On the Climate Change addition to ISO and how to implement it
ISO Gets Serious About Climate Change: Updates to Clause 4 Explained (Effective January 5th, 2024)
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) recently took a significant step in the fight against climate change. As of January 5th, 2024, amendments have been incorporated into core ISO management system standards, specifically Clause 4. These changes aim to raise awareness and encourage action on climate change within organizations of all sizes.
Standards impacted includes: ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, ISO 27001, ISO 22301, ISO 50001, ISO 22000 and ISO 20000
Download The Original Announcement from ISO/IAF Here
Clauses 4.1 and 4.2
What's New in Clause 4?
The revisions focus on two key areas:
Understanding the Context: Clause 4.1 now explicitly states that organizations must "determine whether climate change is a relevant issue." This prompts companies to consider the impact of climate change on their operations, whether it's through resource availability, regulations, or potential disruptions.
Considering Interested Parties: Clause 4.2, which deals with understanding the needs and expectations of interested parties, now includes a note suggesting that "relevant interested parties can have requirements related to climate change." This acknowledges the growing pressure from stakeholders, such as investors, customers, and regulators, who are increasingly demanding climate-conscious practices.
How to Implement the Changes
While the core principles of Clause 4 remain unchanged, these additions necessitate a shift in mindset. Here's what you can do:
Conduct a Climate Change Risk Assessment: Evaluate your operations to identify potential vulnerabilities and opportunities related to climate change. This assessment will help determine if climate change is a relevant issue for your organisation. Make sure you document this within the scope of each standard.
Integrate Climate Change Considerations: Based on your risk assessment, incorporate climate change considerations into your existing management system policies and procedures. This might involve setting climate goals, developing adaptation plans, or implementing resource efficiency measures.
Engage with Stakeholders: Open communication with stakeholders regarding any climate change strategy is key. Demonstrate your understanding of their climate-related expectations and how you plan to address them.
If Climate change is considered to not be a relevant issue for your organisation, you will be expected to be able to demonstrate how this has been determined and any subsequent actions followed up.
The recent ISO updates to Clause 4 represent a significant step towards integrating climate change considerations into organizational practices. By understanding these changes and taking steps to implement them, your company can contribute to a more sustainable future while reaping the benefits of a proactive approach.
