Top 10 ISO 20121 Certification Bodies in Canada – Get Certified with SCS

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ISO 20121 Certification in Canada: A Guide for Event Organizations

Canada hosts corporate conferences, trade exhibitions, sporting competitions, music festivals, public celebrations and international business events. Behind each event is a network of organizers, venues, contractors, caterers, transport companies and other service providers. Their decisions influence waste generation, energy consumption, accessibility, purchasing practices and the experience of participants and local communities.

ISO 20121 certification in Canada helps organizations establish a structured approach to managing these sustainability impacts. The standard provides a framework for identifying relevant issues, assigning responsibilities, setting objectives, managing suppliers and evaluating results.

It is relevant to event management companies, convention centres, exhibition organizers, festival operators, sports organizations, corporate event departments and businesses that provide event-related services.

Canadian organizations must also consider the requirements that apply to their activities and locations. These can include municipal event permits, provincial accessibility rules, waste-management arrangements, occupational health and safety obligations, fire safety requirements and other applicable legislation.

For businesses planning events in multiple provinces, a consistent sustainability management system can help coordinate activities while allowing each location to address its specific legal and operational requirements.

This guide explains ISO 20121:2024, its application in Canada, certification preparation, cost considerations and the factors to consider when selecting a certification body.

What Is ISO 20121:2024?

ISO 20121:2024 is the international standard for event sustainability management systems. It establishes requirements and provides guidance for organizations seeking to manage the environmental, social and economic impacts associated with events.

Published in April 2024, this second edition replaced ISO 20121:2012. Organizations preparing for certification should ensure that their implementation and audit arrangements address the applicable 2024 edition.

Official standard reference: https://www.iso.org/standard/86389.html

ISO 20121 is not limited to large international events. It can be applied to organizations of different sizes, provided the management system reflects their activities, objectives and defined scope.

The standard encourages organizations to move beyond isolated sustainability initiatives. Instead of simply introducing recycling bins or reducing printed materials, an organization establishes a system for planning, operating, measuring and improving its sustainability performance.

For example, a Canadian exhibition organizer might introduce supplier requirements for booth materials, coordinate waste collection with venue management, review exhibitor communications and measure the quantity of materials recovered after the event.

A corporate event team might focus on venue selection, catering, accessible participant services, transportation and purchasing decisions.

The appropriate approach depends on the organization's activities and the sustainability issues associated with its events.

Why Canadian Organizations Consider ISO 20121 Certification

Event sustainability involves more than environmental performance. It also includes social considerations, responsible purchasing, stakeholder engagement and the economic effects associated with event activities.

A documented management system helps organizations coordinate these responsibilities and evaluate whether their commitments are being achieved.

Improve Event Planning

Organizations can identify sustainability impacts before an event begins. Planning may cover transportation, energy and water use, materials, catering, waste, accessibility and community considerations.

This allows event teams to address important issues during planning instead of attempting to resolve them after arrangements have already been finalized.

Strengthen Supplier Management

Events often depend on external providers for catering, audiovisual equipment, transportation, security, cleaning, temporary structures and waste collection.

ISO 20121 can help organizations establish appropriate supplier selection criteria, communicate sustainability expectations and evaluate supplier performance.

For example, an organizer may consider reusable serviceware, packaging, waste collection arrangements and accessible services when evaluating potential suppliers.

Establish Measurable Sustainability Objectives

Organizations can set objectives that reflect their activities and available resources.

These might include reducing unnecessary printed materials, improving the recovery of reusable event equipment, increasing supplier participation or improving the measurement of event-related emissions.

Objectives should be supported by suitable indicators and reliable information.

Address Accessibility and Inclusion

Sustainable event management should consider the needs of participants, employees, contractors, volunteers and other interested parties.

Depending on the event, this may involve accessible registration, suitable seating, accessible routes and washrooms, communication support and clear information about venue facilities.

Organizations should identify the accessibility requirements that apply to their specific operations and locations.

