With the support of fwd, DMSZ is applying for a standardised certification process for sustainable event management in accordance with DIN ISO 20121

DIN ISO 20121 is the international standard for sustainable event management. It helps organisations to integrate sustainability into their processes in a structured, measurable and credible way.“With this accreditation, we are creating a reliable foundation for the industry. This makes sustainability not only visible, but also comparable and verifiable,”says Marko Roscher, Sustainability Officer at fwd:.

Significance in the context of the EmpCo Directive

The initiative takes on additional relevance in light of the forthcoming EmpCo Directive (Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition), the provisions of which are to apply from September 2026. It significantly tightens the requirements for environmental and sustainability claims. For companies in the events industry, this means above all that sustainability promises must be verifiable and substantiated in future. At the same time, the aim is to prevent greenwashing practices and place greater emphasis on robust, credible evidence. Accredited certification to DIN ISO 20121 can provide an important basis for meeting these requirements in future.

“Particularly in the wake of the new regulation, companies need clear guidance. DIN ISO 20121 offers a suitable and structured framework for this. National accreditation would also lend this framework the necessary credibility and strengthen confidence in such certifications,”explains Hans-Werner Lortz, Head of the Certification Body at DMSZ.

Without accreditation, a certification lacks independent validation. There is then no evidence that the certification body operates in accordance with international standards and conducts audits in a professionally competent, impartial and transparent manner.

Joint industry initiative

The submitted conformity assessment programme was developed in collaboration between fwd: and DMSZ. The aim was to apply the requirements of the standard to the events industry in a practical manner, whilst at the same time meeting the criteria set by DAkkS. Whilst fwd: contributes the perspective and requirements of the events industry, DMSZ complements this with its expertise as an experienced certification body in the field of accredited management system certification.

Next steps

Following a successful audit, the DMSZ could, to the best of the parties’ knowledge, grant the first national accreditation for certification in accordance with DIN ISO 20121. This would create standardised certification procedures, clearly defined requirements for auditors, and greater transparency and trust in the market.

fwd: Federal Association of the Events Industry e.V.

fwd: – short for ‘forward’ – stands for the constant drive to further develop the events industry and make it future-proof. Together, we are actively shaping the future of our sector and are committed to ensuring that its interests are strongly represented in the political arena. Our guiding principles shape our actions: fwd: is a home for everyone who comes together as equals to form a strong community – both nationally and regionally. As a strong network, we drive forward the industry’s key issues and work together to shape a successful future. We build bridges with clients, partners and interest groups to promote the sustainable development of our sector. www.forward.live 

About DMSZ

DMSZ was founded over 21 years ago in Griesheim, near Darmstadt in southern Hesse, and is a certification body for management systems accredited by the German Accreditation Body GmbH (DAkkS). Today, DMSZ supports well over 1,300 clients worldwide in achieving certification to internationally recognised standards, including ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, ISO 50001, ISO/IEC 27001 and other management and security standards. As an accredited certification body, DMSZ stands for independent, competent and practical certification processes. The focus is on efficient audit processes, professional reliability and a partnership-based approach to working with companies of various sizes and from different sectors.www.dmsz.de.