ISO 20121 is an international standard that establishes the requirements to help organizations and individuals improve the sustainability of their event-related activities. It offers a practical tool so that the activities, products and services related to an event can contribute to the three dimensions of sustainability – economic, environmental and social.
This standard, officially known as ISO 20121:2012, Event sustainability management systems – Requirements with guidance for use was published on June 2012 by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
ISO 20121:2012 has been designed to address the management of improved sustainability throughout the entire event management cycle.
ISO 20121 can be implemented as a stand-alone standard or it can be integrated to an organization’s existing management systems such as ISO 9001 (quality) or ISO 14001 (environmental).

Who can apply for ISO 20121?
Organizations which are looking to remove/reduce negative social, economic and environmental impacts can apply for this standard. These negative impacts can be reduced through improved planning and processes by implementing this standard in organization
Main clauses in ISO 20121:
Clause no. 4 context of organization
Clause no 5 leadership
Clause no. 6 planning
Clause no. 7 support
Clause no. 8 operation
Clause no. 9 performance evaluation
Clause no. 10 improvement
Benefits of ISO 20121:
- Improve planning
- Control the amount of waste generated/produced
- Improve the image and credibility of the event
- Reach a wider audience and grow your access to sponsors
- Better employee motivation and retention
- Reduce costs by better management of materials, waste reduction and energy management
- Competitive tendering
- Improve profitability
- Better client, supplier and community relations
- Roles, responsibilities of staff, suppliers are identified