Support Client and Tender Requirements

Corporate clients, public organizations, venue operators and event partners may request evidence of structured sustainability management.

ISO 20121 certification can provide evidence that an organization's management system has undergone an independent assessment against the applicable standard.

Certification does not guarantee that an event has no negative impacts, nor does it automatically demonstrate compliance with every applicable Canadian law. Its value depends on the defined scope, effective implementation and ongoing performance.

ISO 20121 Requirements and Their Application in Canada

Organizations preparing for certification should understand the main management-system requirements and how they apply to their event-related activities.

Clause 4: Context of the Organization

The organization must determine the internal and external issues relevant to its purpose and the intended results of its event sustainability management system.

For a Canadian event organizer, these issues may include:

• Types of events managed and their locations.

• Client, sponsor and participant expectations.

• Venue capabilities and available infrastructure.

• Transportation access and travel patterns.

• Waste collection and recycling arrangements.

• Seasonal weather and climate-related conditions.

• Accessibility and inclusion considerations.

• Supplier availability and procurement practices.

• Applicable legal and contractual obligations.

• Potential effects on local communities.

The organization must also establish the management-system scope.

For example, a company operating in Toronto, Vancouver and Montréal should define which services and locations are included. It should consider the operating differences and applicable requirements relevant to each location.

Clause 5: Leadership

Top management must demonstrate leadership and commitment to the management system.

This includes establishing an appropriate sustainability policy, assigning responsibilities and ensuring that relevant resources are available.

Sustainability should be considered in decisions involving budgets, venue selection, procurement, event design and operational planning. It should not be treated solely as a communications or marketing responsibility.

Clause 6: Planning

Planning involves identifying relevant sustainability issues, risks and opportunities and establishing appropriate objectives.

Depending on the organization's activities, objectives may include reducing waste sent for disposal, improving material recovery, strengthening supplier participation, improving accessibility or measuring avoidable travel-related emissions.

Objectives should have suitable indicators, responsibilities, resources and timeframes.

Organizations should also identify applicable legal and other requirements and establish arrangements to keep this information current.

Clause 7: Support

Organizations must provide the resources, competence, awareness, communication arrangements and documented information needed to operate the management system.

Relevant records may include training materials, sustainability policies, supplier guidance, communication plans, responsibilities and operational procedures.

Training should reflect each person's duties. Event managers, procurement personnel, contractors, volunteers and venue teams may require different instructions to carry out their responsibilities effectively.

Clause 8: Operation

Operational planning and control are central to event sustainability management.

Depending on the scope, controls may cover:

• Venue selection and site preparation.

• Supplier selection and purchasing.

• Catering and food-service arrangements.

• Waste collection and material recovery.

• Transportation and accommodation.

• Energy and water consumption.

• Accessibility arrangements.

• Contractor coordination.

• Worker and participant welfare.

• Emergency preparedness.

• Event dismantling and post-event recovery.

A small business conference may need different controls from an outdoor music festival or a multi-day exhibition. Organizations should tailor operational arrangements to their activities and significant sustainability impacts.

Clause 9: Performance Evaluation

Organizations must monitor and evaluate their management-system performance.

Useful indicators may include waste quantities, resource consumption, supplier performance, accessibility feedback, training completion and progress against sustainability objectives.

Measurement methods should be reliable enough to support meaningful decisions. For example, an organization reporting a reduction in waste should define its baseline, measurement method and comparison period.

Internal audits and management reviews help determine whether the system is operating as planned and where improvements are needed.

Clause 10: Improvement

Organizations must address nonconformities and continually improve the suitability, adequacy and effectiveness of their management system.

Suppose an event review finds that recyclable materials were mixed with general waste. The organization could examine whether the cause was unclear signage, poor bin placement, inadequate contractor coordination or insufficient staff awareness.

Corrective action should address the underlying issue and help prevent it from recurring at future events.

