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ISO14001:2015 Differences
A new release of ISO14001:2015 was release in September 2015.
Although the core requirements are the same there are a number of additional requirements for the management of the environmental activities.
- Context of the organisation
This is a new requirement to identify the internal and external factors and conditions that affect an organization. Examples of internal issues could include an organization’s culture and capabilities, whilst external issues could include the effects of climate change, flooding and the availability of natural resources to name but a few. The organization needs to identify the stakeholders of its EMS and any requirements they have.
- Leadership
There is an explicit and enhanced requirement for top management to demonstrate leadership and commitment relating to the system.
- Strategic environmental management
Top management needs to ensure that the environmental policy and environmental objectives are consistent with the overall business strategy, and that management review outputs include any implications for the strategic direction of the organisation.
- Risks and opportunities
This is a new concept introduced in the ‘planning’ section of the standard. It requires the organization to identify the risks and opportunities associated with aspects and impacts, compliance obligations (previously known as legal and other requirements), and other necessary issues or requirements, and take action to address them.
- Life-cycle perspective
The identification of aspects and impacts should now be done whilst considering a life cycle perspective, i.e. from raw material acquisition, or generation from natural resources to end-of-life treatment. A life cycle perspective should also be taken when establishing value chain controls (see below).
- Value chain control and influence
Environmental requirements need to be established and considered throughout the procurement and design activities of the organization’s products and services.
- Performance evaluation
There is a new emphasis on the need for evaluation of environmental performance in addition to the current requirements for monitoring measurement and analysis.
- External audits
ISO 14001:2015 auditors will be engaging in dialogue with top management leaders, seeking understanding and explanations from them about policy, strategy and environmental objectives, and ensuring these are compatible.
The changes also bring the clauses and requirements more into line with ISO9001:2015 which was released about the same time.
Please contact Independent Advice for Business on 01536 227683 or contact Peter Jones here for more information or to arrange a visit to discuss your requirements.[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]
