COP26 achieves certification against sustainable events standard by BSI

18 November 2021

The planning and delivery of this year’s COP26 event in Glasgow has achieved certification against ISO 20121: Sustainable Events Management following an audit by BSI, the business improvement and standards company.

BSI sustainability experts conducted an audit and worked with event organizers to independently assess activities, products and services which made up the 12-day event. This included sustainability measures across supply chains, venue facilities and waste management.

Certification to ISO 20121 confirms an organizations’ sustainability commitment in relation to an event. The scheme demonstrates that an event is planned, managed and delivered with consideration for environmental, social and economic impacts throughout the event management cycle.

Pietro Foschi, Group Director Assurance Services at BSI, said:

“Prioritizing sustainability goals is essential to the success and resilience of an organization. The commitments made at COP26 highlight the approach we must all adopt, and the processes implemented by the Cabinet Office – COP26 Unit set a benchmark in this space.

“It is important that all event organizers now move towards a more ethical and sustainable approach. We at BSI are proud to support this journey and will continue to work alongside industry and society to accelerate the adoption of sustainable measures.”

The G7 Summit was also assessed by BSI and was certified against the Sustainable Events Management scheme in August this year.