Canadian Legal and Operational Considerations

ISO 20121 does not replace federal, provincial, territorial or municipal legislation. Organizations must identify the requirements that apply to their activities, locations and event types.

Municipal Permits and Venue Requirements

Depending on the event, organizers may need to address permits, temporary structures, fire safety, crowd management, traffic, noise restrictions, food services and waste handling.

Requirements differ by municipality and event circumstances.

A public outdoor festival may have different approval and operational needs from a private conference held in an established convention centre.

Organizations should assign responsibility for identifying applicable requirements, obtaining approvals and maintaining appropriate evidence.

Accessibility Requirements

Accessibility should be considered during event planning rather than left until registration or venue setup.

In Ontario, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, and its applicable standards establish requirements for covered organizations. Federally regulated organizations may also have obligations under the Accessible Canada Act and its regulations, depending on their circumstances.

Event organizers should determine which requirements apply to their operations and locations.

Practical arrangements may include accessible registration, suitable seating, accessible routes and washrooms, communication support, clear venue information and appropriate emergency procedures.

Waste Reduction and Material Recovery

Waste-management arrangements vary across Canadian municipalities and venues. Organizations should understand which materials local facilities can accept and ensure that suppliers and event teams follow suitable collection procedures.

An event sustainability plan may include reusable serviceware, refill stations, waste prevention, food donation where appropriate, material reuse and post-event recovery of display materials.

Targets should reflect available infrastructure and should be measured using a defined method.

Climate and Seasonal Conditions

Canadian events may be affected by winter weather, heat, heavy rainfall, wildfire smoke and other local conditions.

These factors can influence transportation, venue operations, energy consumption, participant safety and contingency planning.

Organizations should assess relevant climate-related issues and establish suitable arrangements for emergency communication, response and changes to event operations.

Where greenhouse gas emissions are measured, the organization should document the calculation method, boundaries, data sources and assumptions.

French-Language Considerations in Québec

Organizations planning events in Québec should consider the applicable requirements under the province's Charter of the French Language and other relevant rules.

Depending on the organization and activity, requirements may affect public-facing communications, signage, commercial materials and participant services.

The organization should determine which obligations apply to its specific circumstances and plan event communications accordingly.

Occupational Health and Safety

Event organizers should identify the health and safety requirements applicable to their operations.

Planning may involve contractor coordination, safe work procedures, equipment handling, temporary structures, emergency arrangements, worker training and incident reporting.

ISO 20121 does not replace applicable occupational health and safety legislation. Relevant safety controls should be integrated into event planning and operational procedures.

Responsible Procurement

Canadian event organizations may work with local suppliers, national vendors and international contractors.

Procurement criteria can address packaging, durability, material reuse, accessibility, supplier practices, transportation arrangements and other considerations relevant to the event.

Local sourcing may support certain sustainability objectives, but it does not automatically prove that a product or service has a lower environmental impact. Decisions should reflect available evidence and the organization's priorities.

Which Canadian Industries Can Benefit from ISO 20121?

ISO 20121 can be relevant to a wide range of organizations involved in planning, managing, delivering or supporting events.

Event management companies: Establish consistent processes across conferences, corporate meetings, product launches and client events.

Convention and exhibition centres: Coordinate venue operations, utilities, accessibility, waste services and contractor activities.

Trade show organizers: Address exhibitor requirements, booth materials, visitor travel, logistics and post-event material recovery.

Festival and concert organizers: Plan for waste, catering, transportation, temporary infrastructure, accessibility and community impacts.

Sports event organizers: Integrate sustainability into venue operations, procurement, spectator services and event logistics.

Corporate event teams: Apply consistent practices to meetings, conferences, employee functions and customer events.

Associations and public-sector event teams: Establish sustainability responsibilities, supplier controls, stakeholder engagement and performance reporting.

Catering and event service companies: Support event sustainability through purchasing, food waste prevention, reusable materials and operational controls.

The certification scope should reflect the organization's activities and the boundaries of its management system.

