BS ISO 20121:2024

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What is BS ISO 20121 Event sustainability management systems about?

The latest revision, BS ISO 20121:2024 aims to help organizations improve the sustainability of their events and event-related activities.

Who is BS ISO 20121 Event sustainability management systems for?

This standard is for all types and sizes of organizations involved in the design and delivery of events, and any organization that hosts or organizes events, both internal and external. Users will include:

• business consulting services and management consulting services
• real estate agents and managers
• business services
• membership sports and recreational clubs
• event organizations
• event production companies, e.g. AV companies
• exhibition and convention centres
• event professionals
• the meetings and event planner industry
• conference centres

What does BS ISO 20121 Event sustainability management systems cover?

It specifies requirements for an event sustainability management system for any type of event or event-related activity, and provides guidance on conforming to those requirements.BS ISO 20121:2024 applies to any organization that wishes to:

• establish, implement, maintain and improve an event sustainability management system;
• ensure that it is in conformity with its stated sustainable development policy;
• achieve the intended result(s) of its event sustainability management system;
• demonstrate voluntary conformity with this document by: first party (self-determination and self-declaration); second party (confirmation of conformance by parties having an interest in the organization, such as clients, or by other persons on their behalf); an independent third party (e.g. a certification body).

Why should you use BS ISO 20121 Event sustainability management systems?

• Sustainability: it helps organizations and individuals to improve the sustainability of their event related activities and supports organizations that have not formally addressed sustainable development to start to implement a sustainable event management system.
• Comprehensiveness: it covers every aspect of running a sustainable event, including leadership, planning, communications, supply chain management and performance measurement. It also includes guidance and information to help an organization implement the standard effectively.
• Impact: it helps organizations recognize their relationship with and impact on society; and society's expectations of events.
• Performance: it challenges organizations to improve their processes and thinking, leading to continual performance improvement.
• Flexibility: it allows and encourages organizations to be more flexible and creative about the delivery of event-related activities without detracting from the aim of the event.
• Integration: organizations with existing management systems can integrate the requirements of BS ISO 20121 into their existing systems.
• Current: the revision reflects innovations and developments in the events industry over the last decade including hybrid and virtual events.
• Alignment: it aligns with current global sustainability frameworks, goals and reporting standards including the UN SDGs, UNFCC, Race to Zero and The Paris Agreement.

What has changed?

BS ISO 20121:2024 supersedes BS ISO 20121:2012. The revision has been designed to address the management of improved sustainability throughout the entire event management cycle. Changes include:

• The text, clause sequence and relevant definitions have been aligned with the harmonized structure for management system standards.
• Requirements now consider the impact of specific issues including climate change when considering the context of the organization.
• An extended list of issues is introduced which can, where applicable, be identified and evaluated including human and child rights and social impacts.
• Additional examples of interested parties to be engaged with, where relevant, are introduced, including partners and sponsors.
• There are new commitments for the policy including reporting on achievements and lessons learnt.
• There is an increased focus on the supply chain demonstrating sustainability.