Certified! As we reported in June this year, the World Trade Center Marseille Provence has embarked on the ISO 20121 certification process, marking its commitment to a more responsible events sector.
After several months of training, the implementation of a responsible management system and concrete actions based on the 3 pillars of sustainable development (economic, environmental and social), the WTCMP was audited by SGS, who, after a thorough examination of the system, validated the certification.
It is therefore with immense pleasure and pride that we announce this achievement, the reward for a great deal of hard work and investment on the part of our teams!
What steps did it take to become certified?
It all began with a year-long training course to acquire the basic notions of a responsible management system. The SD team (and yes, we formed a dedicated team for the occasion!!) implemented all the expected actions and ensured compliance with the prerogatives imposed by the standard. Then it was time for the first audit, known as the “internal audit” during which an external auditor inspected the “theoretical” or documentary part of the system (documentation, compliance with legal obligations, business procedures, etc.) as well as the “practical” part, i.e. the installations, waste sorting, site safety, etc.
Following this first audit, the SD team reworked the minor “Non Conformities” highlighted to ensure that the City Center and Sky Center event centers would be certified.
Then, at the beginning of October 2023, the compliance audit took place: the real thing! Three and a half days of remote and on-site auditing to establish whether or not certification had been granted.
The result? No non-compliance! And a certification obtained to the great pride of the teams who had all invested themselves in this project.
What’s next?
Now that it is certified, the WTCMP is fully committed to its responsible approach. It can guarantee control of its responsible management system, continuous improvement, compliance with standards, and the well-being of its stakeholders. And it will be audited every year to maintain an optimal level of quality, service and respect for the pillars of sustainable development.
Find out more about ISO 20121
ISO 20121 certification is an international standard developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) concerning the responsible and sustainable management of events. More specifically, it aims to help organizations plan and organize events in a way that minimizes their impact on the environment, promotes social responsibility and improves the overall sustainability of the event.
ISO 20121 establishes an event management framework that includes sustainability principles such as waste reduction, energy management, promoting diversity and inclusion, and community engagement. It also encourages collaboration with stakeholders, including suppliers, participants and local authorities, to achieve these sustainability goals.
To achieve ISO 20121 certification, an organization must implement an event management system that meets the standard’s requirements. This typically involves putting in place policies, processes and practices to reduce the environmental footprint of events, and to promote ethical and sustainable practices.
ISO 20121 certification is particularly relevant for organizers of events such as conferences, festivals, concerts, trade shows, weddings and other types of events. It demonstrates the organization’s commitment to sustainability and can be a competitive advantage by demonstrating its social and environmental responsibility.
