Event sustainability certification Overview of different sustainability standards in the event sector, as well the certification and assessment services iCompli can provide to organisations.

1. Event Sustainability Certification
Three international standards have been developed to help event professionals incorporate sustainability practices and
improve performance of their events.
If you are an industry leader in adopting sustainability practices, independent third party review and certification to industry
standards can add credibility to your sustainability claims and help differentiate your offering – whether you are an event
organizer, venue, exhibitor or supplier.
The process of certification by an independent third party can also provide valuable insights that can lead to process
improvements in internal systems and management procedures, as well as identify potential risks. Third party certification
from iCompli is public recognition of your organization’s commitment to improving the sustainability of events.
The Standards
1. The ISO 20121 Event Sustainability Management System – a management system standard which provides an
overall framework to support the implementation of sustainability in the events industry. The standard was developed
by the Geneva-based International Organization for Standardization, the world’s largest developer of voluntary international standards.
2. The ASTM Environmentally Sustainable Meeting Standards (E2741-2747, 2773, 2774) – a set of nine individual
“sector” standards developed by the meetings, conventions, exhibitions and events industry in partnership with ASTM
International, a global standards setting body. The standards provide event planners and suppliers with prescriptive,
measurable specifications for producing events in a more sustainable manner.
3. The GRI Event Organizers Sector Supplement – a sector-specific supplement to GRI’s Sustainability Reporting
Guidelines that addresses how event organizers should report on their economic, social and environmental performance, including: site selection, transportation, sourcing of materials and services, managing impacts on communities
and economies, among others.
Services
1. Certification – independent third party assessment of sustainability practices to assure that specified requirements of
the relevant standard have been demonstrated.
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Review documentation in the form of hard copy and digital policies, plans, and records.
Interview applicant’s sustainability staff to supplement the document review.
Issue an assurance opinion letter that can be publicly used by the applicant to demonstrate independent
certification of compliance to relevant standard
Issue a private management letter that provides specific recommendations for improvement.
Issue electronic and print certificates of compliance for public use by applicant.
Distribute a press release that the applicant has been certified in compliance with relevant standard.
2. Assessment – “Gap Analysis” of your organization’s sustainability practices compared to the performance
requirements of the ISO and ASTM event sustainability standards, and the reporting requirements of the GRI Event
Organizers Sector Supplement.
For more information
Karl Pfalzgraf, LEED® Green Associate
Vice President
Sustainability Assurance
iCompli
100 Beard Sawmill Road, 6th Floor
Shelton, CT 06484
Office: 203.447.2817
Cell: 908.419.0066
KPfalzgraf@bpaww.com
www.icomplisustainability.com
from BPA Worldwide