The green transformation is changing the event industry and the procurement of event services. VOK DAMS is one of the first agencies to be certified according to the international ISO 20121 standard and is prepared for the new requirements.

Climate change and environmental problems require increased sustainability measures in event management. For VOK DAMS, it is clear that more sustainable event management will be a prerequisite for events in the future. Not least against the background of the Supply Chain Sustainability Act, it is not just a desirable "nice-to-have", but a prerequisite for events.

With the Supply Chain Duty of Care Act, the German government has taken an important step towards obliging companies to comply with human rights and environmental standards along their entire supply chains. The law came into force in January. It affects all companies with more than 1,000 employees and a registered office or branch in Germany, including countless companies that organize B2B or B2C events. This has a direct impact on their supply chain partners and therefore on the entire event industry.

How can supply chain risks be avoided and at the same time the requirements of the LkSG be met when selecting event service providers and partners?  Certifications help with the more sustainable selection of agencies, partners and event service providers. In recent years, some certificates have become the de facto standard for event agencies.

One of the best-known certifications is ISO 20121, an internationally recognized standard for sustainable event management that sets out guidelines on how events can be made more environmentally, socially and economically sustainable. Its implementation enables the systematic review and continuous improvement of events with regard to sustainability aspects. ISO 20121 certification serves as a guideline for resource conservation, waste reduction, climate neutrality and social responsibility.

Sustainability is increasingly becoming the focus of event organization. According to the Research Institute for Exhibition and Live-Communication (R.I.F.E.L.), clients of event agencies and other service providers are increasingly demanding certifications as mandatory proof of competence, also with regard to the high standards of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSDR) and the LkSG. When selecting a certification body, the quality and reputation of its certificates is decisive. VOK DAMS relies on the TÜV Rheinland Group.

ISO 20121 is characterized by its adaptability. As the ISO structure of the standard, it was developed to be seamlessly integrated into existing management systems. VOK DAMS was therefore able to easily integrate the principles of ISO 20121 into the existing ISO 9001 quality management system. This made the transition to more sustainable event management much easier without having to restructure existing processes. The ISO 9001 standard requires companies to address internal workflows, competencies, responsibilities and risks both internally and in cooperation with customers and business partners.

Furthermore, the agency must also have a certified sustainability management system for its own organization. VOK DAMS relies on the ZNU standard. Initiated by the ZNU - Center for Sustainable Leadership at the University of Witten/Herdecke, the ZNU certification stands for an agile sustainability management system. The ZNU standard certifies more sustainable management in agencies by promoting and demanding the development of an integrated management system in the environmental, economic and social fields.

Creating Sustainable Results – an important VOK DAMS credo. With the ISO 20121 certification, VOK DAMS ensures that events not only create unforgettable moments, but also make a positive contribution to the environment and society. ISO 20121 is the key to more sustainable events in a world that increasingly emphasizes responsibility.

RELATED ARTICLES:

WE AT VOK DAMS TAKE A STAND: #LIVEGEGENRECHTS

WHY DRONES CONTRIBUTE TO SUSTAINABLE EVENT DESIGN

PRIMARY EDUCATION FOR 600 CHILDREN IN MOMELLA