Brief introduction of ISO 14001:2015:

New Standards ISO 14001:2015 will be published in September 2015, New Standards ISO 14001:2015 is based on Annex SL of the ISO Directives, a high-level structure (HLS) which standardizes sub clause titles, core text, common terms and core definitions to enhance compatibility and alignment with other ISO management system standards ISO 14001:2015 promotes the need to demonstrate system effectiveness and the application of risk-based thinking through the process approach.

Additionally, the revision intend to:

1.      Consider the final report of the ISO/TC 207 SC 1 "Future Challenges for EMS" Study Group.

2.      Ensure the maintenance and improvement of the basic principles of ISO 14001: 2004, and also the retention and improvement of its existing requirements. 

ISO / TC207 / SC1 on its website - www.iso.org/iso/tc207sc1home – provides regular information notes on the revision of ISO 14001.  

What are the emerging changes?

1.      Strategic Environmental Management

2.      Leadership

3.      Protecting the environment

4.      Environmental performance

5.      Lifecycle thinking

6.      Communication

7.     Documentation 

What is the timeline for transition of ISO 14001:2004 to ISO 2015?

The International Accreditation Forum (IAF) and the ISO Committee on Conformity Assessment (CASCO) have agreed to a three year transition period from the publication date of ISO 14001:2015. New Standards ISO 14001 : 2015 will be published in September 2015, hence it is expected that last date may be August 2018. Hence it is expected that ISO 14001:2004 certifications may not be valid after August 2018. 

What happen if I get certificate during transition period: (Transition period of ISO 14001:2004 to ISO 14001:2015 is August 2018)?

·        The expiry date of certification to ISO 14001:2004 issued during the transition period needs to correspond to the end of the three year transition period, means if your organisation get certified under ISO 14001:2004 standards in January 2016, last date of the validity of your certificate shall be August 2018 (if transition is not successfully completed).·          

What’s new in ISO 14001:2015: The key changes in the proposed standard are:

1.      Maintain the effective focus on Effective Management System

2.      Consider the changes in EMS Practices & Terminology

3.      Reproduce changes in Complex, Demanding and Dynamic Environment where organisation functions.

4.      Simplify real organizational implementation and conformity assessment.

5.      More simplifying language to support indulgent to the user.

6.      The emphasis on leadership

7.      The focus on risk management

8.      Emphasis on objectives measurement and change

9.      Communication and awareness

10.   Fewer prescriptive requirements 

Commercial benefit of the ISO 14001:2015:

1.      Compliance with Regulation

2.      Reduction in waste and defects

3.      Management of business risk.

4.      Competitive advantage

Other benefit of ISO 14001 Environment management system

1.      Helps improvement in business reputation in the market place.

2.      Improves health and safety performance

3.      Helps in reducing the environmental footprint.

4.      Reduction in waste 

What you should do after revision of ISO 14001:2004 to ISO 14001:2015?

1.      Monitor the changes

2.      Talk to your assessors

3.      Consider the integration opportunity with your existing MS.

4.      Plan for transition from ISO 14001:2004 to ISO 14001:2015 (Users should be aware that at the Draft International Standard (DIS) stage technical changes may still occur, therefore it is recommended that, while preparation can be carried out at the DIS stage, significant changes should not be implemented until the Final Draft International Standard (FDIS) is issued and the technical content is finalized.)

5.      Identify organizational gaps which need to be addressed to meet new requirements.

6.      Develop an implementation plan.

7.      Gives awareness to senior management about the proposed changes

8.      Purchase the draft copy of the standards.

9.      Provide appropriate training and awareness for all parties that have an impact on the effectiveness of the organisation.

10.   Update the existing environmental management system (EMS) to meet the revised requirements and provide verification of effectiveness.

11.   If you want, liaise with TNV Certification for transition arrangements.