Following international ISO/TS 17033 verification of its “Reduced-waste menus and circular cooking” claim, the beach club in Marina di Ascea strengthens its commitment by renewing its sustainability management certification.
Poseidonia Beach Club is becoming increasingly green. The Marina di Ascea beach club has strengthened its sustainability journey by renewing its ISO 20121 certification for the sustainable management of its activities, following the surveillance audits required by the standard. Poseidonia was the first beach club to obtain this certification, setting itself apart by adopting a structured sustainability management system tailored to beach hospitality.
EQA Italia Srl, an accredited certification body, has renewed Poseidonia Beach Club’s Certificate of Conformity with the requirements of ISO 20121:2024 for “the organisation, management and reporting of events in the beach hospitality, food and wine, and cultural sectors”.
Shortly after obtaining international ISO/TS 17033:2019 certification, issued by Certi W, for its ethical claim “Reduced-waste menus and circular cooking”, the environmentally conscious beach club has reaffirmed its certification for sustainable events. This achievement strengthens a model developed over time and grounded in practical measures: from reducing food waste to making the most of ingredients, and from responsible resource management to addressing the environmental impact of its activities.
“For us, certification is not a badge to display, but a method to apply every day,” says Captain Gianni Rizzo, owner of Poseidonia Beach Club. “The auditor recognised precisely this aspect, highlighting how deeply the system is integrated into our organisation. I believe this is what truly makes the difference: going beyond following a procedure or filling in forms, and turning the principles of the standard into tangible behaviours, decisions and processes.”
The renewal of ISO 20121 confirms the continuity of the sustainability management system adopted by Poseidonia Beach Club. The international standard certifies the organisation’s commitment to managing its activities according to sustainability criteria, through processes and procedures focused on environmental responsibility and management quality.
Alongside this, ISO/TS 17033:2019 certification provides further recognition of an approach to food service centred on circular cooking. Menu management, ingredient planning, the recovery of surplus food and waste reduction become part of a structured system in which sustainability is more than a stated principle: it is a process subject to verification.
“In an area where a strong business culture is often lacking, this journey can also serve as an example: a way to learn alongside other stakeholders how to run a business with greater awareness, structure and responsibility,” adds Captain Gianni Rizzo. “That is why we are willing to share our experience with anyone who would like to organise a sustainable event with us or make a practical contribution to building a management system consistent with these principles. Our journey can provide a platform for discussion and guidance for other organisations wishing to follow this path. It is a challenge we intend to pursue, with work on new projects beginning this winter, because sustainability must be demonstrated through tangible, verifiable actions, showing that quality and hospitality can go hand in hand and translate into measurable, recognisable good practices.”
This latest milestone is part of a broader journey that has seen Poseidonia Beach Club develop a range of sustainability initiatives over the years, from renewable energy generation and responsible waste management to the reuse of coffee grounds and the protection of the coastal ecosystem.
Its accolades also include the Audit People Award – Best Quality and Sustainability Beach Club Italia, the Two Parasols awarded by the Guide to Italy’s Best Beach Clubs for three consecutive years, in 2024, 2025 and 2026, and ISPRA recognition as an Ecological Beach, held since 2021.
This commitment is further reflected in the project “Ascea’s Ecological Beach – Made in Italy Sustainability and Environmental Education”, included in the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy’s 2026 calendar (1–3 May 2026). Organised by Poseidonia Beach Club, the initiative brought together scientific research, tradition, art and tourism through activities dedicated to protecting Posidonia oceanica and coastal ecosystems, involving schools, families, industry professionals and researchers. It represents a model of environmental education and responsible tourism that MIMIT associates with the concept of sustainable Made in Italy, based on knowledge, respect for the sea and collective responsibility.
For Poseidonia Beach Club, these certifications and accolades are tools for strengthening, over time, a hospitality model in which innovation, quality and sustainability are integral to its corporate identity.