The future ISO 14001:2015

Why is ISO 14001 being revised?

All ISO standards are reviewed every five years to establish if a revision is required to keep it current and relevant for the marketplace. The future ISO 14001:2015 will respond to latest trends and ensure it is compatible with other management system standards such as ISO 9001.

What will be the main changes to the standard?

The new version will include a requirement to understand the organization’s context in order to better manage risk, with more emphasis made on leaders within organizations to promote environmental management. In addition there will be a shift towards improving environmental performance rather than improving the management system. More information about the changes will be made available once the draft reaches the public enquiry stage.

Where are we in the revision process?

ISO 14001 is at the Committee Draft Stage, the third stage of a six stage process, when the people behind the standard (the Technical Committees and subcommittees) agree on the technical content.

How can I get involved?

When the draft reaches the public enquiry stage, which is expected in July 2014, any interested parties with expertise or experience to offer can comment. All contributions and comments are made via the national member body.

What is the next step?

Once the Technical Committees and subcommittees have agreed the content, it will move into the public enquiry stage, expected sometime in July 2014.

When will the new version be published?

The revised ISO 14001 standard is due to be published by the end of 2015.

I am certified to ISO 14001:2004. What does this mean for me?

Organizations are granted a three-year transition period after the revision has been published to migrate their quality management system to the new edition of the standard.

After this transition period, companies will have to seek certification to the new version of the standard. ISO 14001:2004, and any certification to it, will be out of date.

How do I find out more?

The draft version of ISO 14001:2015 will become available for purchase once it reaches the public enquiry stage in July 2015. You can also contact your national member body for more information about how the revision is proceeding in your country.

More info: ISO