In recognition of the adverse effects of climate change and its impact on organisations, ISO has recently amended Management System Standards including:

• ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Systems.
• ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management Systems.
• ISO 45001:2018 OHS Management Systems.
• ISO 27001:2022 Information Security Management Systems.

This update means that organisations must consider how climate change might affect them.  You can find all affected ISO Standards listed in the IAF/ISO Joint Communiqué.

What has changed?

No new clauses have been added. Instead, there are now additional requirements in clauses:

4.1 Understanding the organisation and its context

“The organisation shall determine external and internal issues that are relevant to its purpose and its strategic direction and that affect its ability to achieve the intended result/s of its management system.”

Added: “The organisation shall determine whether climate change is a relevant issue.”

4.2 Understanding the needs and expectations of interested parties

The organisation shall determine the interested parties that are relevant to the management system and the requirements of these interested parties that are relevant to the management system.

Added: “NOTE: Relevant interested parties can have requirements related to climate change.”

How does this impact my organisation?

This means that organisations certified to an ISO Management System Standard, and those seeking certification, must now consider climate change when determining the issues they face (clause 4.1), and who their interested parties (stakeholders) are & their requirements (clause 4.2).

If you decide that climate changes impacts your organisation in ways you hadn’t previously considered then you may need to update your management system in other areas such as:

• Risks and opportunities that have emerged from your revised context.
• Compliance obligations.
• New policies and procedures.
• Quality/safety/environmental/IT objectives.
• Training.
• Communications.

What will happen at your next audit?

As this amendment is effective immediately, at your next audit your auditor will check whether you have considered climate change in your management system.

The climate change consideration will not have an impact on your audit duration.

How does this benefit my organisation?

By embracing this amendment, you organisation can:

• Visibly demonstrate its commitment to sustainability which provides marketing opportunities.
• Reduce the risks associated with future climate change challenges.
• Enhance customer satisfaction.
• Seize product and service opportunities associated with climate change.