ISO Revisions

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ISO Revisions

ISO 14001:2015 Revision

Frequently Asked Questions
Introduction
ISO 14001 – Environmental Management Systems, the world’s first international environmental standard
has been helping thousands of organizations to improve their environmental, sustainability and operational
performance since it was first published as BS 7750 in 1992. The new version has been written to maintain
its relevance in today’s marketplace and to continue to offer organizations improved performance and
business benefits.
All organizations currently certified to ISO 14001:2004 will need to transition to the new requirements
by September 2018. The new standard provides a great opportunity to review your environmental
management system and ensure that it’s aligned with the strategic priorities of your organization.
The new version provides greater clarity than 2004, which means you can make it relevant to the
requirements of your own organization to gain sustainable business improvements. There is also an
increased focus on improving environmental performance
Here we aim to address those initial questions that you may have as your begin your journey towards the
revised standard.
ISO Revisions

About the Standard

How can I get access to the Final Draft International Advanced Access is available through the BSI Shop.
Standard (FDIS) ISO 14001:2015 and ISO FDIS ISO FDIS 14004:2015 is expected towards the end of 2015.
14004:2015?
The FDIS of ISO 14001 has have now been published as the final Where can I get information about the new
stage in the transition journey. Before the official release of ISO structure?
14001:2015 in September this year, you can get early insight into ISO 14001 has been developed using Annex SL, the new high
the content of the standards through Advanced Access. level structure introduced by ISO. We have produced a short
Advanced Access will provide you with: on-demand webinar which can be downloaded from our website.
Alternatively download our ‘Introduction to Annex SL’ whitepaper
• Access to the final draft standard: no technical changes are
which can help you understand the new structure in more detail.
expected after this draft
• Guaranteed delivery of the final standard as soon as it’s
published
ISO Revisions

Changes to the Standard

I’ve heard that PDCA is no longer a part of the new There are new requirements on identifying risks and
ISO standard structure, is this true? opportunities – how can I do this?
The new standard still uses the PDCA cycle, however the new Risk has always been a feature of ISO 14001, for example in
version is more explicit about the meaning of the process consideration of significant environmental aspects, however
approach. now it has become more explicit and is expanded to include the
whole management system. Opportunities can flow from risk,
such as the opportunity to improve efficiency or output levels of
How can I get a summary of the changes between
machinery being replaced due to a risk.
ISO 14001:2004 & ISO 14001:2015?
A full risk assessment assessment isn’t required however it could
BSI has produced a mapping guide which compares the clauses
be useful to use ISO 31000:2009 which can provide a framework
between both versions of the standard. This is a useful document
for managing risk.
that will help you to quickly identify the key changes and which
clauses they refer to. You can download this at www.bsigroup.com
.
 ISO Revisions

Changes to the Standard

Is the final version of the standard likely to differ Now that the FDIS has been published what tips
significantly from the FDIS? would BSI offer to begin early preparation?
There should not be any major changes between the FDIS and Some activities that would make sense in preparation for the
the final standard. The FDIS is the final stage in the revision changes include:
journey and means you can be confident that the information
contained in it will be in line with the final version which will be • Buy ISO 14001 Advanced Access and read the FDIS copy
published in September. This means that as soon as you have a and start to think about how the key clauses affect your
organization
copy of the FDIS you can start working on your transition.
• Review your current approach and spring clean where
The FDIS does not contain a requirement for there appropriate
to be a management representative - how will • Start to think about the context of your organization
this affect the relationship with BSI and also the
• Engage with the leaders of the business as many of the
management of BSI visits?
proposed changes will impact on them and help them
The new standard now provides an opportunity for top understand those issues which they must manage and those
management to have a greater involvement in the management they can delegate
system. A new section on leadership includes requirements that
EMS processes are integrated into the organization’s processes • Review your approach to identification, management and
and that the policy and objectives are compatible with the control of your processes
strategic direction of the organization. During a visit, your client
• Start to consider how you can adopt and benefit from the
manager will conduct an interview with top management to
concept of risk and opportunity management.
understand how this is achieved. BSI will still require a key
contact for the management system. • If you have certification to more than one standard, start to
consider the benefits to be gained from management system
I am a small business with less than 50 employees. integration.
Is ISO 14001:2015 relevant for me?
Definitely. The revised version of the standard is as relevant to
small businesses as it is for large multi-national organizations.
Irrespective of your size it will enable you to drive improvement
in your environmental performance, saving natural resources
and money.
ISO Revisions

