Events Sustainability: the GSC partners with TÜV Thüringen Italia

The Global Solo Challenge has decided to address the sustainability implications of running a global event by partnering with TÜV Thüringen Italia, which will validate the organisation’s compliance with the ISO 20121 Standard and issue the certification following its review.

Sporting events can have a very positive impact on the local communities that host them. Within the sailing world, many notable offshore yacht races have developed over the years and become opportunities for businesses, the tourism and hospitality industry and brands looking for global exposure.

However, an event’s positive economic and social impact goes hand in hand with the consumption of resources and the direct or indirect production of waste and carbon emissions. It’s been nearly two decades since practitioners within the events industry have become aware of the need for more sustainable practices.

Notably, the Head of Sustainability at the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, David Stubbs, looked for a way to make good on the sustainability promises made in the London Games bid that led to the creation of the “2007 Specification for a sustainable event management system with guidance for use”. The definition of the ISO 20121 Standard soon followed.

“The sustainability considerations relating to the Global Solo Challenge have been paramount since its launch. However, we focused on actual practical and immediate implications rather than future potential achievements. We were wary of making any social or environmental sustainability claims that we could not easily prove. When TÜV Thüringen Italia contacted us and offered to review our organisation and issue ISO 20121 certification, we were pleased and immediately interested“, commented event organiser Marco Nannini.

“We contacted the Global Solo Challenge because we could see the sustainability of its format that distinguishes it from other events. It was no surprise to find out that it was not a coincidence. We look forward to verifying the choices and processes of the management and, hopefully, we will be in a position to certify the sustainability efforts put in place by this event“, commented Giovanni Marmini, Business Development Manager at TÜV Thüringen Italia.