When is ISO 14001:2015 Being Revised?
ISO 14001, the globally recognised standard for environmental management systems, is currently undergoing a formal revision. The Draft International Standard (DIS) was released in February 2025, and the updated version – ISO 14001:2026 – is scheduled for publication in early 2026.
The revision is being managed by ISO/TC 207/SC 1, the committee responsible for environmental management standards. This work follows Amendment 1, issued in February 2024, which introduced new requirements for organisations to consider climate change as a relevant factor under Clauses 4.1 and 4.2 (Context of the Organisation) in the current ISO 14001:2015 edition.
What Is the Purpose of ISO 14001:2026?
The revision is designed to strengthen ISO 14001’s alignment with sustainability and ensure it continues to meet the expectations of regulators, businesses, and stakeholders. The 2026 edition will retain the high-level structure (Annex SL) shared across all ISO management system standards.
What Areas Are Expected To Be a Priority in ISO 14001:2026?
The new edition is expected to place stronger emphasis on:
- Incorporating climate change considerations into environmental management
- Ensuring compatibility with the latest Annex SL framework
- Reinforcing lifecycle thinking and planning for environmental change
- Supply chain and value chain sustainability impacts
- Integrating environmental risks and opportunities into strategy and decision-making
- Strengthening reporting and transparency on environmental performance
- Expanded guidance in Annex A to promote consistent implementation
What is The Transition Process to ISO 14001:2026?
Certified organisations will be given a transition period – expected to be up to three years – to move across from ISO 14001:2015 once the new standard is released. This transition period is intended to give businesses sufficient time to update their systems, processes, and reporting.
What Does ISO 14001:2026 Mean for Organisations Currently Certified?
For UK businesses already holding ISO 14001:2015 certification, the revision will mean reviewing environmental management systems and making any necessary adjustments. Key areas of change are anticipated in relation to climate change integration, lifecycle approaches, and environmental performance reporting.
Preparing ahead of publication will help organisations to manage the transition smoothly and demonstrate commitment to sustainability.
Stay Informed on ISO 14001:2026
We will provide updates here as the revision progresses.
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