Enhance your organisation’s environmental credentials with the help of our free, downloadable Environmental Policy template. Enter and submit your email address below to download now.
What Is an Environmental Policy?
An Environmental Policy is a formal document that sets out an organisation’s commitment to protecting the environment and improving sustainability. A strong Environmental Policy:
- Defines processes for reducing environmental impact
- Assigns responsibilities for environmental management
- Outlines measurable objectives for sustainability goals
- Demonstrates compliance with UK legislation and international standards
Implementing a robust Environmental Policy can help businesses:
- Minimise their carbon footprint and resource use
- Comply with UK and international environmental regulations
- Improve reputation and stakeholder trust
- Support ISO 14001 certification and other sustainability frameworks
By clearly defining environmental responsibilities and commitments, organisations can proactively contribute to a greener, more sustainable future.
Why Environmental Policies Are More Important Than Ever
The urgency of climate change and increasing regulatory requirements make Environmental Policies critical for UK businesses.
Key statistics:
- According to the survey, 78 % of consumers say sustainability is at least somewhat important when choosing a product or retailer. (Source: Blue Yonger/SupplyChainDigital – Consumer Sustainability Survey 2025)
- UK investors recognise climate change as a growing threat, with over a third (38 %) saying it could leave companies extremely or highly exposed over the next five years. (Source: PWC – UK Investor Survey)
- 82% of the investors surveyed are worried about the impact of climate-related risks on their portfolios. 86% of investors think disclosure of a climate transition plan is a valuable tool for their investment decision making. (Source: E3G/Censuswide – Survey of UK institutional investors on climate risk – December 2024)
Without a formal Environmental Policy, businesses could risk:
- Non-compliance with environmental legislation
- Missed opportunities for efficiency savings
- Reputational damage with customers and stakeholders
- Falling behind competitors on sustainability performance
Why This Matters for ISO Certification
Certification bodies expect organisations to have documented environmental commitments and management processes. An Environmental Policy is a core requirement for ISO 14001, demonstrating a structured approach to managing environmental responsibilities.
This policy also supports broader management system standards that integrate environmental, quality, and health and safety considerations.
Relevant ISO standards supported by this policy:
- ISO 9001 – Quality Management Systems
Encourages risk-based thinking, which includes environmental risks that could impact service delivery. - ISO 45001 – Occupational Health & Safety
Often implemented alongside ISO 14001 to provide an integrated approach to workplace safety, wellbeing, and sustainability.
Get Started Today
By using our free template, you can set out your environmental commitments, align with UK regulations, and strengthen your reputation as a responsible business.
Enter and submit your email address below to download your free Environmental Policy template today.
