What is ISO 20121?
ISO 20121 specifies requirements for an event sustainability management system, helping organisations involved in events improve the sustainability of their activities across the economic, environmental and social dimensions.
Originally developed around the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and updated as ISO 20121:2024, it applies to the whole event supply chain — organisers, venues, caterers, production companies and more.
For UK event businesses it is a recognised way to evidence sustainability credentials to clients, sponsors and local authorities, and to manage the environmental and social impacts of temporary, high-footprint activities.
How to get ISO 20121 certified
- Identify your events, stakeholders and sustainability issues.
- Set a sustainability policy, objectives and governance for events.
- Implement controls across procurement, logistics, waste and community impact.
- Deliver events under the system and capture performance data.
- Run internal audits and management review.
- Certify with a UKAS-accredited body and maintain via surveillance and three-yearly re-certification.
Choosing a certification body
For a certificate to carry weight, choose a body accredited by UKAS, the UK's national accreditation body. Accredited certification is recognised by customers and procurement teams; unaccredited certificates often are not. Get quotes from at least three bodies, as fees vary.
How much does ISO 20121 certification cost?
There is no single price — total cost depends on your organisation's size, how much you already have in place, the number of sites, and whether you use a consultant. Broadly, the cost splits into three parts: implementation (building the system), the certification audit (paid to the certification body), and ongoing costs (annual surveillance and a three-yearly re-certification).
- Audit timing often needs to coincide with a live event, which can affect scheduling and cost.
- Supply-chain engagement is a notable internal effort given the temporary nature of events.
- A relatively light standard to certify for smaller organisers.
To get a tailored figure for your organisation, use our free calculator:
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