Climate change is one of the most urgent challenges of our time, requiring coordinated, systematic action across sectors. In 2021, BSI proposed the London Declaration, securing ISO member approval for a landmark commitment to transform the standards system for an equitable net zero transition.
As part of this pledge, BSI led efforts to introduce a new climate requirement in all ISO Management System Standards (MSS) in February 2024. For the first time, these world-renowned standards ask organizations to explicitly consider climate change in their management systems.
PHARMExcel is a UK-based Contract Research Organization (CRO) providing clinical research services for the NHS, academics, biopharma and medtech sectors. The company is one of 1.4 million organizations certified to ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems. As is the case for many service-based businesses, climate change had not previously been a major strategic focus area for PHARMExcel. However, climate conversations are now broadening to include ‘serviced’ emissions, providing such organizations with a clearer mandate and opportunity to lead on climate action.
When the 2024 ISO 9001 amendment came into effect, it acted as a clear call to action for PHARMExcel to review how climate-related risks and opportunities could influence quality, operations, and service continuity.
“Our product offering is our people; we outsource our knowledge and experience. We’re not making products… so we needed to look at how climate change could impact our organization and how we could make steps to reduce our impact on climate change.”
- Shaun Hastings, Director of Quality Assurance, PHARMExcel
Taking Action
In response to the amended standard, PHARMExcel’s first step was convening an ad-hoc management review meeting. This brought top management together to explore how climate considerations could be integrated into their Quality Management System, marking the beginning of their climate change journey:
- Action Plan: Following the management review, PHARMExcel developed an action plan outlining long-term commitments and immediate next steps, which were implemented within three months of the meeting.
- ESG Champion: PHARMExcel appointed an “ESG Champion” to drive progress on sustainability initiatives and ensure accountability.
- ESG Policy: PHARMExcel developed and published a company-wide ESG policy, both internally and externally on their website, publicly outlining how the organization plans to reduce energy consumption, explore renewable energy options, implement recycling programs, and transition to digital solutions. The policy also includes a commitment to work with suppliers who share these values, and to reduce the organization’s carbon footprint through efficient travel policies and remote working.
- Staff Training and Conversations: Cross-team climate-related training sessions and internal discussions helped to shape shared goals and encourage new ideas.
- Supplier Engagement: PHARMExcel introduced new questions into their supplier questionnaires about ESG and climate change. This ensured that partnerships align with the company’s evolving objectives.
For PHARMExcel, the amendments introduced to ISO 9001 through the London Declaration were a catalyst for action.
The Impact
The actions taken by PHARMExcel quickly began to generate meaningful outcomes, transforming compliance into a company-wide cultural shift.
Climate Conversations at the Forefront: Sustainability is now firmly embedded in management discussions and client interactions. Rather than being a risk-based response, climate considerations are integrated into the company’s story and value proposition.
“It’s brought the conversation to the forefront... it’s no longer a thought in the background, it’s now something we promote when we’re talking to our clients.”
- Shaun Hastings, Director of Quality Assurance, PHARMExcel
Client Confidence and Competitive Advantage: A clear ESG policy and action plan mean PHARMExcel can credibly respond to the climate-related questions that clients are increasingly asking. This has already enhanced their reputation and competitiveness, particularly as sustainability criteria play a growing role in how clients assess supplier performance.
"When our clients come to us and ask, we can now say yes, we do, rather than no, we don’t... our reputation has definitely been improved with us implementing these changes.”
- Shaun Hastings, Director of Quality Assurance, PHARMExcel
Supplier Accountability: By updating supplier questionnaires, the organization has started to influence its wider ecosystem. Even suppliers who previously had no sustainability commitments are now being engaged in climate conversations, creating ripple effects far beyond PHARMExcel.
Employee Engagement and Culture: Structured conversations have created space for staff to voice their views on climate change and sustainability. Employees with differing levels of personal commitment have discovered shared ground and as a result, interest in climate action has increased across the business.
“It’s b[r]ought people together. Each employee had their own thoughts on climate change…it was clear that the appetite for engaging in climate change conversations was something in the organization that we didn’t really know until we had those discussions.”
- Shaun Hastings, Director of Quality Assurance, PHARMExcel
Looking Ahead
For PHARMExcel, the amendments introduced to ISO 9001 through the London Declaration acted as a springboard into a new way of thinking about the organization’s role in tackling climate change. Over the long term, PHARMExcel expects climate considerations to remain a core part of its management system.
“What’s been most powerful is the cultural impact – it has brought our whole team into the conversation, strengthened trust with our clients, and helped us convey our values more clearly as a partner. This is not a one-off initiative for PHARMExcel; climate considerations are built into the way we operate and think and how we plan for the future."
- Yvanne Enever, Chief Executive Officer, PHARMExcel
The London Declaration has reshaped how the company thinks, talks, and acts on climate – uniting staff, enhancing its client reputation, and opening doors to new business opportunities. PHARMExcel’s journey illustrates how the amended ISO Management System Standards can support organizations to embed climate considerations into their operations, offering a pathway to strengthen resilience and performance.
