Here at Aspect we are very proud to announce that we have recently been awarded ISO 20121 certification, making us one of the few UK event companies to take event sustainability to a whole new level…while inspiring audiences. As sustainability is an intrinsic part of all of our roles, we’ve used the classic system of what/who/how/why/when to tell you a bit more about what this means…
So what’s it all about?
Put simply, ISO 20121 is a management system that helps organisations to improve the sustainability of their event related activities, products and services. In order to meet the requirements, an organisation has to identify what they can do to become more socially responsible and reduce their environmental footprint, then put systems in place to make sure this happens. These requirements are also likely to appear in our clients’ corporate social responsibility policies and so ISO 20121 has the benefit of helping our clients meet their targets too.
Who does it affect?
Everyone.
There are many groups of people who are influenced or affected by an event managed by Aspect Ltd including our clients, suppliers, event partners, venue…the list goes on. All of these have a part to play in making the event as sustainable as possible.
How can you help?
When you get down to the fine detail of ISO 20121, it is no more complicated than using a common sense approach from the start of a project. Through every stage of the process, ask yourself, could I be doing this in a more environmentally friendly way?
Our top 5 things to consider are:
Materials – use materials which are recyclable
Collateral – design collateral to be re-usable
Waste – order correct quantities and avoid print re-runs by making sure things are right the first time
Transport – consider travel time to and from the venue for suppliers and participants
Energy – minimise energy used at an event
Why do it?
As you set off to an event, you may think, what difference is it going to make if I use public transport this one time, instead of travelling in the comfort of my car? Yet if everyone going to that event were to use public transport, or car share, it would make a big difference to the carbon footprint. To use a winter-themed analogy (as the season is fast approaching)…’an individual snowflake may seem like a small thing, but just look at what they can do when they stick together.’
When should you implement this?
Now.
Whilst ISO 20121 is not currently legislated, we want you to join Aspect in staying ahead of the curve as we strive to give our clients a ‘sleep at night’ factor, knowing that their projects are undertaken in a sustainable way.
Conclusion
The ISO 20121 governing body sum it up nicely, stating that the ISO ‘challenges “business as usual” and drives creativity and innovation, which in turn can provide organisations with a competitive edge.’ Aspect is proud to be part of this global movement and invites you to join us in this journey as we help you to inspire audiences and know that in doing so, every step is being made to ensure your own sustainability values are being upheld.
To find out more about ISO 20121 and how Aspect can help make your event more sustainable while inspiring your audience, contact Jo Randle, CEO at jo.randle@aspect.ltd.uk or telephone +44 (0)208 2828 7575.
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