Understand the changes, prepare your Environmental Management System (EMS), and stay ahead of sustainability demands.
What is ISO 14001:2026?
ISO 14001:2026 is the upcoming revision of the EMS standard, succeeding ISO 14001:2015. It maintains its Annex SL framework, introduces refined clauses and language, and places heightened focus on climate resilience, biodiversity, lifecycle thinking, and environmental accountability.
Transition Timeline (Estimated):
Current Standard
ISO 14001:2015
Draft International Standard (DIS)
Published June 2025
Final Draft (FDIS)
Expected October - December 2025
New Standard Published
Expected March 2026
The deadline to transition to ISO 14001:2026 has yet to be determined.
Notable Clause-Level Planned Updates:
Requires explicit consideration of climate change, biodiversity, and lifecycle in EMS scope.
Shifts from “fulfil” to “meet compliance obligations”; adds emphasis on natural resource conservation.
Introduces Clause 6.3 for structured change management; distinguishes emergency from abnormal operations; separates planning into identifying risks/opportunities and planning actions.
Clarifies documentation requirements; emphasizes communication for continual improvement.
Replaces “outsourced processes” with “externally provided processes…” and extends operational control to suppliers; links emergency preparedness with risk planning.
Requires explicit evaluation of environmental performance; internal audits must define objectives; management reviews reformatted.
Integrates Clause 10.1 into 10.2/10.3; strengthens corrective action structure and links findings to continual improvements.
What You Should Do Now
- Conduct a DIS-based gap analysis, and compare with FDIS when available.
- Update documentation to reflect new clause structure and terminology.
- Train your team on lifecycle thinking, climate risk, and change management.
- Strengthen supplier controls and emergency planning to align with updated expectations.
- Engage leadership with environmental policy revisions and EMS oversight.
Why ISO 14001:2026 Matters
This update elevates environmental management from compliance to leadership—demonstrating your organization’s sustainability credentials, resilience against climate risks, and ESG commitment
How Intertek Can Support Your Transition
Intertek provides end-to-end solutions to help you prepare for and transition to ISO 14001:2026:
- Gap assessments and readiness audits
- Transition-focused training on climate, biodiversity, lifecycle, and EMS strategy
- Documentation and change management support
- Certification and integrated system (ISO 9001, ISO 45001) support
With more than 140 years of assurance expertise, Intertek partners with organisations worldwide to ensure their management systems deliver measurable value and sustained business advantage.
