UNAI member institution (UAveiro) in Portugal has achieved a national milestone as the first higher education institution in Portugal to be certified under the ISO 20121 standard for its Sustainable Events Management System. The certification covers all stages of event organization¡ªfrom planning to execution¡ªand ensures environmentally responsible, socially just, and economically viable practices. ISO 20121 is an international standard developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) to help organizations make their events more environmentally responsible, socially inclusive, and economically efficient.
¡°The ISO 20121 certification honours our commitment to sustainability, one of the central pillars of our activity. This certification reinforces our role as an institution that practices what it teaches, in a way that is consistent with our past and respectful of future generations,¡± said Rector Paulo Jorge Ferreira.
He added that this recognition strengthens UAveiro¡¯s mission to lead by example: ¡°By aligning our events with the global goals of carbon neutrality and the , we demonstrate that it is possible to combine innovation and environmental responsibility with a positive impact on society.¡±
The certification recognizes not only environmental initiatives but also UAveiro¡¯s work to promote social inclusion, health and safety, and the local economy. These efforts reflect the university¡¯s mission to educate citizens who are aware of and responsive to sustainability challenges.
The implementation of ISO 20121 aligns with 11 of the 17 SDGs established by the United Nations' 2030 Agenda. As part of this work, UAveiro developed a Sustainable Event Management Policy to guide long-term institutional transformation.
Five-Stage Plan
The process to certification followed a five-phase implementation plan starting with an initial diagnosis, leading to implementation planning and action, monitoring and assessment and a final certification. It focused on three major institutional events: UAveiro Day (June), New Students Welcome (September), and the UAveiro Anniversary (December).
Objectives included reducing waste, minimizing carbon emissions, and promoting inclusive and diverse practices. Measures included the use of clean technologies, reducing plastics, and strengthening recycling actions, contributing to international best practice in sustainable event management.
Sustainable Campus 2024 Conference as Pilot Event
The Sustainable Campus Conference 2024 (CCS2024) served as a pilot to test the management practices defined in the strategic plan. Under the theme ¡°Transformative Actions of Academia with Society for the Implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals,¡± the event brought together experts, academics, students, and professionals to discuss the role of universities in advancing sustainability.
During CCS2024, UAveiro implemented efficient waste management, used recyclable materials, and promoted sustainable transportation. An intermediate audit assessed impacts related to energy consumption, mobility, and waste. Findings informed further adjustments, reinforcing UAveiro¡¯s commitment to sustainable development.
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