Considering Climate Change in Integrated Management Systems

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) have published two climate action amendments for existing and new management systems.  These amendments, which were published in February 2024, are part of ISO’s commitment to climate action and support the ISO London Declaration on Climate Change.

The amendments apply to several management systems, including:

• Quality Management Systems (such as ISO 9001, but also apply to standards such as AS9100 and IATF 16949 because they contain 100% of the ISO 9001 requirements, in addition to requirements from AIAG or IATF)
• Environmental Management Systems (ISO 14001)
• Information Security Management Systems (ISO 27001)
• OH&S Management Systems (ISO 45001)
• Energy Management Systems (ISO 50001)

The amendments fall under Clauses 4.1 and 4.2.  Many organizations may already be considering the impact of climate change under these clauses as internal or external issues, and/or as part of understanding the needs and expectations of interested parties.  However, the amendments now make it a requirement that organizations explicitly consider climate change and incorporate any relevant aspects into their management system.

It should be noted that these changes are not a new standard, and there is no need for re-certification at this time. These short amendments are also available for free download.  To learn more about ISO’s revision process, read this article from Quality Digest.

Here are the changes under Sections 4.1 and 4.2:

4.1 Understanding the organization and its context.

Text added to the end of subclause:
The organization shall determine whether climate change is a relevant issue. 

4.2 Understanding the needs and expectations of interested parties.

Note added to the end of subclause:
NOTE: Relevant interested parties can have requirements related to climate change.