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Understanding the New ISO Requirements on Climate Change: A Guide to Compliance

Writer's picture: Pierre VenterPierre Venter

As the world faces increasing environmental challenges, the focus on climate change has never been more critical. In response to this global concern, ISO standards have evolved to incorporate new requirements related to climate change. Whether you're managing an ISO 9001, ISO 14001, or ISO 45001 management system, it's essential to understand these updates, how they impact your organization, and what steps you can take to ensure compliance.



What are the New ISO Requirements on Climate Change?

ISO standards now emphasize the need for organizations to consider their environmental impact, particularly with regards to climate change. This includes identifying how your operations contribute to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, setting objectives to reduce these impacts, and integrating climate change risks and opportunities into your management systems.

For example, ISO 14001:2015, the standard for Environmental Management Systems (EMS), now includes a stronger focus on addressing the effects of climate change, aligning with global efforts to limit warming and mitigate the risks it presents to businesses and communities.


Key Requirements for Compliance

Here are some of the critical areas your organization needs to address:

  1. Context of the Organization: You need to evaluate how climate change affects your organization and its operational context. Consider long-term risks like extreme weather events or resource shortages that may disrupt your business, and integrate these into your strategic planning. Evaluate client requirements to identify any requirements towards Climate Change from their requirements.

  2. Life Cycle Perspective: Organizations must now assess climate impacts across the full life cycle of products or services—from raw material extraction to disposal. This involves reducing carbon emissions at each stage and considering alternative processes or materials that are more sustainable.

  3. Risk and Opportunity Management: The updated standards require organizations to identify risks and opportunities related to climate change. This includes physical risks (like flooding or drought) and transition risks (such as regulatory changes or shifts in consumer expectations). Your risk assessments should include climate change as a key factor, and your planning should address ways to mitigate these risks.

  4. Leadership and Commitment: Top management must demonstrate leadership in addressing climate change within the organization. This includes establishing climate-related objectives, ensuring adequate resources, and promoting a culture of sustainability across all levels of the business.

  5. GHG Emissions and Reporting: If your organization contributes significantly to GHG emissions, you're now required to monitor, measure, and report on your carbon footprint. Targets should be set to reduce emissions in line with national or global goals, such as the Paris Agreement.


How to Ensure Compliance with Climate Change Requirements

To ensure compliance with these new climate change requirements within ISO standards, organizations can follow a systematic approach:

  1. Review Your Existing Management System: Conduct a gap analysis to understand how your current management system addresses climate change and where improvements are needed.

  2. Establish Clear Climate Change Objectives: Set measurable objectives for reducing your organization’s carbon footprint. These should be in line with national or international climate targets and integrated into your business strategy.

  3. Training and Awareness: Ensure all employees understand the role they play in reducing the organization's environmental impact. Training sessions can be conducted to help employees grasp the importance of climate change initiatives.

  4. Integrate Climate Change into Risk Assessments: Climate change risks and opportunities should be part of your regular risk assessments. Evaluate how climate events or regulations could affect your operations and develop contingency plans.

  5. Monitor and Report Emissions: Set up a monitoring system for greenhouse gas emissions. Use recognized tools like the GHG Protocol to track and report emissions data. Regular reporting will provide transparency and help identify areas for improvement.

  6. Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs): Consider conducting LCAs for your products or services to ensure that you’re reducing environmental impact across all stages—from design to disposal.


Objective Evidence for Internal and External Audits

To demonstrate compliance with climate change-related requirements during audits, your organization can present the following objective evidence:

  • Climate Change Risk Assessment: Documentation of identified climate risks and opportunities and actions taken to mitigate these risks.

  • Greenhouse Gas Emissions Data: Records showing how your organization monitors, measures, and reports on GHG emissions. This may include energy use, fuel consumption, or carbon footprint calculations.

  • Environmental Objectives and Targets: Clearly defined objectives aimed at reducing the organization's climate impact, along with action plans and timelines.

  • Internal and External Communication Records: Evidence of how climate-related information is communicated within the organization and to external stakeholders (e.g., training records, newsletters, and sustainability reports).

  • Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Reports: Results of LCAs conducted on products or services, showing efforts to reduce climate impact across the product’s life cycle.

  • Management Review Minutes: Records of top management's commitment to addressing climate change, including discussions on climate-related risks, objectives, and actions taken during management reviews.

  • Supplier and Contractor Audits: Evidence that climate change risks are considered in the selection and monitoring of suppliers and contractors.

  • Energy Efficiency Improvements: Documentation of energy-saving measures, renewable energy initiatives, or process changes aimed at reducing emissions.


Conclusion

The new climate change requirements within ISO standards represent a significant shift towards greater accountability and action in addressing environmental issues. By integrating these requirements into your management systems, you can not only ensure compliance but also contribute to a more sustainable future.


If your organization needs assistance in navigating these new requirements or ensuring compliance, feel free to reach out. Together, we can build a more resilient, climate-conscious future for your business.



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