Sustainable event standards to be developed by 2012

The International Organization for Standardization is working to develop an international standard — ISO 20121 — to promote the sustainable management of events and exhibitions. Expected to be finalized by 2012, the standard will require identification of key sustainability issues such as venue selection, operating procedures, supply chain management, procurement, communication and transport. The standard will be applicable to any organization or individual (clients, suppliers or event managers) working with all types of events (exhibitions, sporting competitions, concerts, etc.).

“As sustainability is becoming increasingly important for the event industry, individuals, companies and countries are setting multiple and differing standards,” says Elizabeth Henderson, Director of Corporate Social Responsibility at Meeting Professionals International. “ISO 20121 will be developed with extensive stakeholder engagement so the industry can have one internationally recognized framework to implement sustainability.”

The proposal for the development of the standard was jointly submitted by the ISO members for Brazil and the United Kingdom, following London’s bid for the 2012 Olympics, which recognized the need for the standard. ISO 20121 is expected to be finalized in 2012 in conjunction with the London Olympics.

About 30 countries are currently involved as participants or observers in the effort.

Tags: International Organization for Standardization, ISO, ISO 20121, London 2012, London Olympics, Sustainable event standards, Sustainable Events

Category: Event Sustainability