The new EMS standard was published last year and certified organisations have three years in which to transition.  14001:2015 has a number of areas in which organisations will need to review, revise and
expand their systems to address the new requirements and build a stronger system to manage their environmental business risks.

Strategic Environmental Management

Within the new standard there is an increased prominence of environmental management within the organization’s strategic planning processes. A new requirement to understand the organization’s context has been incorporated to identify and leverage opportunities for the benefit of both the organization and the environment. Particular focus is on issues or changing circumstances related to the needs and expectations of interested parties and local, regional or global environmental conditions that can affect, or be affected by, the organization. Once identified as a priority, actions to mitigate risk or exploit opportunities must be integrated into the operational planning of the EMS.

Leadership

To ensure the success of the system, a new clause has been added that assigns specific responsibilities for those in leadership roles to promote environmental management within the organization.

Environmental performance

There is a shift in emphasis with regard to continual improvement, from improving the management system to improving environmental performance.

Lifecycle perspective

In addition to the current requirement to manage environmental aspects associated with procured goods and services, organizations will need to extend their control and influence to the environmental impacts associated with product design and development to address each stage of the life cycle, including. acquisition of raw materials, design, production, transportation/delivery, use, end-of-life treatment and final disposal.

Let us help you address the changes required. Contact us to discuss how we can help with system design, training or internal auditing.