Italy’s OIC Group obtains ISO 20121 certification as it makes strides on global sustainability journey

International professional conference organiser, Italy-based OIC Group, which operates mainly in the healthcare sector, has announced the achievement of ISO 20121 certification. The certification is an integral part of the company’s broader and ambitious strategy to attain 360-degree sustainability. The milestone marks a crucial chapter in OIC Group’s history as a company that has consistently demonstrated a profound commitment to environmental, social, and economic sustainability in the organisation of its events. Simona Giuliani, HR director of OIC Group, reflects on the steps taken to obtain the certification: “Our journey towards ISO 20121 has been a true testament to our commitment. We engaged all stakeholders in the management and organisation of events, implemented specific actions to reduce environmental impacts, and optimise positive outcomes for the community. It is a significant step towards an increasingly sustainable and responsible industry.” OIC Group has adopted a specific action plan for its sustainable development, aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the core values of the ISO 20121 standard. This commitment translates into a radical shift in corporate objectives, as demonstrated, for instance, by the recent strategic decision to change headquarters. Conceived with the clear objective of drastically reducing waste and environmental impact, the new headquarters offer optimised and collaborative spaces for flexible working. The company has also initiated a partnership with Up2You, the greentech B Corp that guides companies through personalised journeys of emission calculation and reduction. This collaboration aims to provide a thorough analysis of its carbon footprint. Results, based on the standards defined by the GHG Protocol, reveal that in the old headquarters in 2022, the company emitted a total of 188 tons of CO2 through electricity consumption, refrigerant gases, and heating. In January 2023, OIC Group embraced a carbon offsetting plan involving both waste reduction and the promotion of green mobility within the organisation, as well as the offsetting of unavoidable emissions by financing certified environmental and social protection projects at the international level (Verra Registry and Gold Standard Registry). This initiative officially transformed OIC Group into a ‘Carbon Neutral Company’, placing it among the rare 1% of Italian companies that have achieved carbon neutrality. “We want to be an example of excellence, actively contributing to the construction of an industry capable of generating an increasingly tangible positive impact,” added Nicola Testai, CEO of OIC Group. Founded in 1975 in Florence, OIC Group is one of the first PCOs in Italy. More detail: www.oic.it Photo: OIC Group, new headquarters, Via della Giovine Italia 17, Florence