ISO 14001:2015 FDIS released

BSI made available the Final Draft International Standard (FDIS) 14001:2015.

This latest version of the world’s most popular environmental management system standard incorporates a number of changes related to the adoption of Annex SL, as well as those arising from the need to update the environmental-specific content.

The CQI and IRCA consider these revisions to be significant, says Alexander Woods, IRCA Certification Manager:

“The revised standard introduces changes that will help integrate environmental management systems in businesses strategic and operational processes. An EMS will no longer be considered as a “bolt-on” to business as usual, but as an integral part of the way in which an organisation operates.”

According to the latest ISO survey data, more than 300,000 organisations are certified to ISO 14001 globally. These organisations must seize this opportunity to improve their EMS, ensuring that it’s relevant, sustainable, and effective.

Those concerned with establishing, implementing and/or managing an EMS based on ISO 14001 or who audit using ISO 14001:2015 as audit criteria will also face new challenges. Auditors must acquire not just knowledge of the contents of the standard, but the skills and understanding to assess a modern Annex SL-based environmental management system.

All IRCA certificated EMS auditors will need to complete transition training by 1 September 2018 and the CQI will be working closely with approved training organisations to provide clear criteria for transition training.

Simon Feary, Chief Executive of the Chartered Quality Institute recognises the potential the changes to ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 can bring. He said: “If I were asked to sum up this new paradigm for ISO management systems in one word it would be: ‘opportunity’ – it is an opportunity to add greater value to organisations and develop new skills.”

Credit: www.irca.org