When Is ISO 14001:2015 Being Revised?
ISO 14001, the international standard for environmental management systems, is currently undergoing formal revision. A Draft International Standard (DIS) was released in February 2025, and the revised version, ISO 14001:2026, is expected to be published in early 2026.
The revision is being led by ISO/TC 207/SC 1, the sub-committee responsible for environmental management standards. It follows the publication of Amendment 1 in February 2024, which introduced new requirements for organizations to consider climate change as a relevant factor under Clauses 4.1 and 4.2 (Context of the Organization) in the current ISO 14001:2015 standard.
What Is the Aim of ISO 14001:2026?
The full revision of ISO 14001 aims to strengthen the standard’s alignment with evolving sustainability practices, and support organizations in responding to global environmental reporting demands. Crucially, ISO 14001:2026 will maintain compatibility with the consistent structure (Annex SL) used across all ISO management system standards.
What Key Focus Areas Are Expected in ISO 14001:2026?
The revision is expected to centre on the following key areas:
- Inclusion of climate change and environmental conditions in organizational context analysis
- Alignment with the latest consistent structure (Annex SL)
- Increased emphasis on lifecycle thinking and planning for environmental change
- Expanded focus on supply chain sustainability and value chain impacts
- Reinforced integration of environmental risks and opportunities in strategic planning
- Clearer expectations for environmental performance reporting and communication
- Enhanced guidance in Annex A to support consistent implementation
What Is the Transition Process for ISO 14001:2026?
Organizations certified to ISO 14001:2015 will have a transition period, expected to be up to three years, to move across to the new ISO 14001:2026 once it is published. This transition window is designed to give businesses time to align systems, processes, and reporting with the updated requirements.
What Does ISO 14001:2026 Mean for Businesses Certified to ISO 14001:2015?
For businesses already certified to ISO 14001:2015, the forthcoming revision to ISO 14001:2026 will require a review and potential adaption of their environmental management systems. The biggest changes are expected to centre on climate change integration, enhanced lifecycle thinking, and clearer environmental performance reporting.
By starting early, organizations can reduce the workload of the transition and position themselves as leaders in sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Stay Updated on ISO 14001:2026
Updates will be provided on this webpage as the revision progresses.
Register your interest below to receive the latest updates on ISO 14001:2026 as the standard evolves.
