Sustainability is an important part of how we operate as a Professional Congress Organiser (PCO). At Congrex Switzerland, we are working to integrate environmental, social and economic considerations into our internal operations and the events we organise.
The establishment of our Sustainability Taskforce and our work towards ISO 20121 certification are important steps in this ongoing journey.
What does Sustainability Mean at Congrex Switzerland?
At Congrex Switzerland, we are committed to contributing to a more sustainable future. As an international PCO, we recognise our responsibility towards the environment, society and future generations.
Our Sustainability Taskforce supports the development and implementation of sustainability measures throughout the company. Its work helps us embed sustainability more systematically into our decisions, processes and event management services.
What is ISO 20121 Certification?
ISO 20121 is an international standard for sustainable event management. It provides a framework that helps organisations manage the environmental, social and economic impacts of their events and operations.
We are currently working towards ISO 20121 certification as the next step in our sustainability journey. The standard will help us set clear objectives, involve relevant stakeholders, measure our progress and continuously improve the way we work.
Why is Congrex Switzerland pursuing ISO 20121 Certification?
ISO 20121 will help us incorporate sustainability more consistently into our internal operations and the events we organise for our clients.
The certification process allows us to identify relevant sustainability issues, establish suitable processes and translate our commitments into measurable actions. It will also provide a structured management system that supports long-term improvement.
What is the Current Status of the ISO 20121 Project?
We are currently developing the administrative foundations of our ISO 20121 management system. This includes preparing our stakeholder analysis, process maps, health and safety documentation and other required materials.
We are also gathering feedback from internal and external stakeholders through surveys. Their input will help us identify relevant sustainability topics, risks, opportunities and potential actions.
We aim to complete the certification process by the end of 2027.
What Progress has Congrex Made So Far?
We have already established a solid foundation for the project. As ISO 20121 is a comprehensive standard, our team completed a year-long training programme, the ISO Convoy, delivered in collaboration with the German Federal Association of the Events Industry.
The programme strengthened our understanding of the standard and its requirements. With the training now complete, we have a clearer view of the steps required to develop and implement our sustainable event management system.
What are the Next Steps towards ISO 20121 Certification?
Our next priority is to complete the stakeholder analysis and gather further feedback from external stakeholders. We are using different methods to reach them and understand their views, expectations and priorities.
Once this feedback has been evaluated, we can finalise the key documents required for our ISO 20121 management system.
In November 2026, members of our team will also attend internal auditor training course. This will help us understand the audit process and build the knowledge required to conduct effective internal audits in preparation for certification.
Continuing the Sustainability Journey
ISO 20121 certification is an important milestone, but it is not the final destination. Sustainability requires continuous evaluation, collaboration and improvement.
By developing a structured sustainable event management system, we aim to make more informed decisions, strengthen our operations and support our clients in delivering events with a more positive and responsible impact.
Help Shape Our Sustainability Approach
Your perspective matters to us. By completing our short stakeholder survey, you can help us better understand the sustainability topics, expectations and opportunities that are most relevant to our clients and partners.
Take part in our Sustainability Survey.
