How the University of Aveiro Became Portugal’s Pioneer in Sustainable Campus Events

It is a milestone for any sustainable event certification by the University of Aveiro: the very achievement of such an award by any higher education institution in Portugal is that ISO 20121 now certifies its Sustainable Event Management System. This particular report said certification covered the entire lifecycle of event organisation-from planning through to execution-while promoting practices that are environmentally responsible, socially fair, and economically viable, without prejudice against all these categories of sustainability.

Authorities have stressed that the ISO 20121 certification by Ayre is a great gift of commitment by the university to the realisation of certain sustainability goals, which over time have become one of the pillars of creating activities in the university. Paulo Jorge Ferreira, the university's Rector, said that such recognition consolidated the status of Aveiro as an institution that applies in practice what it professes to teach, combining the richness of the past and the respect for the next generations. He concluded by saying that the certification improved on its leading-by-example mission, whereby events were aligned to global aims of carbon neutrality and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The onlookers would explain how the certification recognised not only environmental initiatives but also all of Aveiro's work around social inclusion, health and safety, and the local economy, which indicated how much the broader agenda was about educating aware citizens responding to sustainability challenges. Commentators indicated the University of Aveiro as the first Portuguese university ISO 20121 certified for sustainable events; hence, the first step of leadership regarding relevant sustainable event management in Portugal universities.

Alignment with Global Goals

Reportedly, the implementation of ISO 20121 aligned itself with 11 out of the 17 SDGs laid out in the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda. The development of a Sustainable Event Management Policy at Aveiro was to guide long-term institutional transformability. The commentators discussed the implications of ISO 20121 certification for sustainability and event management at Aveiro, stating that it provided a framework for environmentally responsible events by the university's greenest events in higher education.

Five-Stage Plan

The certification process followed a five-phase plan: initial diagnosis, implementation planning and action, monitoring and assessment, and final certification. It focused on three major institutional events- Aveiro Day in June, New Students Welcome in September, and the Aveiro Anniversary in December.

Their objectives were to reduce waste, minimise carbon emissions, and promote as many inclusive and diverse practices as possible. This entailed promoting the use of clean technologies, cutting down on plastics, and boosting actions on recycling. Analysts brought forth Aveiro's steps in waste reduction, clean technologies, and recycling to meet sustainability criteria for events, presenting how UVs may embark on environmentally friendly and socially inclusive events as set by the ISO 20121 standard.

Pilot Event: Sustainable Campus Conference 2024

The Sustainable Campus Conference 2024 (CCS2024) was the 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 gathered experts, academics, students, and practitioners to discuss the role of universities in advancing sustainability. With respect to the CCS2024, Aveiro carried out an effective waste operation, made use of recycling materials, and favoured sustainable transport on sustainability. An intermediate audit evaluated impacts on energy use, mobility and waste, with the findings further entrenching Aveiro's commitment to sustainable development across European universities with wider ambitions on university sustainability and carbon neutrality.

The Portugal university sustainability certification awarded to Aveiro demonstrates its leadership accountable for environmental responsibility among European universities. Commentators elaborated on why Aveiro's sustainable event management aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, further noting that the institution has provided proof that higher education may contribute to global sustainability through event practices.

For those wanting to become more involved, there are opportunities to inquire about sustainable event planning services at Aveiro, partner with Aveiro for green university conferences and events, or apply to Aveiro for study programs at an environmentally committed university. The recognition effectively confirmed Aveiro as a leader among Portuguese higher education institutions and in the SDGs, while providing an exemplary model for others to emulate in building a sustainable future.

Editor’s Note:

Certification of events as sustainable by the University of Aveiro will mean an important step forward for higher education in Portugal. With Aveiro being the first Portuguese university to have achieved the ISO 20121 certification, it has demonstrated that event management can be environmentally friendly, socially equitable, and economically viable. The award testifies to the university’s profound commitment to sustainability and setting an example for others. Sustainability certification is good for the university and society. Thus, events at Aveiro are planned with consideration for the environment by taking measures to eliminate waste, reduce its carbon footprint, and encourage recycling. Equally, social attention is drawn to all issues of inclusion, health and safety, and support for the local economy. All these are directly related to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), thereby demonstrating the pivotal role of universities in global sustainability. Aveiro's glory is not just that it holds one certification but that it brings about changes for the long term. It has created systems that other universities can respect by developing a Sustainable Event Management Policy and testing it on massive occasions like the Sustainable Campus Conference 2024. Such methods put international best practices into an everyday setting at universities.

As per Skoobuzz Aveiro ISO 20121 certification reflects how a Portuguese university can engage in sustainable event management. It proves that higher education institutions can marry innovation with responsibility, thereby guaranteeing a just inheritance for future generations, one that will foster respect for both humanity and the planet.

FAQs

1. What is ISO 20121 and why does it matter for universities?

ISO 20121 is an international standard for sustainable event management. It helps organisations plan and run events that are environmentally responsible, socially fair, and economically viable. For universities, it matters because it shows their commitment to sustainability, ensures their events reduce negative impacts, and aligns their practices with global goals like carbon neutrality and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

2. Which university in Portugal first received sustainable event management certification?

The University of Aveiro (Aveiro) was the first higher education institution in Portugal to be certified under ISO 20121. This recognition marked a national milestone in promoting sustainability in university events.

3. How does the University of Aveiro plan and manage sustainable university events?

Aveiro follows a structured five‑stage plan: starting with a diagnosis, then implementation planning, action, monitoring, and final certification. It applies these steps to major events such as Aveiro Day, New Students Welcome, and the University Anniversary. The plan ensures that sustainability is built into every stage of event organisation.

4. What measures are included in sustainable event certification for higher education institutions?

Measures include reducing waste, cutting carbon emissions, using clean technologies, limiting plastics, and strengthening recycling. Certification also covers social aspects such as inclusion, health and safety, and supporting the local economy. These actions make events more responsible and future‑focused.

5. Can university events be both socially inclusive and environmentally friendly? 

Yes. Aveiro has shown that events can combine environmental responsibility with social inclusion. By promoting blended mobility, accessible practices, and diverse participation, the university ensures that events are open to all while still reducing their environmental footprint.