ISO 20121:2024 – Event Sustainability Management Systems: Requirements with Guidance for Use
ISO 20121:2024 is the updated international standard that provides a framework for implementing a sustainable management system for events of all types and sizes. It supports event organizers in improving sustainability throughout the entire lifecycle of an event—before, during, and after, by addressing environmental, social, and economic impacts.
This standard builds on the legacy of the London 2012 Olympics, which was the first major event fully aligned with ISO 20121. The 2024 revision introduces refinements to reflect the latest in global sustainability best practices, stakeholder engagement methods, and risk-based thinking. ISO 20121 is applicable to concerts, conferences, festivals, sporting events, expos, trade shows, and public celebrations, helping organizations meet sustainability goals while enhancing reputation and performance.
To begin ISO 20121 certification for your event or organization, contact support@pacificcert.com.
Scope and Applicability
ISO 20121:2024 applies to organizations and individuals involved in the design, management, and delivery of events. This includes event planners, venues, production companies, suppliers, promoters, NGOs, government bodies, and any stakeholder aiming to reduce negative impacts and enhance event legacy.
The standard is scalable, whether applied to a one-time event, a recurring festival, or an entire event portfolio. It covers:
- Energy and waste management
- Supply chain sustainability
- Stakeholder communication and inclusion
- Carbon footprint reduction
- Regulatory compliance and risk mitigation
From international summits to community fairs, ISO 20121 ensures a structured approach to creating more responsible, inclusive, and resilient events.
Certification Process and Procedure
- Conduct a sustainability baseline assessment and identify material issues
- Define the scope of your Event Sustainability Management System (ESMS)
- Establish a sustainability policy and measurable objectives
- Engage internal and external stakeholders to define expectations
- Develop processes for managing environmental, social, and economic impacts
- Integrate risk assessment and legal compliance tracking into operations
- Implement monitoring, measurement, and performance evaluation mechanisms
- Prepare documentation, conduct internal audits, and undergo a third-party certification audit by a body like Pacific Certifications
Get started today by contacting support@pacificcert.com.
Documentation Required
Organizations seeking ISO 20121 certification should maintain:
- A formal sustainability policy specific to event operations
- Risk and opportunity registers related to sustainability
- Environmental impact assessments and action plans
- Stakeholder engagement reports and feedback logs
- Training and awareness records for event staff and suppliers
- Sustainability performance monitoring data (e.g., energy, waste, transport)
- Incident logs and improvement records
- Compliance registers and corrective action reports
Pacific Certifications can assist in creating and organizing all required documentation — support@pacificcert.com.
Eligibility Criteria
Organizations or event teams of any size, managing any scale or type of event, are eligible for ISO 20121 certification. Applicants should demonstrate:
- Commitment from leadership to sustainability principles
- Operational control over the planning or delivery of an event
- Resources to monitor and improve sustainability performance
Applicable sectors include sports, entertainment, academia, corporate conferences, political summits, and cultural events.
Certification Costs
Certification costs vary depending on:
- Event size, type, and frequency
- Number of stakeholders and suppliers involved
- Geographic scope and venue complexity
- Current sustainability maturity and system readiness
Request a tailored estimate at support@pacificcert.com.
Certification Timeline
- Initial Assessment and Policy Drafting: 2–3 weeks
- Stakeholder Consultation and System Planning: 3–5 weeks
- Implementation and Monitoring: 4–6 weeks
- Internal Review and External Audit: 2–3 weeks
Total timeframe: 10–14 weeks, depending on event complexity and existing systems.
Requirements of ISO 20121:2024
The updated standard requires organizations to:
- Identify sustainability issues material to the event and stakeholders
- Define and communicate a sustainability policy
- Set objectives aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Engage all parties including suppliers, volunteers, attendees, and community groups
- Assess risks and opportunities in environmental, social, and economic areas
- Monitor KPIs such as energy usage, waste generation, emissions, noise, and accessibility
- Continuously improve the system based on feedback and post-event evaluations
The 2024 revision emphasizes digital inclusion, circular economy principles, and alignment with broader ESG goals.
Benefits of ISO 20121 Certification
- Enhances reputation and credibility with stakeholders, clients, and regulators
- Reduces environmental footprint and improves resource efficiency
- Improves stakeholder engagement and social responsibility outcomes
- Minimizes legal and reputational risks
- Supports funding, sponsorships, and tender eligibility
- Provides a competitive edge in an increasingly sustainability-conscious market
Gain these benefits with ISO 20121 and Pacific Certifications — support@pacificcert.com.
Trends and Global Relevance
Sustainable events are becoming the norm rather than the exception. From net-zero commitments to green supply chains, ISO 20121 is a key driver of change in the global events industry. Major events like the Olympics, COP summits, and world expos have adopted its principles.
As stakeholders demand transparency and accountability, ISO 20121 positions certified organizations to lead in innovation, community integration, and long-term value creation. It supports compliance with local environmental laws, ESG reporting, and procurement frameworks that favor certified suppliers.
How Pacific Certifications Can Help
We at Pacific Certifications are equipped to guide you through the full ISO 20121 certification lifecycle. We help event professionals embed sustainability principles while ensuring regulatory compliance and operational excellence.
Our services include:
- Sustainability readiness assessments
- Policy and impact framework development
- Stakeholder mapping and consultation strategies
- Monitoring and measurement system setup
- Internal audits and final certification services
Start your sustainability journey with Pacific Certifications, support@pacificcert.com.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is ISO 20121 mandatory for events?
No, but it is increasingly recognized and often required in public procurement and sponsorship.
Can ISO 20121 be applied to virtual events?
Yes, virtual and hybrid events can apply the same principles to reduce digital carbon footprints and ensure accessibility.
Does ISO 20121 require third-party audits?
Yes, for formal certification. Self-assessment is possible for internal purposes but lacks external credibility.
Can small event organizers adopt ISO 20121?
Absolutely. The standard is scalable and adaptable to any event size or budget.
How long is certification valid?
Typically 3 years, with annual surveillance audits.
Ready to get ISO 20121 certified?
Contact Pacific Certifications to begin your certification journey today!
Suggested Certifications –
