How to prepare for ISO 14001:2026
ISO 14001 has been revised
A new version of ISO 14001 has now been published. It replaces the existing ISO 14001:2015 standard. If you are certified according to ISO 14001:2015, it is a good idea to stay updated.
get ready for ISO 14001:2026
Do you need an overview of the changes from ISO 14001:2015 to ISO 14001:2026, and how to prepare your organization for a smooth transition?
Download our previously held webinar about ISO 14001:2026 (Danish)
WHY has THE ISO 14001 STANDARD BEen REVISED?
ISO standards are regularly updated to reflect developments in society, technology, and legislation.
The new version of ISO 14001 ensures that the standard continues to align with reality, for example in relation to climate, environmental impacts throughout the product lifecycle (LCA), biodiversity, and the growing ESG expectations from legislators, customers, and investors.
what has changed in ISO 14001:2026?
It’s not a fundamental overhaul, but several requirements have been clarified and expanded to reflect today’s focus on climate, biodiversity, and ESG.
- Climate change is now explicitly mentioned in sections 4.1 and 4.2, and the standard is expanded with new perspectives such as resource consumption and biodiversity. This means you’ll need to consider more types of environmental impact in your context and stakeholder analysis.
- A new clause on planning and managing changes has been added. It ensures a structured approach to changes that may affect your environmental management system – e.g., new products, processes, or locations.
- In section 6.1.2, the requirement to assess environmental impacts throughout the product or service life cycle has been elaborated. A new note helps interpret how to apply the life cycle perspective in practice.
- Previous requirements for controlling “outsourced processes” have been expanded to include all externally provided processes, products, and services. This tightens requirements for subcontractors and partners.
- The clauses on improvement and management review have been merged and streamlined. The goal is to clarify how you follow up on environmental objectives and actively use the results.
- Terminology and structure have been adjusted to align with the latest Harmonized Structure, making it easier to integrate ISO 14001 with standards like ISO 9001 or ISO 50001.
A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Strengthens ISO 14001
The updated ISO 14001 standard places greater emphasis on understanding the full environmental impact of your product – not just internal processes. Many companies choose to supplement their environmental management with an LCA (Life Cycle Assessment). An LCA gives you insight into where your products have the greatest environmental impact and where there’s the most potential for improvement.
Bureau Veritas conducts LCAs based on the international standards in the ISO 14040 series. We can help assess whether an LCA is right for you.
What does the revision mean for your ISO 14001:2015 certificate?
Now the new version of ISO 14001 has been released, a transition period of three years applices. You can continue your existing certification cycle, and your current ISO 14001:2015 certificate will remain valid throughout the transition.
A new certificate does not require a new management system – you simply need to adapt and document your changes.
How to prepare:
The transition to ISO 14001:2026 doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are three concrete steps you can take to be well-prepared:
- Join our course
The ISO 14001:2026 course provides insight into the key changes to the standard and how organisations can prepare for a smooth and effective transition to ISO 14001:2026.
Register for the course: ISO 14001:2026 – how to ensure a smooth transition (Danish) - Get a GAP analysis
A GAP analysis is an effective tool to identify where you’re already well-prepared – and where you need to adjust or update your environmental management system. Bureau Veritas helps you compare your current system with the new requirements so you get a clear picture of your starting point and can prioritize your efforts. - Talk to your auditor
Auditors at Bureau Veritas are closely following the development of ISO 14001:2026 and are ready to advise you on how the changes affect your specific organization. You’re always welcome to reach out for a non-binding conversation about opportunities, considerations, and the best transition strategy.
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions about ISO 14001:2026
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When was new version of ISO 14001 released?
The revised edition of ISO 14001 was published on April 15th 2026. With its publication, a 3-year transition period begins, during which certified organizations can update their systems and have the new certificate issued. During the transition period, you can receive support and guidance from Bureau Veritas, including courses and webinars.
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Will our current ISO 14001:2015 certificate become invalid?
No. Your existing ISO 14001:2015 certificate will remain valid during the transition period. However, you will need to update your environmental management system and documentation to meet the new requirements. This does not require a completely new implementation. Think of it as an updated version of what you already have.
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What are the major changes in ISO 14001:2026?
The structural framework (High Level Structure / Harmonized Structure) remains the same, but the following updates has been made:
- More focus on climate issues, resource consumption, and biodiversity
- Clarification of requirements for risk assessment and planning
- New requirement for change management
- Expanded requirements for control of externally provided services
- More and better guidance in Annex A – to assist with interpretation
- Improved life cycle perspective and greater focus on continual improvement
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Do we need to undergo a completely new certification?
No. The transition will take place as part of your next scheduled audit. You will need to update your environmental management system to meet the new requirements – but this will be done in dialogue with your auditor.
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How can we best prepare?
Stay informed through:- Our previously held webinar (Danish)
- Our course: ISO 14001:2026 – how to ensure a smooth transition (Danish)
- Have a GAP analysis carried out to gain a clear overview of the gaps between the 2015 and 2026 versions. Bureau Veritas supports you throughout the process.