ISO and IAF’s Climate Change Requirements: A Shift Toward Sustainable Governance

The ISO and IAF’s Climate Change Requirements to Management System Standards represent a significant shift in organisational governance, emphasising the need for businesses to address climate change’s growing impact on operations.

In 2024, the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) and the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) introduced new amendments that integrate climate change considerations into management systems. These updates ensure that sustainability becomes a core focus for organisations. Key standards like ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 are now affected, pushing businesses to incorporate environmental resilience and regulatory compliance into their strategies.

These changes respond to the global call to action from the London Declaration on Climate Action. Organisations must now assess how climate change affects their operations, understand stakeholder expectations regarding climate issues, and create strategies to mitigate risks. This not only promotes environmental responsibility but also enhances business continuity through proactive risk management, continuous improvement, and alignment of organisational goals with sustainability objectives.

The IAF plays a vital role in ensuring organisations adhere to these new standards. Certification Bodies (CBs) must verify that climate change is adequately addressed within management frameworks. The new requirements present both challenges and opportunities, including resource limitations, resistance to change, and the need for consistent practices across various departments.

ISO Management System Standards

As businesses adjust to these updates, there is an increased demand for transparency and accountability. Stakeholder engagement is essential for long-term success. In summary, the integration of climate change requirements into ISO management system standards signals a major evolution in how organisations operate to meet regulatory and societal demands for environmental responsibility. These evolving standards will accelerate action toward global climate goals and encourage sustainable practices across industries.

Climate Change Requirements

ISO Guide 84:2020 provides a framework for integrating climate change considerations into ISO standards, focusing on both climate change adaptation (ACC) and mitigation (CCM). This ensures that technologies, activities, and products are resilient to the impacts of climate change.

The climate change amendment applies to all Type A ISO management system standards, including ISO 14001, ISO 9001, and ISO 45001. The relevance of climate change varies depending on organisational type, sector, and location.

Benefits of Implementing Climate Change Requirements

Climate change requirements in ISO standards offer several benefits:

• Accountability: Encourages organisations to factor climate impacts into decision-making, reducing environmental harm and aligning with sustainability goals.
• Risk Management: Helps identify and mitigate risks such as supply chain disruptions, improving business continuity.
• Operational Efficiency: Optimizes resource management, reducing waste and lowering costs.
• Continuous Improvement: Promotes ongoing enhancements in environmental performance and competitiveness.
• Stakeholder Trust: Builds credibility with stakeholders and attracts environmentally conscious customers.
• Leadership Alignment: Integrates climate goals into strategic decision-making, ensuring sustainable operations.

Integration into Quality Management Systems

With the February 2024 amendment to ISO 9001:2015, organisations are now required to evaluate climate change within their Quality Management Systems (QMS). This includes identifying relevant climate issues and incorporating them into processes such as product development and service provision, ensuring both customer satisfaction and compliance with regulations.

Business Impact and Compliance Strategies

As climate change presents increasing risks – such as extreme weather events – organisations must develop effective risk mitigation strategies. This includes evaluating supply chain vulnerabilities and diversifying suppliers. Compliance with the climate change amendment demands continuous efforts to integrate sustainability into business practices, ensuring social responsibility remains a priority.

Evolving Standards and Organisational Responsibilities

The integration of climate change considerations into management system standards marks a transformative moment for organisations. The ISO 9001:2015/Amd 1:2024 amendment underscores the importance of environmental sustainability, requiring businesses to assess the relevance of climate change and meet stakeholder expectations. This shift promotes both environmental stewardship and organisational resilience.

How AJC Can Help

Achieving ISO compliance can be complex and resource-intensive. At AJC, we offer support through training, internal audits, continuous monitoring, and certification preparation. Let us help your organisation navigate these evolving standards with confidence.

Contact us today at 020 7101 4861 to learn how we can assist you.