Another economic benefit derived
of these events is that of job creation and employment.
Over and above economic benefits, events can have social and cultural benefits as well.
Events provide several opportunities for people to network and interact with others. They help
to strengthen community pride and provide opportunities for new experiences, learning and
enjoyment. Involvement in cultural, artistic, scientific, entertainment or sporting events gives
people the opportunity to enrich their lives and broaden their horizons.
Be that as it may, these kinds of events, especially large ones, when not well-managed can
also have negative social, cultural, political, environmental and economic impacts on host
communities. Negative outcomes include community alienation and manipulation, substance
abuse, social dislocation, misallocation of funds, legitimation of ideology, environmental damage,
pollution, noise disturbance, price hikes, etc.

3. Not only events industry, but all types of organizations have recognized the importance and the need to
integrate environmental, economic and social considerations into every aspect of their businesses.
In this regard, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has published a new standard to support
event organizers in integrating sustainability with their activities. This new standard is ISO 20121:2012 Event
sustainability management systems — Requirements with guidance for use.
What does “sustainability” means? It has been noted that people often find the term sustainability
confusing and this is why the term is often misused. According to the definition adopted by ISO, sustainability
is the degree of sustainable development in the context of the organization or event. Furthermore, sustainable
development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future
generations to meet their own needs. Simply put, it’s an enduring and balanced approach to economic
activity, environmental responsibility and social progress.
The role of ISO 20121 in the events industry
The ISO 20121 specifies the requirements of an event sustainability management system to improve the
sustainability of events. Regardless of the type or size, it is applicable to all event organizers involved in the
design and delivery of events – from small celebrations to mega events. It accommodates diverse geographical,
cultural and social conditions.
Immediately after being launched, ISO 20121 has played an important role in successful organization of many
global sustainable events.
The 2012 Olympic Games in London have been a catalyst for the development of ISO 20121 standard. This
major international multi-sport event was the first major test of the new standard. The sustainability plan of
London 2012 was structured around five sustainability themes - climate change, waste, biodiversity, inclusion
and healthy living.
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FESTIVALS, CONCERTS,
CONFERENCES, FAIRS,
EXHIBITIONS AND
SPORTS EVENTS OFFER
A HOST OF ECONOMIC
AND SOCIAL BENEFITS
TO HOST COMMUNITIES
FROM ALL AROUND THE
WORLD.

4. 4
Rock in Rio Lisboa, Eurovision Song Contest, Sydney Festival and Shambala Festival are only some of the
music events that concern about sustainability and have taken steps towards implementation of green initiatives
to minimize their negative impacts. These so-called sustainable or green festivals consider improvements on
energy efficiency, waste and recycling management, green purchasing, etc.
The Plaza Athénée in Bangkok became the first ISO 20121 certified hotel for the planning and delivery of
sustainable meetings. The hotel reduced their carbon footprint by reducing consumption of electricity, paper
and water.
Each year, sustainability and social responsibility are taking on greater importance within all industries. With the
arrival of ISO 20121, the events industry is now on a challenging journey towards a more sustainable future.
As organizations seek to implement sustainability strategies, in response, the need for event professionals
who understand sustainability concepts within the context of event production has emerged.
PECB (Professional Evaluation and Certification Board) is a certification body for persons for a wide range
of professional standards. Among other international standards, it offers also ISO 14001 (Environmental
Management Systems) and ISO 26000 (Guidance on Social Responsibility) training and certification services for
professionals who want to gain a comprehensive knowledge of the main processes of a management system;
project managers or consultants wanting to prepare and support an organization in the implementation of a
management system; auditors who want to perform and lead certification audits of the relevant management
system; and staff involved in the implementation of the management system standards.
Soon, PECB will be offering ISO 20121 - Sustainable Events Management trainings.
ISO Standards and Professional Trainings offered by PECB:
• Certified Lead Implementer courses (5 days)
• Certified Lead Auditor courses (5 days)
• Certified Foundation courses(2 days)
• Introduction courses (1 day)
Lead Auditor, Lead Implementer and Master are certification schemes accredited by ANSI ISO/IEC 17024.
Narta Voca is the Heath, Safety and Environment (HSE) Product Manager at PECB. She is in charge of
developing and maintaining training courses related to HSE. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate
to contact her at hse@pecb.org.
For further information please visit www.pecb.org/en/training