ISO 20121:2012 specifies requirements for an event sustainability management system for any type of event or event-related activity, and provides guidance on conforming to those requirements.

ISO 20121:2012 is applicable to any organization that wishes to:

- establish, implement, maintain and improve an event sustainability management system;

- ensure that it is in conformity with its stated sustainable development policy;
demonstrate voluntary conformity with ISO 20121:2012 by

1. First party (self-determination and self-declaration),

2. Second party (confirmation of conformance by parties having an interest in the organization, such as clients, or by other persons on their behalf),

3. Independent third party (e.g. a certification body).

ISO 20121:2012 has been designed to address the management of improved sustainability throughout the entire event management cycle.