ICTQual AB ISO 20121:2024 Event Sustainability Management Systems Lead Auditor Course
In today’s evolving global landscape, sustainability has become a core pillar of successful event planning and execution. Whether it’s a corporate summit, music festival, or international conference, ensuring environmental, economic, and social sustainability is no longer optional—it’s essential. To meet this need, ICTQual AB proudly offers the ISO 20121:2024 Event Sustainability Management Systems Lead Auditor Course—a globally recognized training designed to equip professionals with the knowledge and skills to audit and manage sustainable events effectively.
The ISO 20121:2024 Lead Auditor Course focuses on the latest international standard for sustainable event management. ISO 20121 provides a framework to improve sustainability throughout the entire event lifecycle—planning, execution, and post-event activities.
Participants who successfully complete the training and pass the final assessment will receive the ICTQual AB Certified ISO 20121:2024 Lead Auditor Certificate, a globally respected credential recognized by employers and auditing bodies worldwide.
ISO 20121:2024 Event Sustainability Management Systems Lead Auditor Course
To enrol in the ICTQual AB ISO 20121:2024 Event Sustainability Management Systems Lead Auditor Course, candidates must meet the following entry requirements:
- Age: Learners minimum 18 years old.
- Educational Background: A minimum of a Level 4 qualification (or equivalent) in any discipline
(Relevant fields such as event management, environmental science, business, or sustainability are preferred but not mandatory) - Experience: At least 1 year of relevant work experience in any of the following areas:
- Event planning or management
- Sustainability or environmental management
- Compliance, auditing, or quality management
- Health, safety, and environmental (HSE) roles
- English Language Competency: Proficiency in reading, writing, and understanding English is required for effective participation.
The ICTQual AB ISO 20121:2024 Event Sustainability Management Systems Lead Auditor Course qualification consists of 6 units for the completed qualification.
- Introduction to ISO 20121:2024 and Sustainable Event Management
- Understanding Event Sustainability Management Systems (ESMS)
- Risk Assessment and Sustainability Impact Evaluation
- Auditing Principles, Process, and Techniques (Based on ISO 19011)
- Conducting and Leading ISO 20121 Audits
- Reporting, Nonconformities, and Continuous Improvement
Here are the learning outcomes for each study unit:
1. Introduction to ISO 20121:2024 and Sustainable Event Management
Learning Outcomes:
- Explain the purpose, structure, and scope of ISO 20121:2024.
- Describe the principles of sustainable development in the context of events.
- Identify key drivers and benefits of implementing a Sustainable Event Management System (SEMS).
- Understand the historical development and evolution of ISO 20121.
- Recognize how ISO 20121 aligns with broader global sustainability goals (e.g., UN SDGs).
2. Understanding Event Sustainability Management Systems (ESMS)
Learning Outcomes:
- Define the components and structure of an effective ESMS.
- Explain the roles and responsibilities of stakeholders in managing sustainable events.
- Describe the integration of sustainability policies into the event lifecycle.
- Understand operational controls and documentation requirements under ISO 20121.
- Analyze how sustainability can be embedded into procurement, venue selection, logistics, and communications.
3. Risk Assessment and Sustainability Impact Evaluation
Learning Outcomes:
- Identify environmental, social, and economic risks and opportunities in event management.
- Apply tools and techniques for sustainability risk and impact assessment.
- Evaluate event-related sustainability aspects and establish performance indicators.
- Set measurable sustainability objectives and targets in line with ISO 20121 requirements.
- Support continuous improvement through data-driven impact evaluation.
4. Auditing Principles, Process, and Techniques (Based on ISO 19011)
Learning Outcomes:
- Understand the principles of auditing and auditor conduct according to ISO 19011:2018.
- Explain the stages of the audit process: planning, conducting, reporting, and follow-up.
- Apply audit methods such as document review, interviews, and observation.
- Develop audit criteria and select appropriate sampling strategies.
- Demonstrate effective communication and interview techniques during audits.
5. Conducting and Leading ISO 20121 Audits
Learning Outcomes:
- Prepare audit plans and checklists aligned with ISO 20121 requirements.
- Lead and coordinate audit teams effectively and impartially.
- Conduct opening and closing meetings with auditees.
- Collect and validate objective evidence of conformance and nonconformance.
- Demonstrate leadership skills in managing audit scope, time, and resources.
6. Reporting, Nonconformities, and Continuous Improvement
Learning Outcomes:
- Draft clear, concise, and evidence-based audit reports.
- Identify, classify, and document nonconformities appropriately.
- Conduct root cause analysis for nonconformities.
- Recommend and verify corrective actions for continual improvement.
- Support organizations in preparing for certification, surveillance, and re-certification audits.
Completing the ICTQual AB ISO 20121:2024 Lead Auditor Course opens up a wide range of career and educational advancement opportunities in the fields of sustainability, auditing, and event management. Graduates can leverage their expertise to pursue the following progression paths:
Professional Career Opportunities
- Sustainability Auditor or Lead Auditor for events, venues, and organizations
- Event Sustainability Manager in corporate, public, or non-profit sectors
- Environmental Compliance Officer or ESG Consultant
- Certification Body Auditor for ISO 20121 and related standards
- Sustainable Procurement Specialist in event supply chains
- Freelance Consultant in sustainable event management and compliance
Further Certifications and Qualifications
- ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management Systems Lead Auditor
- ISO 45001:2018 Occupational Health & Safety Lead Auditor
- ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Systems Lead Auditor
- ISO 26000 Social Responsibility awareness and implementation training
- Certified ESG Reporting Professional (GRI, SASB, etc.)
Academic Advancement
- Diploma or Degree in:
- Sustainable Event Management
- Environmental Science
- Corporate Sustainability and Responsibility
- Sustainability Leadership
- Master’s level programs in:
- Sustainability and Environmental Management
- Event Leadership and Innovation
- Sustainable Development
Entrepreneurial Pathways
- Start a sustainability consulting firm focused on green events
- Develop tools and platforms for sustainable event auditing and reporting
- Launch educational workshops or training programs on ISO 20121 compliance
By completing this course, professionals not only enhance their credentials but also position themselves at the forefront of a growing global movement toward sustainable and responsible event practices. The skills acquired are applicable across industries and geographies, making this certification a valuable investment in a sustainable career future.
