RCA – Risk Control Advisory announces its Transition Plan to ISO 20121:2024, providing support to organizations already certified under the previous version of the standard in the sustainable management of events. The document sets out operational procedures, requirements, and timelines to ensure a structured and seamless transition in certification.
The new version of the UNI ISO 20121 standard introduces significant updates, including the explicit inclusion of social, economic, and environmental impacts, the adoption of the concepts of materiality and double materiality, and the requirement to develop a medium- to long-term sustainability policy (3–10 years) approved by company management. The 2024 standard also strengthens supplier evaluation and transparency in procurement processes, with particular attention to the participation of SMEs.
The transition period will last two years, until April 3, 2026. Until April 2, 2025, surveillance and renewal activities may still follow the ISO 20121:2013 version, but from April 3, 2025 onward, all certifications must comply with ISO 20121:2024. RCA will support organizations through transition audits and assistance in document revision, ensuring that the new requirements are integrated into operational processes.
Key updates in the revision include:
- updating and expanding definitions;
- introduction of analytical tools such as SWOT and PESTLE for identifying relevant issues;
- recognition of sponsors and partners as stakeholders, treated as suppliers when they provide in-kind contributions;
- introduction of a mission statement including expected benefits and risks;
- an annex dedicated to human rights and social aspects.
At the end of the transition, certificates issued under the previous version that have not been updated will lose validity and must be withdrawn.
RCA thus confirms its role as a reliable partner in managing sustainability systems for events, guiding organizations toward a more responsible and transparent future.
View the transition plan here.