ISO 14001 is an internationally recognized standard for environmental management systems. Since 2012, a technical committee has been revising the existing norm to publish a new version in September 2015.
How will it impact certified companies?
- Companies certified in accordance with ISO 14001 former versions (2004 or the amended version of 2009) are given a three-year period to adapt their environmental management system according to the 2015 version.
- All certificates in accordance with 14001:2004 will be invalid from 15/09/2015
What are the main changes of this version?
- Integrated approach with other standards like ISO 9001 by using the same definitions and terms
- A more strategic environmental management by identifying and leveraging opportunities that are beneficial to the environment and the company
- New clause on leadership with specific roles to promote environmental management within the organization
- A focus on protecting the environment through committing to proactive initiatives
- A focus on objectives measurement and change
- A new requirement on communication
- An extension of the scope of application: the organization also needs to take into account product design and development as well as controlling outsourced processes
For more information you can review: http://www.iso.org/iso/iso14001_revision or watch the ISO video
The DFGE is happy to help you to align your environmental management with the new framework https://dfge.de
