The Fédération Monégasque d’Athlétisme (FMA) has secured an international sustainability certification for its management of Herculis and Monaco Run, following nearly three years of work developing more responsible event organisation.
Announced on Thursday 22nd October, the ISO 20121:2024 certification was awarded by Bureau Veritas. The certification recognises the federation’s management system for the two events, covering how environmental, social, and economic considerations are involved in their planning and delivery.
The process began in winter 2023, with the help of Monaco-based consultancies and the government’s Mission for Energy Transition, with consultancy ARIMA providing the principal guidance.
A BROAD APPROACH TO SUSTAINABILITY
The international standard provides a framework for integrating sustainability into event organisation, from initial planning to delivery. Its revised 2024 edition strengthens the focus on governance, stakeholder involvement, and responsibility within the supply chain.
Environmental considerations include transport, energy consumption, waste management, resource use, and greenhouse gas emissions. The social considerations address working conditions, health and safety, accessibility, inclusion, and relationships with volunteers, participants, suppliers, and local communities.
The economic side of the framework is formed by responsible purchasing, sustainable financial management, and lasting collaboration with local businesses.
Organisations must also establish objectives, identify opportunities and risks, monitor performance, and demonstrate their commitment to continually making improvements.
TWO EVENTS AT THE CENTRE
Herculis and Monaco Run are the two events covered by the certification, bringing together athletes, spectators, volunteers, partners, and service providers every year.
For the FMA, the process involved establishing a structured approach to identifying, managing, and reducing the events’ impacts while maintaining their sporting and organisational quality.
The certification confirms that the federation’s management system meets the standard’s requirements for the organisation of these two events. It recognises an ongoing organisational approach rather than individual measures.
The initiative also reflects the direction encouraged by European Athletics and World Athletics towards more sustainable competitions, alongside Monaco’s energy transition ambitions.
CONTINUED COMMITMENT
The certification marks a milestone for the federation, but the work continues through regular monitoring of objectives, evaluating results, and making further changes to organisational practices.
The FMA intends to build on existing measures and strengthen the involvement of its partners, embedding sustainability into the long-term management of both events.
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Photo credit: Frédéric Nebinger / Palais princier