ISO 20121 Sustainable Events Management System Certification

Achieve sustainable event management with ISO 20121 certification. Demonstrate commitment to environmental, social, and economic best practices for events of any size.
ISO 20121 is the international standard for event sustainability management systems. It provides a structured framework for embedding environmental, social, and economic considerations into event planning and delivery. Kiwa’s certification service includes defining the scope of your management system, supporting integration of sustainability principles, guiding internal audits, and conducting mandatory assessments and surveillance to achieve and maintain certification.

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What is ISO 20121?

ISO 20121 certification is designed for event organizers, venues, agencies, conference planners, festival coordinators, and corporate event teams. It is suitable for both single events and organizations managing a portfolio of events, regardless of size or sector, seeking to integrate sustainability into their operations. 

 

Why Choose Kiwa?

Kiwa is a globally recognized certification body with deep expertise in sustainable event management. Clients benefit from a structured audit path, experienced assessors, and tailored support throughout the certification process. Kiwa’s independent approach ensures credible, transparent results, helping organizations identify cost-saving opportunities, manage sustainability risks, and build trust with stakeholders. The certification process is designed to be scalable and adaptable, supporting both single events and complex event portfolios. 

The certification process with Kiwa

    Submit a quote request

    Kiwa reviews your event scope and prepares a tailored certification proposal.

    Book the assessment

    Schedule two mandatory audit visits (Stage 1 and Stage 2) to evaluate your management system. The system must be operational for at least three months and include a completed internal audit and management review.

    Certification decision and issuance

    After a successful Stage 2 audit, the certificate is issued in both hard and soft copy.

    Ongoing surveillance

    Certification is valid for three years, with surveillance audits in years one and two, and a recertification audit in year three.

Benefits of the Service

Integrates easily with other management systems

Combine ISO 20121 with ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 for unified, efficient operations.

Identifies cost-saving opportunities

Aid in improving resource use, reducing waste, and engaging the supply chain.

Enhances transparency and credibility

Enhance transparency and credibility in sustainability performance, supporting stakeholder communication.

Mitigates risks related to environmental, social, and economic impacts

Identify and manage potential sustainability challenges proactively.

Drives continual improvement

Support an ongoing cycle of review and enhancement for event sustainability practices.

Strengthens organizational reputation and stakeholder confidence

Demonstrate a credible commitment to responsible event delivery.

Frequent Q&A

What types of events can ISO 20121 cover?

ISO 20121 applies to both single events and entire portfolios. The key requirement is a defined management system scope that covers the relevant event(s). 

How long does it take to achieve certification?

The timeline depends on your organization’s readiness and scope. The management system must be operational for at least three months, with completed internal audits and management review, before the certification audits can be scheduled. 

How long is the certificate valid?

Certification is valid for three years, with surveillance audits in the first and second years, and a recertification audit in the third year. 

Can ISO 20121 be integrated with other standards?

Yes, ISO 20121 is designed to integrate with other management systems such as ISO 9001 and ISO 14001, supporting unified and efficient operations.

What are the main benefits of ISO 20121 certification?

Certification demonstrates a credible commitment to sustainability, improves resource efficiency, reduces risks, and enhances reputation with stakeholders.

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