The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has introduced significant updates to its management system standards to address climate change. These updates aim to integrate climate change considerations into the core of organisational practices and policies across various standards.
Key updates include modifications to Clauses 4.1 and 4.2 of the Annex SL standards:
- Clause 4.1 – Understanding the organization and its context: Organisations are now required to determine whether climate change is a relevant issue affecting their ability to achieve intended results. This involves identifying both external and internal climate-related issues that could impact their objectives.
- Clause 4.2 – Understanding the needs and expectations of interested parties: Organisations must consider climate change-related requirements of relevant interested parties, incorporating these into their management systems.
These changes reflect ISO’s commitment to enhancing organisational resilience and adaptability to climate-related risks. Organisations are encouraged to assess these risks and integrate them into their strategic objectives and risk mitigation efforts.
Additionally, the updates emphasise the importance of embedding climate change awareness and action within various ISO Management Systems Standards, such as ISO 9001 (Quality Management), ISO 14001 (Environmental Management), and ISO 45001 (Occupational Health and Safety), among others. This broad scope demonstrates ISO’s dedication to fostering environmental stewardship across diverse sectors.
These amendments signify a major shift towards sustainability and climate action, urging organisations to proactively address climate-related challenges and opportunities in their operations. For more detailed guidance on implementing these changes please contact us at Adaptive Certifications.
