GSC achieves ISO 20121 Sustainability Certification, first sailing event to undertake this path
by Global Solo Challenge 24 Jul 2023 05:52 PDT
Global Solo Challenge © Riccardo Tosetto
The Global Solo Challenge (GSC) is pleased to announce that it has achieved the prestigious ISO 20121:2012 certification, awarded for sustainable event management, positioning it as the first sailing event to have adopted organizational aspects and principles on a path of continuous evaluation and monitoring of its own sustainable event management.
This certification, already obtained by organizations such as the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and World Sailing, was issued by TUV Thuringen Italia, an independent certification body and industry leader, for the first time for a sailing event.
The Global Solo Challenge is a unique event of its kind in offshore sailing, which will see participants undertake a round-the-world solo and non-stop circumnavigation with an innovative format that allows a wide range of boats to participate, utilizing a staggered start system to create an equitable event. This format has encouraged the reuse of existing boats, discouraging the construction of new boats and consequently the use of new resources and production processes.
The ISO 20121:2012 certification is an international standard that specifies the requirements for a sustainable event management system of any type or size. Achieving this certification demonstrates the Global Solo Challenge's commitment to minimize environmental impact, while maximizing social benefits at the same time.
The main aspects of GSC's sustainability commitments are not limited to the use of existing boats but also include the incentive for the search for alternative energy sources for the production of onboard energy and the organization of a low-impact event. In fact, the venue that hosts the event, Marina Coruña in Spain, actively contributes to the event's sustainability, thanks to its existing infrastructure and its ability to effectively make use of its own readily available resources, without resorting to the purchase or installation of temporary structures.
In turn, Marina Coruña benefits from the presence of the Global Solo Challenge, with participants' boats contributing with the use of berths and services beyond the summer season and attracting a flow of visitors with a positive economic impact for the territory.
The Global Solo Challenge has managed to create a low-environmental impact event, also thanks to the smart use of digital technologies for communication and event management. Among the collaborators involved are industry professionals able to work remotely, thus reducing the ecological impact derived from transport and travel while the choice of suppliers has focused on the territory of the Galician capital.
The event, with staggered departures from August 26 to January 6, 2024, will culminate with the return of the participants to A Coruña in early spring 2024 and has already exceeded the organizers' expectations with 20-22 participants compared to the initially expected 12, also managing to involve important sponsors and partners, including Raymarine, ATN, Hydrovane, and Range Global Services.
This significant recognition is a significant step towards the creation of a sustainable sporting event, respectful of the environment, and positive for the community.
For more information, please visit our website at www.globalsolochallenge.com