IOC events re-certified to highest sustainability standard

Meeting the highest international benchmarks for durability, the corporate contests organised by the International Olympic Committee were re-certified under the updated ISO 20121:2024 guideline this week.

The IOC's certification applies to the corporate events it organises and funds directly, including IOC Sessions, commission meetings, Olympic Day events, the International Athletes' Forum, and other institutional conferences and gatherings. "We are proud to have achieved re-certification under ISO 20121:2024," commented Panos Tzivanidis, the IOC's director of Corporate Events and Services. "This certification recognises the progress we have made in reducing the emissions linked to our events, strengthening our collaboration with suppliers, and placing greater emphasis on social responsibility in event delivery," he added.

The re-certification reflects advances made since the IOC's initial certification in 2023 across three main areas: reducing the environmental impact of corporate events linked to travel, logistics and operations; strengthening supplier selection and monitoring; and sharpening the focus on labour standards in event delivery.

The work sits within the IOC's broader drive to cut its corporate carbon footprint, an effort that resulted in a 30% reduction by the end of 2024 compared with the 2016-2019 baseline period, alongside a commitment to achieve a 50% reduction by 2030. The certification process also acknowledges progress in how the IOC works with suppliers, including more advanced sustainability practices and continued engagement with regular providers in areas such as branding and signage, technical production, and temporary construction.

The re-certification further reflects increased attention to respecting labour standards across the supply chain, covering issues such as working conditions, health and safety, oversight of subcontractors, and access to grievance mechanisms.

Developed as part of the legacy of the London 2012 Olympic Games, the ISO 20121 standard offers a framework for organisations to integrate environmental and social considerations into the planning and delivery of events. Paris 2024 helped drive an update to the system to encompass themes such as impact and legacy, human rights, climate action and accessibility.

Alongside applying ISO 20121:2024 to its own events, the IOC is also supporting its wider promotion and uptake across the Olympic Movement, including the Olympic Games, International Federations, National Federations and event organisers.