Changes to other related standards

Which standards are currently aligned to the new We are certified to TS 16949/AS 9001 - will these
Annex SL (high level structure)? be revised in line with the new version?
ISO 22301 – Business Continuity Management was the We are still awaiting information from the committees for
first standard to be structured in line with Annex SL. Other these standards on their decision about revision. This means
key standards in this structure include: ISO 27001:2013 – that you must ensure that your system continues to meet the
Information Security, ISO 9001:2015 – Quality Management and requirements of the current standards until the situation is
ISO 39001:2012 – Road Traffic Safety 39001. clarified. We are expecting that the revision process for these
standards may start in 2016.

We are certified to ISO 22000 – the quality

standard for food – what can we expect to happen? What will happen to the Medical Devices standard
The revision process for ISO 22000 began in September 2014 ISO 13485?
and the new standard will be brought in line with the new high A revision is currently being planned however unlike all other ISO
level structure. More information will be available in the future, standards it is NOT expected to follow the high level structure
but for now, visit www.ISO.org to find out more. (Annex SL). The revised standard is expected towards the end of
2015 although this may change.
 ISO Revisions

The transition process

How soon can I start the transition process? How do I find out how far we are through the
You can start planning for the transition immediately, educating transition process?
the relevant people in your business. We have a downloadable We will be working closely with our clients and tracking their
internal communications pack that you may find useful. You can progression towards the new standard over the coming months.
also start re-structuring your processes in line with the new high Your BSI client manager will discuss your transition progress at
level structure. each visit to see where you are on your journey.

How long will ISO 14001:2004 continue to be What if I want an extension to scope. Does that
recognized and audited to? have to be to the 2015 version of the standard?
The current standard will be recognized and can be audited to
No, you can extend the scope of your existing certificate against
until the end of the 3 year transition period for ISO 14001:2015
the 2004 version of the standard. You must however transition
(September 2018). It’s best to get started with your transition
by September 2018 otherwise your certificate will be invalid.
planning as soon as possible so that you can pro-actively
manage this process. Please note, all organizations must
transition to the new standard by the transition deadline at
I’m currently implementing/considering
which point certificates for ISO 14001:2004 will no longer be certification to ISO 14001, what should I do?
valid. If you have already started implementing ISO 14001:2004,
continue as planned - you still have until September 2018
Can I upgrade in 2016 during a re-certification to transition to the new standard. We would recommend
familiarizing yourself with the new high level structure so that
audit?
you can keep this in mind.
Yes – providing your system meets all of the requirements of
ISO 14001:2015. If you haven’t started implementation yet, we would recommend
that you obtain a copy of the 2015 version and implement this
version.
Will the transition mean additional days and
additional costs?
I have an integrated system including ISO 9001
It is expected that clients will transition during the course of
their continuing assessment visits (CAV) and there will be a
and OHSAS 18001, how will the changes to
requirement for additional time to review and assessment your ISO 14001 and these standards affect my system
implementation of the new requirements. and transition?
The proposed changes to all three standards will make system
What if I want to transition more quickly than my integration much easier as there is greater alignment between
CAV’s allow? the documents. However as they have different projected
publication dates and transitions you will need to plan your
You are more than welcome to transition as soon as the 3 year
transitions carefully to retain certification on each. Talk to your
transition period begins however this will require additional days
BSI client manager who will help you plan this process.
and as such, you will incur additional costs.
Transitioning to the new standard provides a great opportunity
to integrate your systems into one. Obtaining a copy of PAS 99
Will my assessments to ISO 14001:2015 be any
may be of benefit as it contains valuable guidance on the design
different? and structure of an Integrated Management System.
Although there will be some similarities to the way assessments
are carried out, there are some important differences to be We are certified to PAS 99 – Integrated
aware of. We will need to meet with top management during
Management System. Given the new high level
your assessments and so they should be available on assessment
days. Before an assessment, our client managers will provide you structure will my certification still be valid?
with an agenda for the day(s) so you can prepare. Yes, PAS 99 certificates will still continue to be valid.

