New Rules for City Events: Genoa Strengthens Its Commitment to Sustainability

Events that are increasingly sustainable and designed to leave a positive legacy for the city: this is the direction taken by the Municipality of Genoa with the approval of the new Operational Guidelines for Sustainable Event Management, dedicated to the organization of sporting, cultural and commercial events.

The measure updates the tools already in use and aligns them with the ISO 20121:2024 standard developed by the Italian National Standards Body (UNI) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), introducing criteria that address not only environmental aspects but also social and governance-related issues. The aim is to integrate responsible practices into every stage of event planning and delivery.

The new guidelines encourage greater attention to supplier selection, giving preference to local businesses, while strengthening the principles of accessibility and inclusion. They also promote transparency in organizational processes, in line with internationally recognized ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) principles, as well as a focus on the long-term benefits that events can generate for the community even after they have concluded.

The municipal administration intends to extend these principles to all stakeholders involved in organizing initiatives across the city, including municipal companies, event organizers operating in the area, and both public and private partners. Compliance with the new provisions may become either a requirement or a rewarding criterion in the context of public support, partnerships and collaborations.

At the same time, a professional training program will be launched for municipal staff, with the objective of strengthening the skills needed to monitor the implementation of these measures, assess their effectiveness over time and continuously improve them.

This initiative forms part of the city’s broader ecological transition strategy and aims to transform events into opportunities capable of generating tangible benefits for the community, combining attractiveness, economic development and environmental protection. The adoption of high sustainability standards is also intended to strengthen Genoa’s position on the national and international stage, promoting a growth model that balances competitiveness, social inclusion and environmental responsibility. 

Written by Aurora Galletto and Irene Bellotto