Updated ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems Released

The International Organization for Standardization today published its much-anticipated updated ISO 14001 environmental management systems.

More than 300,000 organizations globally use the environmental management standard and have achieved ISO 14001 certification.

ISO says the updated standard will better support businesses as they manage growing environmental risks and take advantage of business opportunities. It will require companies to:

• Put in place measures to proactively respond to growing environmental risks.
• Ensure top management are accountable for environmental performance improvement.
• Place greater emphasis on managing environmental impacts across the value chain.

Nigel Marsh, global head of environment at Rolls-Royce, says the revised standard will help ensure businesses acknowledge the environment and sustainability are among the top issues facing organizations. “The revisions to ISO 14001 highlight the vital role that senior management can play to ensure that their companies have a clear strategic approach to the environment and maximize the opportunities for their business.”