A revised version of the international standard for
sustainable event management has been published, with a stronger emphasis on
legacy, human rights, and compliance.
Pioneered by the organising committee for the Olympic Games
London 2012, ISO 20121 has become a lodestar for organisations, big or small,
wanting to produce sustainable events.
The standard has become one of the sustainability requirements for
every Olympic Games since London and is also increasingly used by major sports
and other event organisers.
The newly updated version – which will be applied by the
Olympic Games Paris 2024 organising committee - will be called ISO 20121: 2014 and
replaces the old version.
Now twelve years old, the standard can be applied to events of all
types and sizes, and encourages organisations to manage social, economic, and
environmental impacts responsibly.
Credible
Fiona Pelham, head of Positive Impact Events, and chair of the project
committee for the revision
of ISO20121, said: “ISO
standards are recognised by government and business as a tool to shape policy
and strategy. The revision of ISO20121:2024 increases focus on climate change, human
rights and legacy when planning and delivering an event. At a time when
regulations on greenwashing are increasing, ISO 20121:2024 is the only
credible way forward.”
More
information on the ISO standard for sustainable event management can be found here
and here.
Written By
James Lancaster
AMI editor James
Lancaster is a familiar face in the meetings industry and international
association community. Since joining AMI in 2010, he has gained a reputation
for asking difficult questions and getting lost in convention centres. Proofer, podcaster, and panellist - in his spare time, James likes to walk,
read, listen to music, and drink beer.
