ISO 14001:2015 is now published

The new revised version of ISO 14001:2015, the world’s first international environmental management standard has been published. This marks the culmination of input from  environmental experts from 70 countries and is a significant milestone that will boost the profile of environmental management, putting it at the heart of business more so than ever before.

The new standard continues to help organizations keep up to date with changes in environmental management, but it also helps them to reduce waste, save energy and protect their reputation with investors, customers and the public. Written in the new “High Level Structure”, ISO 14001:2015 will also become easier to integrate with other management systems helping organizations make efficiencies and save time.

BSI obtains global accreditation for ISO 14001:2015

We’re proud to announce that BSI has received official global accreditation status from the ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board (ANAB) for the new Environmental Management System Standard. We are now allowed to conduct audits that can be used as part of the support for transition to the new standard which was published earlier this month and accredited certification can now be issued.

Read the press release in full >

NEW! Informative ISO transition films

Created to help you transition to the latest ISO management system standards including ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015, BSI clients share their perspectives about some of the key areas in the new standards. Essential viewing to help make your transition smooth and successful, they include;

  • The benefits of the new standards
  • How to prepare your transition
  • Top tips for your transition
  • All about leadership in the new standards
Find out more and hear what our clients have to say >

ISO 14001:2015 revision

ISO 14001 – Environmental Management Systems, the world’s first international environmental standard has been helping thousands of organizations to improve their environmental, sustainability and operational performance since it was first published as BS 7750 in 1992.

To ensure that ISO 14001 continue to serve organizations and maintain its relevance in today’s market place, the standard is being revised. The revision will not only address the change in environmental practices, but also ensure that the management system in future proof.

Companies, organizations and society have a global responsibility to grow without compromising resources for future generations. ISO 14001 was originally written with the environment in mind and that remains the priority for ISO 14001:2015.

The value of the new ISO 14001 >

Benefits of the new standard

Bringing the Environment and Continuous Improvement into the heart of your business

The revised standard will ensure that environmental management is now completely integrated and aligned with the business strategies of your organization. This strategic focus will result in optimizing the performance of your EMS making it more sustainable, saving money and helping preserve the world’s resources for future generations.

Leadership

Greater involvement in the management system by the leadership team will ensure the whole organization will be motivated towards the organizations goals and objectives.

Improved Environmental Performance

Organizations will need to take steps to protect the environment and improve environmental performance. Good environmental management will reduce the risk of regulatory fines and can often identify opportunities to save money.

An Integrated Approach

With the new structure applicable to all new ISO management systems standards it will be much easier to implement multiple, integrated management systems.

Revision in more detail

The new standard expected in September 2015, will be based on Annex SL – the new high level structure (HLS) that brings a common framework to all management system standards. This helps to keep consistency, alignment different management system standards, offer matching sub-clauses against the top-level structure and apply common language across all standards.

The key changes in the proposed standard are:

  • The emphasis on leadership
  • The focus on risk management
  • Emphasis on objectives measurement and change
  • Communication and awareness
  • Fewer prescriptive requirements

With the new standard in place, organizations will find it easier to incorporate their environmental  management system into the core business processes and gain greater business benefits.

I’m interested in certifying to ISO 14001

ISO 14001:2004 is still valid and companies will still benefit from implementing and certifying against it. Certification to ISO 14001:2004 will be allowed for a period of time following the publication of the new version of the standard expected 2015, which will be determined by the UK Accreditation Service (UKAS), expected to be a couple of years. 

Find out more about the benefits of ISO 14001 >

I’m currently certified to ISO 14001

Once the revised standard has been published in 2015, BSI will support you through the process. A transition period will be set and we will provide you with guidelines and training to help you make this as smooth as possible.

Part of the reason that BSI is the first choice provider for certification is that we will support you through standard revisions, helping you to understand how the changes affect – and benefit – your organization.

In the meantime, have a look at BSI’s Best Practice Journey - supporting you every step of the way and familiarise with the 5 keys steps for a successful transition.

BSI's Best Practice Journey >