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)
Published on Jan 5 2026
New Standard Published
Expected April 2026
The ISO 14001:2026 transition requirements are in draft and currently propose a 3-year transition period.
Notable Clause-Level Planned Updates:
Requires explicit consideration of pollution levels, availability of natural resources, climate change, biodiversity, ecosystem health and life cycle.
Top management’s responsibility has expanded to supporting leadership within non-management roles.
Introduces Clause 6.3 for structured change management and shifts risks and opportunities to later in the planning process.
Documentation requirements are clarified throughout the standard, as it relates to what shall be documented and what shall be available as evidence of implementation.
Replaces “outsourced processes” with “externally provided processes"
The internal audit must have a defined objective(s) and a documented audit program.
Integrates Clause 10.1 and 10.3
What You Should Do Now
- Conduct an FDIS-based gap analysis.
- Update documentation to reflect new clause structure and terminology.
- Train your team on lifecycle thinking, climate risk, and change management.
- 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.
