Interview
WWW.IBTMEVENTS.COM
An Interview With . . . Charlie Banks
As the “British Standard BS8901 - Sustainability for the Events Industry” becomes an International Standard we ask our Sustainability Advisor and expert, Charlie Banks to explain its importance.
Q What is ISO 20121? ISO 20121 Event Sustainability is a management system standard that has been created for the implementation of sustainability in the events industry. It is a standard that is specific to the event industry so it can be used by suppliers, venues, event organisers, caterers and following the framework of the standard will mean that sustainability (economic, environmental and social impacts) is considered at every decision point in the planning of an event.
Q How was the standard developed? ISO 20121 was developed after BS8901, the British standard for sustainability in events, was being used around the world. The development of an ISO happens when all counties’ standards bodies are asked if they would like to be involved in the development of an international version of a national standard. Over 30 countries were involved in the development of ISO 20121 including Japan, China, Canada, USA, Sweden, Germany, Spain and also a number of liaison bodies and associations from the industry such as MPI. Fiona Pelham, our Managing Director and the IBTM Sustainability Advisor was the Chair of the Standard.
Q When is ISO 20121 going to be launched? ISO 20121 is due to be launched in the summer of 2012 in time for the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympic Games.
Q Why is the standard important for the event industry? ISO 20121 is important because it is an internationally recognised framework and was created by the event industry for the event industry. The adoption of the ISO standard will change the event industry because it will support them to consider their economic, environmental and social impacts.
Q Who is implementing the standard currently? There are a number of organisations that are leading with implementing ISO 20121 and these organisations started by implementing the British Standard BS8901. For example EIBTM, one of the IBTM shows, has been implementing BS8901 for a number of years now and will be ready to make some changes to ensure their management system is ready for ISO 20121. This is especially relevant as EIBTM is based in Barcelona and their attendees travel from around the world to visit so it makes sense that they would be implementing an international standard to showcase their sustainability leadership.
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