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ISO 14001 is one of the most widely recognised international standards for environmental management.
It provides organisations with a framework to manage their environmental responsibilities systematically, improve sustainability and comply with legal requirements.
The standard was first published in 1996 as part of the ISO 14000 family of standards.
It was developed in response to increasing global awareness of environmental issues and the need for organisations to minimise their negative impact on the environment.
Why is ISO 14001 being revised?
It is important to know that standards are typically reviewed every five to ten years. If a standard is still relevant and does not require any changes, it will be approved for the next five years.
The last time a new edition of ISO 14001 was published was 10 years ago, in 2015.
The revised edition of ISO 14001 provides improved clarity while maintaining the trusted requirements of the standard. The outcome is improved usability and closer alignment with environmental priorities, including climate change, biodiversity and resource efficiency.
What is changing in the new version?
ISO 14001:2026 introduces editorial improvements that make the standard easier to understand, implement and integrate with other management systems.
New guidance helps organisations consider how their local environmental conditions (for example, climate change effects, biodiversity loss or water availability) affect their operations.
The standard now clarifies how environmental management should align with your organisation’s purpose, strategic direction and risk-based thinking.
The new edition benefits from better clarity and readability, making it easier for organisations of all sizes and sectors to interpret the requirements and implement the standard effectively.
However, the core structure and intent of the standard remain the same.
How to prepare for ISO 14001:2026?
The level of detail and complexity of the EMS will vary. It will depend on the function of the organisation, the scope of its environmental management system, its compliance obligations and the very nature of its activities, products and services.
Those already familiar with the previous version will find the transition smooth, but when the updated standard is published, take time to review the changes.
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