What are the new topics?
The introduction of Annex SL, which establishes a consistent structure featuring 10 clauses as well as common terminology and definitions applicable to all ISO Management System Standards [MSS], is the biggest change to the ISO/DIS 14001:2014 document.
Other topics that are new to ISO/DIS 14001:2014 include Life Cycle Perspective [Clause 8]; this calls for an increased focus for organisations to consider how their products and services impact on the environment including areas such as the sourcing of raw materials and what is going to happen to products at the end of their life and Control of Outsourcing [Clause 8], from a point of view as to what they can and cannot control or influence.
Further, ISO/DIS 14001:2014 now includes Context [Clause 4] which focuses on how an organisation is protecting the environment, including a responsibility for organisations to demonstrate their understanding of their overall environmental impact. Other new areas include Documented Information [Clause 7] and a greater focus on Risk [Clause 9].
What areas have changed?
Amongst the areas of the standard that have been revised or now contain more specific information, organisations should pay attention to:
a) Increased emphasis on Leadership and top management engagement [Clause 5].
b) Performance Evaluation [Clause 9]; this means that organisations are encouraged to look at their overall environment by incorporating the management system into the strategic thinking of the organisation.
c) The organisation is now required to commit to protection of the environment within their Policy [Clause 5.2]; this is a significant shift from the existing version (ISO 14001:2004) and focuses on the prevention of pollution and compliance with legislation.
d) To support the Context the organisation needs to pay particular attention to the views of Interested Parties [Clause 4.2]
e) The final area of note is that of Communication [Clause 7 - Support]; whilst this is a part of the existing ISO 14001, organisations are now specifically required to determine what they will communicate, when they will communicate and to whom they will communicate.
What does ISO/DIS 14001:2014 mean for organisations worldwide?
The potential organisational impact of ISO/DIS 14001:2014 is dependent upon the organisation and their individual EMS. Factors that will help an organisation determine their degree of change against the new ISO 14001 revision include a] the maturity and complexity of the existing ISO 14001 system b] the existence of other certified MSS (such as ISO 9001 or OHSAS 18001) and c] current processes in relation to the environmental impact of its services and products as well as the organisation?s overall impact on the environment.
