We are proud to announce that on February 11, 2025, the Institute of Documentary Film (IDF) received official certification for sustainable event management. By implementing an event sustainability management system in accordance with the ISO 20121:2024 standard, we have become the first organization in the Czech documentary sector to achieve this recognition. This milestone reaffirms our long-term commitment to responsible event organization, setting a new benchmark in the industry.
At IDF, we believe that organizing events responsibly is essential for the future of our planet and society. That’s why we actively work to reduce our environmental impact while supporting the documentary film community, particularly in Central and Eastern Europe.
Download the Certificate
Download the Declaration
Our Three Pillars of Sustainability
Our approach to sustainability is built on three key areas:
1. Social Responsibility – Ensuring inclusivity, fairness, and accessibility in all our events.
2. Environmental Awareness – Reducing waste, saving energy, and minimizing our carbon footprint.
3. Economic Sustainability – Supporting local suppliers, making cost-effective choices, and ensuring long-term viability.
By integrating these principles, we strive to create meaningful and sustainable events that benefit both people and the planet.
How We Apply Sustainability in Practice
1. People: A Responsible and Inclusive Community
We will strive to make sure that the people we work with feel that they have the freedom not only to create, to lecture, to listen, to participate, to engage, but also to come up with their own ideas. We want to inspire our own staff and participants in events to contribute to improving their behaviour to minimise environmental impact and to be socially responsible to all stakeholders involved in documentary filmmaking without national, racial or gender discrimination.
2. Sustainable Event Locations and Transportation
When selecting venues, IDF considers sustainability by prioritizing cost-effectiveness, energy efficiency, waste reduction, and accessibility via public transport. Contracts include sustainability requirements, and materials are sourced locally whenever possible to reduce transportation-related emissions.
3. Eco-Friendly Event Production
In organizing events, IDF takes every step to reduce environmental impact. Digital materials are prioritized over printed ones, and waste reduction strategies such as recycling and minimizing plastic use are actively enforced. Energy and water conservation measures, including limiting single-use water bottles and monitoring consumption, are implemented. At the event’s conclusion, sustainability is further reinforced through post-event evaluations, responsible waste disposal, and food donation whenever possible.
Why This Matters
We believe that sustainability is not just a trend—it’s a necessity. By taking these steps, we are setting a positive example for the entire documentary sector. Our goal is to inspire other organizations to follow suit, proving that events can be both impactful and environmentally responsible.