ISO 14001, “Environmental management systems – Requirements with guidance for use,” is now available as a final draft for the upcoming 2015 Edition. This final draft document contains the final wording submitted by the committee to ISO for approval and publication. It is expected to be issued as the authorized 2015 Edition on September 23, 2015. You can get a copy if you need it from Document Center Inc., an authorized distributor of ISO standards.
What is the ISO 14001 2015 Final Draft? A final draft is the last stage in the ISO process towards publication as an authorized standard, technical specification, guide or other authorized release. It is the document that contains the final text for adoption and publication. It is not an authorized edition so it cannot be used in lieu of the eventual 2015 update. However, it can certainly be used for gap analysis and preparation for transition.
When will the authorized ISO 14001 2015 Edition be released? This new 3rd Edition is slated for public release at the end of September. This 3rd Edition will be the authorized edition, so if you purchase the final draft you will need to repurchase the 3rd Edition as well.
What are the changes to this new update? Firstly, all the management standards (ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and so on) are all being reformatted in order to provide consistency. This will allow those organizations that certify to more than one management standards scheme to better meet the requirements of them all. Then there are changes meant to improve the focus on leadership as well as to better integrate and highlight environmental management into a company’s strategic planning.
Additionally, ISO notes the following updates in the new edition:
- Addition of proactive initiatives to protect the environment from harm and degradation, such as sustainable resource use and climate change mitigation
- Improving environmental performance added
- Lifecycle thinking when considering environmental aspects
- Addition of a communications strategy
How much time do I have to make the transition? You will need to transition to the new 2015 Edition of ISO 14001 within three years of the publication date of the authorized revision. Some companies try to be ready by their next audit, others take the full three year transition period. You may want to work with your registrar to set up your schedule.
Who can help me make the necessary changes within my organization? If you already have a trusted registration company, it’s likely that they have plenty of written material to assist you. You may also want to take a look at the transition planning document for the ISO 14001 put out by the IAF, International Accretitation Forum. This publication provides suggestions for ISO 14001 certified companies, for the CAB’s (conformity assessment bodies, one of which you’ll choose for registration) and the accreditation bodies that certify the CAB’s. Again, registrars are likely to have the best information to help you make a smooth transition.
Where can I get a copy of the ISO 14001 Final Draft if I need one? Since all ISO publications are copyright, you’ll want to make sure you’re using an authorized dealer whenever you procure ISO standards. Document Center Inc. is such a distributor. Standards are available at our website, www.document-center.com. Here’s a link directly to the ISO 14001 2015 final draft order page. Want more help? Contact our staff by phone (650-591-7600), fax (650-591-7617) or email (info@document-center.com). We’re your Standards Experts!