Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
World Athletics has been re-certified to the ISO 20121:2024 standard for its sustainable event management system, integrating sustainability into all aspects of event planning and operations. The certification followed a detailed two-day audit examining policies, risk management, and staff interviews, with a focus on developments since its initial 2023 certification.
The ISO 20121 standard was originally developed for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games as a framework addressing carbon emissions, waste, venue biodiversity, and human rights. The 2024 revision aligns with global frameworks such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, and the Paris Agreement. The updated standard emphasizes climate change, event legacy, and human and child rights. Organizations adopting the standard must conduct a double materiality assessment, considering impacts on people, the environment, and sustainability-related risks and opportunities.
World Athletics President Sebastian Coe stated the independent review recognizes progress in embedding sustainability across the organization and highlights a path toward meaningful impact for events, member federations, and stakeholders.
The re-certification audit was conducted by Swiss consultancy Act Responsibly, which specializes in sustainability for international sports federations. The certification scope also includes the Athletics for a Better World (ABW) Standard, developed by World Athletics to evaluate and score the sustainable delivery of events. Since January 2024, sustainability reporting through the ABW Standard has been mandatory for most global elite competitions managed or awarded by World Athletics.
For 2024, 104 events completed sustainability reporting, and 121 events have submitted reporting for 2025. When fully implemented, the ABW Standard is expected to be the largest sustainability evaluation system within the sport industry.