The Middle East and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region are increasingly focusing on sustainability across various sectors, including event management. The adoption of the ISO 20121:2024 standard for sustainable event management highlights this trend, providing a framework for integrating sustainability throughout the event planning process.
In partnership with SGS, the world's leading inspection, verification, testing, and certification company, organizations in the Middle East and GCC can now elevate their event sustainability practices to new heights. This article delves into what ISO 20121 entails, its workings, target audience, certification process, and why SGS is your go-to for ISO 20121 in the Middle East and GCC Region.
ISO 20121 is an international standard that provides guidelines for managing events in a sustainable manner. It emphasizes reducing the negative impacts on the environment, economy, and society, thereby promoting a positive legacy.
Initially launched for the London 2012 Olympics, ISO 20121 has been revised for the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics, catering to events of all sizes with adaptable complexity.
Key Updates to ISO 20121:2024
The ISO 20121 standard operates on a management systems approach, incorporating the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle to ensure continuous improvement.
ISO 20121 is designed for any organization involved in the event industry, from small firms to large enterprises, including:
In the process of obtaining ISO 20121 certification, several key sustainability management mechanisms are rigorously assessed, reflecting the standard's comprehensive approach to sustainable event planning and execution:
These mechanisms highlight the certification's role in promoting sustainable management practices across various aspects of event organization, ensuring events can achieve a positive impact socially, economically, and environmentally.
Achieving ISO 20121 certification involves several key steps, ensuring your event management practices meet global sustainability standards.
Events have a significant impact on the environment and economy, affecting water and energy consumption, solid waste production, biodiversity, employment, and supplier selection. Implementing an ISO 20121 sustainability management system is essential for organizations looking to mitigate these impacts while setting and achieving realistic sustainability targets.
Local Expertise in Events Sustainability
With our local presence in major Middle East and GCC countries like UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Jordan, and Kuwait, SGS showcases event management expertise, guiding organizations toward ambitious event sustainability goals. Highlighted by our collaboration with Qatar 2022, the first FIFA World Cup™ to achieve international sustainability certification.
Education and Training
Beyond certification, SGS is committed to building your team's capacity through education and workshops. These sessions, led by seasoned SGS local professionals, cover the audit and implementation processes of the ISO 20121 standard, equipping your team with the knowledge and skills needed for successful certification.
Assessment and Certification Audits
SGS conducts the necessary assessment and certification audits, providing a seamless path to ISO 20121 certification. This rigorous audit process ensures that your event management practices meet the highest standards of sustainability.
Choosing SGS for your ISO 20121 certification means partnering with a leader in sustainability and certification services. With SGS’s support, your organization can not only achieve certification but also demonstrate a genuine commitment to sustainable event management, setting a benchmark in the industry and contributing positively to the environment and society.
We are SGS – the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for sustainability, quality and integrity. Our 99,600 employees operate a network of 2,600 offices and laboratories around the world.
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