Is your company ready for ISO 20121? A checklist to assess your readiness

Embedding sustainability in event management through ISO 20121

The ISO 20121 standard provides a recognised framework for sustainable event management, helping organisations identify, monitor, and reduce environmental, social, and economic impacts.

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Developed with input from international stakeholders, including the London 2012 Olympic Games, the standard requires companies to embed sustainability in decision-making, operational planning, and organisational culture. A preliminary assessment of internal readiness often represents a necessary first step before pursuing certification.

Using a checklist to analyse environmental impacts

One of the central principles of ISO 20121 is the systematic evaluation of the environmental impacts generated by events. Organisations are expected to identify the most relevant factors related to their activities, such as energy consumption, waste generation, transport emissions, water use, and the materials used during event production.

A structured analysis provides the basis for setting sustainability priorities and monitoring improvements over time. Without this baseline, it becomes difficult to demonstrate meaningful progress.

Managing suppliers responsibly

Event production involves a wide network of external partners, including catering providers, logistics companies, staging suppliers, printing services, and technical teams. Because of this, a significant portion of an event’s environmental and social impact depends on decisions made throughout the supply chain.

ISO 20121 encourages organisations to incorporate sustainability considerations into procurement policies and supplier relationships, and this may involve establishing sustainability criteria for selecting partners, including environmental commitments in contracts, or requesting transparency regarding materials, waste management practices, and labour standards.

Engaging stakeholders in the sustainability process

Another important aspect of ISO 20121 concerns the involvement of stakeholders, since sustainable event management requires dialogue with a variety of actors who may be affected by or contribute to the event itself, including employees, event participants, sponsors, suppliers, local communities, and public authorities.

When stakeholders clearly understand the organisation’s sustainability goals and the reasons behind them, it becomes easier to build cooperation and encourage the development of practical solutions that effectively support those objectives.

Defining measurable sustainability objectives

A sustainability strategy becomes meaningful only when it translates into concrete and measurable targets. ISO 20121 therefore requires organisations to define objectives that can be monitored and evaluated over time, such as reducing waste generated during events, increasing the proportion of recyclable materials used in installations, encouraging sustainable transport options for participants, and prioritising local suppliers. The specific targets will vary depending on the size and nature of the organisation’s activities.

Regular monitoring of these indicators allows organisations to assess progress and identify opportunities for improvement. Over time, this process contributes to building a culture in which sustainability becomes an integral part of event planning and organisational strategy.

Assessing readiness before certification

Preparing for ISO 20121 certification is a gradual process that involves reflection, planning, and organisational alignment. Conducting an assessment through a practical checklist can help organisations understand their current level of readiness and identify potential gaps before formally entering the certification process.

By analysing environmental impacts, strengthening supplier management, involving stakeholders, and establishing measurable sustainability objectives, organisations can build a solid foundation for sustainable event management. Once these elements are in place, the transition towards ISO 20121 certification becomes a natural step within a broader commitment to responsible and transparent business practices.

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