Top 10 ISO 20121 Certification Bodies in Canada

When comparing certification bodies, organizations should review the relevant certification service, audit arrangements, industry experience, geographic coverage and applicable accreditation status.

The following organizations can be considered when developing a shortlist. Before selecting a provider, confirm directly whether it currently offers ISO 20121 certification in Canada for the intended scope. Verify accreditation claims separately.

1. Veritas Assurance

Organizations considering Veritas Assurance should request information about its current ISO 20121 certification service, applicable standard edition, audit process, scope and relevant accreditation arrangements.

Confirm that the proposed service meets the organization's requirements before proceeding.

2. BSI

BSI provides standards-related and assurance services across different sectors.

Canadian event organizations can contact BSI to confirm the availability and scope of its ISO 20121 certification service. They should request details of the audit process, applicable edition and relevant accreditation arrangements.

3. SGS

SGS provides inspection, testing, verification and certification services across multiple sectors.

Organizations considering SGS should confirm whether ISO 20121 certification is currently available for their intended scope in Canada and request details of the applicable certification and accreditation arrangements.

4. Gabriel Registrar

Gabriel Registrar can be included in a shortlist when comparing certification options.

Organizations should request confirmation of its current ISO 20121:2024 certification service, audit arrangements, scope and relevant accreditation status before entering into a certification agreement.

5. Bureau Veritas

Bureau Veritas operates in testing, inspection and certification.

Canadian event organizations should contact the company to confirm the availability of ISO 20121 certification for their specific activities and locations, along with the applicable audit and accreditation arrangements.

6. DNV

DNV provides assurance and certification-related services across various industries.

Organizations should confirm the current availability of the relevant ISO 20121 certification service, the applicable edition, industry experience and proposed audit arrangements before making a selection.

7. SCS Certification

SCS Certification can be contacted to discuss certification requirements and determine whether the available service is suitable for the organization's defined event sustainability management system.

When making an enquiry, provide details about event activities, operating locations, management-system boundaries and any client or tender requirements. This information helps establish the proposed scope and the appropriate next steps.

Contact SCS Certification: https://scscertification.com/contactus.php

8. Intertek

Intertek provides testing, inspection and assurance services across different sectors.

Canadian organizations should contact Intertek to confirm current ISO 20121 certification availability, the scope covered and the relevant accreditation arrangements for their intended activities.

9. TÜV SÜD

TÜV SÜD offers testing, inspection, auditing and certification-related services in multiple industries.

Event organizations should verify whether the required ISO 20121 certification service is available for their operations in Canada and obtain details of the proposed scope and audit process.

10. LRQA

LRQA provides assurance and certification services across different sectors.

Organizations considering LRQA should request confirmation of the current ISO 20121 certification service, applicable edition, scope, audit arrangements and relevant accreditation details.

How to Choose an ISO 20121 Certification Body

Before selecting a certification body, ask the shortlisted organizations:

• Do you currently offer ISO 20121 certification for the intended scope in Canada?

• Can you assess the organization against ISO 20121:2024?

• Is the specific certification service accredited?

• Which accreditation body covers the service, and what is the relevant scope?

• Do the auditors have appropriate event sustainability management experience?

• Can you accommodate the organization's locations and operational boundaries?

• What are the audit stages, estimated timeline and fees?

• What ongoing surveillance and recertification arrangements apply?

• How can the certificate and relevant accreditation status be verified?

A provider's general certification experience does not establish that every standard it offers is included in its accreditation scope. Verify the precise service and scope before signing a contract.

Accreditation and Recognition for Canadian Organizations

Accreditation can provide independent evidence that a certification body has been assessed for competence within a defined scope. Accreditation of a certification body is different from certification of an event organizer.

Standards Council of Canada

The Standards Council of Canada (SCC) is Canada's national accreditation body.

Organizations considering accredited certification should check whether the certification body holds the relevant accreditation and whether the scope covers the service being purchased.

