Strengthen your company’s green credentials with our free, downloadable Environmental Policy template. Enter and submit your email below to download this template today.
What Is an Environmental Policy?
An Environmental Policy is a formal statement that describes a company’s commitment to protecting the environment and enhancing sustainability. A well-crafted policy:
- Defines processes to reduce environmental impact
- Assigns accountability for environmental management
- Sets measurable goals for sustainability performance
- Demonstrates alignment with U.S. environmental regulations and international standards
Adopting a strong Environmental Policy, can enable companies to:
- Lower energy use, waste generation, and carbon emissions
- Comply with U.S. federal, state, and local environmental laws
- Build trust with customers, stakeholders, and regulators
- Facilitate ISO 14001 certification and integrate with other management systems
By clarifying responsibilities and goals, your organization can take proactive steps toward a more sustainable future.
Why Environmental Policies Are More Important Than Ever
With climate change pressure mounting and regulation evolving, Environmental Policies are now essential for forward-looking U.S. businesses.
Key statistics:
- According to the 2025 US Business Sustainability Landscape Outlook, 87 % of US companies have maintained or increased their sustainability investments this year. (Source: ESGToday—2025 US Business Sustainability Landscape Outlook Survey)
- The same report shows 65 % of executives view supply chain sustainability as a competitive advantage that helps reduce risks, cut costs, and strengthen brand reputation. (Source: ESGToday—2025 US Business Sustainability Landscape Outlook Survey)
- Companies with strong ESG performance show a 92 % correlation with profitability, according to a 2025 ESG report covering 210 top U.S. & Canadian firms. (Source: Centre for Sustainability and Excellence—2025 Annual Research)
Without a formal Environmental Policy, companies may face:
- Noncompliance with environmental laws and regulations
- Missed efficiency and cost saving opportunities
- Damage to reputation among customers, investors, and the public
- Losing ground to competitors on sustainability performance
Ultimate Guide to ISO 14001Find out more about ISO 14001 in our Ultimate Guide to ISO 14001.  |
Why This Matters for ISO Certification
Third-party certifiers and auditors expect that organizations document their environmental commitments and management practices. An Environmental Policy is a foundational component of ISO 14001, proving that your organization takes environmental responsibilities seriously.
It also supports integration with broader management systems covering quality, environment, and safety.
Relevant ISO standards this policy supports:
- ISO 9001—Quality Management Systems
Encourages risk-based thinking, which can include environmental risks that might impact products or services. - ISO 45001—Occupational Health & Safety
Often implemented together with ISO 14001 to deliver a comprehensive management framework covering safety, well-being, and sustainability.
Get Started Today
By using our free Environmental Policy template, your business can clearly define its environmental goals, comply with U.S. regulatory requirements, and enhance its reputation as a responsible, sustainable organization.
Enter and submit your email address below to download your free Environmental Policy template today.
