ISO 14001: 2015 – revised and ready for the future

One of the most popular standards for environmental management that is used around the world has been updated, reports Business Green. These important changes are designed to put key environmental considerations right at the heart of corporate decision-making processes.

ISO 14001: 2015 offers more than 300,000 businesses worldwide (and approximately 17,000 businesses in the UK) a guide on how to set up and run an effective environmental management system (EMS).

It is high on the agenda for countless organisations looking to reduce waste, cut energy use and streamline logistics. This revised version responds to the latest trends, for example the increasing recognition by businesses of internal and external factors and the impact they have.

Significant improvements included in the updated standard include:

• Increased commitment from leadership
• Greater alignment with strategic thinking
• More protection for the environment
• More effective communication
• Better consideration of each stage of a product or service's lifecycle

ISO 14001 started life as BS 7750 in 1992, and this latest version promises to take the standard into the future. Talking about the new standard, Anne-Marie Warris Chair of ISO/TC 207/SC1, the technical committee that oversaw the revision, stated: "Looking forward, the new version will help with a stronger integration between environmental issues and an organisation's strategic action planning and thinking."

Launched on 15 September, the new standard has already received a warm welcome from business leaders. Nigel Marsh, Global Head of Environment at Rolls Royce PLC describes the changes as a "significant milestone" in the widespread adoption of environmental best practices in business.

According to a survey conducted by IEMA, more than 40% of businesses believe the revised standard will better engage senior management, and more than 40% agree that they save at least £10,000 per year thanks to ISO 14001:2015.