Global Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated

The International Accreditation Forum (IAF) ceased operations on 1 January 2026, when Global Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated began full operations, bringing together the work of IAF and the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation.

Organizations should verify current recognition arrangements through the relevant accreditation body and the Global Accreditation Cooperation framework rather than relying solely on historical logos or general statements.

Official information: https://iaf.nu/en/news/global-accreditation-cooperation-incorporated-launch-unifies-international-accreditation-organisations-and-strengthens-worldwide-trust/

United Accreditation Foundation

The United Accreditation Foundation (UAF) is an accreditation organization. Where a certification body refers to UAF accreditation, verify its current status, relevant scope and recognition arrangements for the specific certification service.

United Kingdom Accreditation Service

The United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) is the United Kingdom's national accreditation body.

If a provider refers to UKAS accreditation, check its current status and the exact scope applicable to ISO 20121.

Emirates International Accreditation Centre

The Emirates International Accreditation Centre (EIAC) is an accreditation body based in the United Arab Emirates.

If a provider cites EIAC accreditation, verify the current accreditation scope and its relevance to the certification service being considered.

Accreditation status and recognition arrangements can change. Verify the current position directly with the relevant accreditation body and certification provider before relying on an accreditation claim.

ISO 20121 Certification Process in Canada

The certification process depends on the organization's size, activities, locations, existing management practices and selected certification body's procedures.

Step 1: Define the Certification Scope

Identify the event-related activities, services, business functions and locations covered by the management system.

A company managing corporate conferences, for example, should establish whether its scope includes event planning only or also procurement, on-site delivery and post-event activities.

Step 2: Conduct a Gap Assessment

Compare existing processes with ISO 20121:2024 requirements.

Review leadership, context, sustainability planning, operational controls, supplier management, performance evaluation and improvement.

The assessment should identify the work required to establish or strengthen the management system.

Step 3: Identify Sustainability Issues and Legal Obligations

Determine the environmental, social and economic issues relevant to the organization's activities.

Identify applicable federal, provincial, territorial and municipal obligations, as well as client contracts, venue requirements and other commitments.

Assign responsibility for maintaining this information and checking that relevant requirements are addressed.

Step 4: Establish Objectives and Operational Controls

Set sustainability objectives that reflect the organization's context and significant impacts.

Develop suitable procedures, checklists, supplier criteria, training, communication arrangements and monitoring methods.

Step 5: Implement the Management System

Put the planned processes into practice and retain appropriate evidence.

Records may cover responsibilities, supplier decisions, training, operational controls, performance measurements and event reviews.

The system should operate across the defined scope rather than existing only as documentation prepared for an audit.

Step 6: Conduct Internal Audit and Management Review

Evaluate whether the management system meets applicable requirements and is working as intended.

Record and address internal audit findings. Management review should consider performance, objectives, risks, opportunities, stakeholder feedback, nonconformities and improvement needs.

Step 7: Complete the Certification Audit

The certification body assesses the management system against the applicable standard and certification requirements.

Depending on the scope, the assessment may include document review, interviews, records and evidence that operational processes have been implemented.

Any nonconformities must be addressed in accordance with the certification body's procedures.

Step 8: Maintain and Improve Certification

After certification, the organization must continue operating the system, monitoring performance, addressing problems and meeting applicable surveillance requirements.

Changes to business activities, locations or the certification scope should be communicated when required.

ISO 20121 Certification Cost in Canada

There is no single fixed price for ISO 20121 certification in Canada. The total cost depends on the organization and the certification arrangements.

Factors that may influence the cost include:

• Number of employees and people working within the scope.

• Complexity of event-management activities.

• Number of locations and operational sites.

• Existing documentation and implementation maturity.

• Supplier management and performance-monitoring arrangements.

• Required audit time.

• Travel and other audit-related expenses.

• Training and implementation support.

• Ongoing surveillance and recertification arrangements.

Organizations should request a written quotation based on the proposed scope. Certification-body fees should be distinguished from optional consultancy, training and internal resource costs.