Will there be a cost for certificate renewal? I have questions regarding my certification now –
We are not expecting to charge for certificate renewals. who do I talk to?
Call BSI - our Customer Services team will be happy to answer
your specific questions.
 ISO Revisions

Support from BSI

How can my BSI client manager support me standard and a course for auditors as there are important new
through this process? requirements for them to be aware of.

Should you have any questions, your client manager will be There is also training available on some of the key new areas of
fully updated with the progress of the ISO 14001 revision in the the standard such as “process approach”, “risk-based thinking”,
lead up to publication towards the end of 2015. All our client “external provision” and “auditing leadership”.
managers have undertaken a rigorous and robust training Visit bsigroup.com/iso14001revisions for more information.
programme on ISO 14001:2015 so you can be confident that
assessments delivered to the new standard will deliver maximum I’m presently a qualified lead auditor/auditor, do I
benefit to your organization. need to retrain for the new version of the standard?
There is lots of supporting material available from BSI to Whilst your existing knowledge and experience is invaluable,
help you during this time including training, whitepapers and this is the biggest change to the standard in a decade. It’s vital
transition guides. However, it will be up to you to plan and you understand the new requirements which won’t be familiar.
implement the changes within your business. We would recommend that you book onto our new auditor
transition training course as this will build on your existing
What training will be available? knowledge and help you to feel confident about the new version
Our experts have developed a comprehensive range of training of the standard.
courses to help you understand the key changes to ISO
14001:2015 and start your transition. They contain not only the We are also certified to both ISO 9001 and ISO
information but also the practical skills to apply this information 14001. Do I need to undergo training for both
effectively. standards?
This includes a course specifically for senior management There are important changes to both standards. We would
which introduces their new responsibilities; transition training recommend that you book training for both standards to make
covering the new high level structure and key changes to the sure you fully understand what this means to your organization.

ISO Revisions

Additional resources
There are a variety of materials which can be accessed online at ISO 14001 Whitepaper - The history and future of ISO 14001
www.bsigroup.com/iso-14001 and consists of: This whitepaper looks at the history of the standard and how it
has it has developed over the years.
The importance of leadership
The new standard has an entire clause devoted to leadership and PLUS:
is one of the most significant changes. This whitepaper explains • Old-to-new ISO 14001 Mapping Guide
why management are now required to take a more active role in
the EMS to ensure it is implemented, embedded, communicated • Self-assessment checklist
and maintained. • Transition Journey to the new ISO 14001:2015.

Process versus procedures

This whitepaper provides an overview of the difference between
a process and procedures approach.

Introducing Annex SL
The new generic framework with core text, common terms and
definitions and the blueprint for all management system
standards going forward – understand more about the structure
in our whitepaper.
 ISO Revisions

Why BSI?

BSI has been at the forefront of ISO 14001 since the start. And it was originally
based on BS 7750, the first environmental management system standard which
was developed by BSI in 1992, the year of the first Earth Summit in Rio. That’s why
we’re best placed to help you understand and transition to the new standard.
At BSI we create excellence by driving the success of our clients through
standards. We enable others to perform better, manage risk and achieve
sustainable growth.
For over a century our experts have been challenging mediocrity and complacency
to help embed excellence into the way people and products work.
We make excellence a habit

Our products and services

We provide a unique combination of complementary products and services, managed
through our three business streams; Knowledge, Assurance and Compliance.

Knowledge Compliance
BSI works with business experts, government bodies, trade To experience real, long-term benefits, our clients need to
associations and consumer groups to capture best practice ensure ongoing compliance to a standard so that it becomes an
and structure the knowledge all organizations need to succeed. embedded habit. We train our clients to understand standards
The majority of the widely used and implemented international and how to implement them, as well as provide added value
standards were originally shaped by BSI, for example and differentiated management tools to facilitate the process of
ISO 9001, Quality Management and ISO/IEC 27001 for ongoing compliance.
Information Security.

Assurance
Independent assessment of the conformity of a process or
product to a particular standard ensures that our clients perform
to a high level of excellence. We help our clients understand how
To find out more
they are performing, thereby identifying areas of improvement
from within.
visit: bsigroup.com
© BSI Group 2015 BSI/UK/621/SC/0715/en/BLD

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