Summary
This document is a technical report detailing the upcoming changes to the ISO 14001 standard for Environmental Management Systems (EMS), transitioning from the 2015 version to the proposed 2026 edition. It outlines key updates that address emerging environmental challenges, emphasizing the importance of climate change, life cycle perspective, and supply chain sustainability. The report highlights structural similarities between the two versions, noting that both utilize the Harmonized Structure (Annex SL) for easier integration with other ISO standards. Key updates include requirements for organizations to assess climate change risks, consider environmental impacts throughout the product life cycle, and extend EMS to suppliers. The language of the requirements has been simplified to aid understanding, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises. Additionally, the report discusses unresolved issues, such as final documentation requirements and the expected transition period post-release. Overall, the revisions aim to enhance sustainability and accountability within EMS frameworks.
