Highest sustainability standards confirmed for IOC corporate events

The IOC’s certification applies to the corporate events it organises and finances directly, such as IOC Sessions, commission meetings, Olympic Day events, the International Athletes’ Forum, and other conferences and institutional gatherings.

“We are proud to have achieved re-certification to the ISO 20121:2024 standard,” said Panos Tzivanidis, IOC Corporate Events and Services Director. “It recognises the progress we have made in reducing emissions linked to our events, strengthening the way we work with suppliers, and giving greater attention to social responsibility in event delivery. It also provides a practical framework for continual improvement, helping us ensure that sustainability considerations are integrated into procurement, operations, stakeholder engagement and event delivery, and that progress can be monitored over time.”

Progress in carbon reduction, supplier engagement and social responsibility

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

This work sits alongside the IOC’s broader efforts to reduce its corporate carbon footprint, which resulted in a 30 per cent reduction by the end of 2024, compared with the 2016–2019 baseline, and which includes a commitment to a 50 per cent reduction by 2030.

The certification process also recognises progress in the way the IOC engages with its suppliers, with more advanced sustainability practices and the continued work with recurring suppliers in areas such as look and signage, technical production and temporary construction.

The re-certification also reflects greater attention to the respect of labour standards in supplier engagement, including matters such as working conditions, health and safety, monitoring of subcontractors and access to grievance mechanisms.

Developed as a legacy of the London 2012 Olympic Games, ISO 20121 provides a framework for organisations to integrate environmental and social considerations into event planning and delivery. An update of the system was spearheaded by Paris 2024, to encompass topics such as impact and legacy, human rights, climate action and accessibility.

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

To find out more about the IOC’s sustainability efforts, click here.