The events industry has taken steps to be more environmentally friendly. Despite the economic and social benefits of hosting concerts and conferences, considerable waste and other negative environmental impacts often occur.
The BS 8901 standard was created specifically for the event industry to help you operate in a more sustainable way. This standard has been very successful around the world and has led to the development in draft form of a new international standard ISO 20121. ISO 20121 is expected to be finalized in 2012 to coincide with the London Olympic Games.
The social and economic benefits of hosting conferences, concerts, and festivals are enormous. However, despite these benefits, the events industry also has a responsibility to the environment. The events industry needs to address the considerable waste and other negative social and environmental impacts that result from holding events.
One such organization that has enjoyed the success of receiving the coveted BS 8901 certificate is Croke Park Stadium in Ireland. Croke Park has become the first stadium in the world to receive BS 8901. The certification is audited by the SGS Ireland group of international standards and recognizes quality in event management. The stadium was audited in three main categories: Environment, Social and Economic as part of this certification of the sustainability management system.
BS 8901 was largely boosted by the Olympics, but it has proven to be a hit in the events industry. BS 8901 was first published in November 2007 and was revised and reissued in September 2009. BS 8901 shares common management system principles and processes with ISO 9001 on Quality Management and ISO 14001 on Environmental management. The BS 8901 standard defines the requirements for the management of sustainability events to ensure a long-lasting and balanced approach to economic activity, environmental responsibility and social progress in relation to events. If the organization has already met any of these standards, it will be in a better position to adopt BS 8901 certification.
The events industry has given BS 8901 positive feedback not only in the UK but around the world. The success of this standard has led to its development in the draft ISO 20121. ISO 20121 is an international standard that will use BS 8901 as a starting point and the 30 countries participating in this ISO process will contribute to the development. of the standard. This will have the effect of building on what BS 8901 was and creating a unique international document around sustainability.
ISO 20121 will adopt a management systems approach that requires the identification of key sustainability issues, such as site selection, operating procedures, supply chain management, procurement, communications, transportation, among others. . Like BS 8901, the global standard will be suitable for all sizes and types of events. Additionally, implementing the recommended systems will not only help reduce a company’s social and environmental impact, it is also likely to increase business efficiency and lower costs.
ISO 20121 is expected to be finalized in 2012 to coincide with the London Olympics. All international standards bodies have been invited to be part of the development process and those who decide to participate will build on BS 8901 to create ISO 20121.