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First published in 1996 with its previous revision dating back to 2004, the ISO 14001 standard is one of the most widely used environmental management standards internationally. The new ISO 14001:2015 version was released in September. Let's look at the major changes.
Reasons for the ISO 14001:2015 revision
All ISO standards are reviewed every five years to determine whether a revision is necessary to ensure they remain current and relevant to the market.
As previously mentioned, the last revision was in 2004. The ISO 14001:2015 version addresses the evolving socio-economic challenges faced by businesses and is compatible with other management systems, such as ISO 9001.
What are the main changes to the ISO 14001:2015 standard?
The main changes include (source: ISO):
- Increased prominence of environmental management within the organization's strategic planning processes
- Greater focus on leadership
- The introduction of proactive initiatives to protect the environment from harm and degradation, such as the use of sustainable resources and climate change mitigation
- The introduction of the concept of improving environmental performance
- The adoption of a life cycle perspective when addressing environmental aspects
- Introducing a communication strategy
Furthermore, the standard follows the common structure shared by other management system standards, featuring the same terms and definitions.
The new "HLS" structure
The High Level Structure (HLS) is now the standard adopted for all international management standards.
It provides a common foundation:
- A generic common structure: same chapters, same article numbers, etc.
- For each article, introductory texts that are identical across standards
- Identical requirements are worded identically
- A common glossary of basic terms and definitions
Here is the diagram:
Environmental management is fully integrated into the company's strategy and all its processes
The scope of the environmental management system (EMS) must be justified, particularly with regard to the organization's internal and external issues. The needs and expectations of interested parties must also be analyzed and taken into account where necessary. The company must also identify its sphere of influence and consider its environmental impacts from a life cycle perspective (see the section on environmental aspects below).
Furthermore, identifying and addressing risks and opportunities that could impact the achievement of desired environmental outcomes are new requirements. The concept of preventive action has been replaced by this new approach.
The concept of processes is also now clearly mentioned, particularly in section 8, Operation.
An enhanced role for management
Like the ISO 9001 standard, the role of management is highlighted to ensure it is fully integrated into the EMS. Consequently, leadership and commitment now constitute a standalone section, and management's responsibility for the effectiveness of the EMS is clearly required.
Environmental aspects and impacts from a life cycle perspective
Identifying environmental aspects and impacts must now take into account the life cycle of activities, products, and services. However, the 2015 version of ISO 14001 does not require a detailed life cycle assessment; rather, it encourages identifying and evaluating aspects and impacts from this perspective using appropriate methodologies. The goal is to avoid creating overly complex, cumbersome processes.
Operational control expands
This life cycle perspective naturally leads to incorporating environmental considerations into design and development processes. Furthermore, within its sphere of influence and still from this perspective, the standard requires the company to focus on the environmental management of its purchasing, subcontractors (particularly regarding "outsourced processes"), transportation, and the end-of-life of its activities, products, and services.
Communication is emphasized
The new ISO 14001:2015 standard requires the implementation of a controlled internal and external communication process. External communication is therefore now mandatory.
Environmental performance must be pursued
The concept of "environmental performance" has been introduced and must be evaluated. The concept of indicators is also included. Improving environmental performance is now at the heart of the system.
So, how do you transition to ISO 14001:2015?
As is often the case, there will be a transition period for certified companies to move from the 2004 version of the standard to the 2015 version :