A lower quotation is not necessarily the most suitable option. Compare the scope, auditor competence, audit arrangements, accreditation status and ongoing costs before deciding.

Documents Commonly Prepared for ISO 20121 Certification

The documented information required depends on the organization's activities and implementation approach. Commonly useful records include:

• Event sustainability policy.

• Management-system scope.

• Context and interested-party analysis.

• Sustainability issues, risks and opportunities.

• Applicable legal and other requirements.

• Sustainability objectives and action plans.

• Roles, responsibilities and competence records.

• Supplier selection and evaluation criteria.

• Event planning and operational control records.

• Communication and stakeholder engagement records.

• Emergency preparedness arrangements, where relevant.

• Monitoring data and performance reports.

• Internal audit records.

• Management review records.

• Nonconformity and corrective action records.

• Evidence of continual improvement.

Documents should reflect actual practices and be maintained in a usable form. ISO 20121 implementation is not simply a paperwork exercise; the system must operate in practice.

Common Challenges During ISO 20121 Implementation

Unclear Responsibilities

Sustainability tasks may be divided among event managers, venues, contractors and suppliers. If responsibilities are not defined, important controls can be missed.

Assign process owners and establish communication arrangements before the event.

Limited Supplier Data

Organizations may find it difficult to obtain consistent information about waste, transport, energy, materials or other sustainability impacts.

Start with significant suppliers and establish practical reporting expectations.

Objectives Without Reliable Measurement

A sustainability target is difficult to evaluate when its baseline, measurement method or reporting period is unclear.

Define how performance will be measured, who will collect the data and how results will be reviewed.

Using the Same Controls for Every Event

Different event types have different impacts. A venue-based conference may have different priorities from an outdoor festival or multi-day exhibition.

Use a consistent management-system framework while tailoring operational controls to each event.

Confusing Certification With Legal Compliance

ISO 20121 certification does not automatically establish compliance with every law or permit requirement applicable to an event.

Organizations must identify and manage their own legal obligations and maintain appropriate evidence.

Benefits of ISO 20121 Certification for Canadian Businesses

When implemented effectively, ISO 20121 can help organizations establish a consistent approach to event sustainability.

Potential benefits include:

• More structured event planning and operational controls.

• Better coordination among venues, suppliers and contractors.

• Improved monitoring of sustainability objectives.

• Greater attention to accessibility and stakeholder needs.

• More consistent procurement and supplier evaluation.

• Better identification of operational risks and improvement opportunities.

• Evidence of a structured management approach for relevant client or tender requirements.

• A repeatable framework for learning from one event and improving the next.

The results depend on the organization's commitment, implementation quality, scope and ability to measure performance. Certification should support genuine operational improvement rather than being treated as a marketing claim alone.

Start Your ISO 20121 Certification Journey with SCS

If your organization manages events, conferences, exhibitions, festivals or event-related services in Canada, ISO 20121 can provide a structured framework for managing sustainability responsibilities.

Begin by defining your proposed scope, identifying the sustainability issues relevant to your events and understanding the applicable Canadian requirements. Review your existing management practices and determine what is needed to implement the system effectively.

Contact SCS Certification to discuss your organization's certification requirements, proposed scope and next steps.

https://scscertification.com/contactus.php

Final Note

ISO 20121 certification can help Canadian event organizations manage sustainability through defined responsibilities, operational controls, supplier engagement and performance evaluation.

Before beginning the process, establish a clear certification scope, identify the applicable Canadian requirements and confirm the selected certification body's current ISO 20121:2024 service and accreditation details.

Contact SCS Certification:

https://scscertification.com/contactus.php

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only. The certification bodies listed are presented for information purposes and are not arranged as an official ranking. Their inclusion does not constitute an endorsement, recommendation, or indication of superiority over any other certification body. Certification requirements, service availability, accreditation status, and certification scope may vary by provider and can change over time.