While ISO 14001:2026 is not yet officially published (as of June-2025).
The next revision of ISO 14001:2026 expected to be officially released in January 2026 aims to refine and update the 2015 edition, aligning it with emerging environmental and business trends without introducing radical new requirements.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the anticipated changes:
1. Alignment with Harmonized Structure (Annex SL)
ISO 14001 will be restructured to reflect the latest ISO high-level structure (HLS), improving compatibility with ISO 9001, 45001, 27001, and others.
Expect updated clause numbering and wording (e.g., “externally provided processes” replacing “outsourcing”), plus the addition of Clause 6.3 – Planning and Managing Change.
2. Clearer and More Precise Text
Text rewording accompanied by clarifying notes and extended guidance in Annex A to reduce ambiguity and aid implementation.
Language simplification will benefit smaller organizations, making requirements easier to understand.
3. Enhanced Environmental Risk & Life Cycle Thinking
Stronger life cycle lens: the standard will shift from “considering” to actively applying a life cycle perspective in identifying and evaluating environmental aspects.
Explicit climate-change clauses imported from the recent 2024 amendment: climate-related risks and resilience factors will be clearly embedded in Clause 4 (Context) .
4. Strengthened Risk Management & Planning
A refined Clause 6.1 will clarify how to identify and manage environmental risks and opportunities (including emergency preparedness).
Clause 6.3 “Planning and Managing Change” becomes mandatory to ensure changes to the EMS are managed systematically covering resource allocation, defined responsibilities, and integrity checks.
5. Increased Control Over Externally Provided Processes
Clause 8.1 will explicitly require organizations to control and influence externally provided processes with environmental relevance, setting expectations for defining the extent of that control.
6. Management Review & Improvement Section Refined
Clause 9.3 (Management review) is being restructured:
- 9.3.2: Management Review Inputs
- 9.3.3: Management Review Outputs.
Section 10 (Improvement): General clause streamlined;10.1 revised or removed to simplify continual improvement expectations.
7. Annex A – Expanded Interpretive Guidance
Expect deeper guidance on interpreting complex topics:
- life cycle thinking
interested parties
change management
operational control.
The aim is to reduce confusion and ensure consistent implementation.
Summary Table of Anticipated Changes
- Structure & Terms: Harmonized with Annex SL; clause renumbering (e.g., 6.3 added)
Climate Provisions: Climate change explicitly in Context clause (4.x)
Life Cycle Approach: Moves from “consider” to “apply” across life cycle
Risk Management: Reworked 6.1, explicit emergency and opportunity focus
Change Management: New mandatory 6.3 clause |
External Process Control: 8.1 requires documented environmental control of external services/products
Management Review: Inputs/outputs clearly defined in 9.3
Continual Improvement: Section 10 revised for clarity
Annex A Guidance: Expanded for easier interpretation
Timeline & Transition
DIS Ballot occurred in early 2025; next step is the FDIS in late 2025. Final publication expected by January 2026.
Transition period likely 12–18 months (some sources note up to 3 years, but SMEs may see shorter windows due to limited changes).
What You Should Do Now
- 1. Review preliminary drafts and identify version control in your internal documentation.
2. Update your EMS to reflect new clause structure (especially new 6.3), life cycle processes, and climate risk evaluation.
3. Train teams focus on definitions (e.g., “externally provided”), change planning, and reporting.
4. Revise audit checklists to match updated management review sections (9.3) and operational control coverage.
5. Watch for national guidance (e.g., BSI in the UK) and consider webinars or consultancy support.
Summary
ISO 14001:2026 offers moderate enhancements rather than major shifts designed to make the EMS more integrated, clearer, digitally-aware, and resilience-focused, with structured climate response and life cycle application.
Reviewing your EMS now to align with these anticipated updates will give you a strong head start ahead of the official publication and transition period.