Environmental management systems — Requirements with guidance for use (ISO/FDIS 14001:2026)

ISO 14001 specifies the requirements for an environmental management system that an organization can use to enhance its environmental performance. ISO 14001 is intended for use by an organization seeking to manage its environmental responsibilities in a systematic manner that contributes to the environmental pillar of sustainability.
ISO 14001 helps an organization achieve the intended outcomes of its environmental management system, which provide value for the environment, the organization itself and interested parties. Consistent with the organization's environmental policy, the intended outcomes of an environmental management system include:
· enhancement of environmental performance;
· fulfilment of compliance obligations;
· achievement of environmental objectives.
ISO 14001 is applicable to any organization, regardless of size, type and nature, and applies to the environmental aspects of its activities, products and services that the organization determines it can either control or influence considering a life cycle perspective. ISO 14001 does not state specific environmental performance criteria.
ISO 14001 can be used in whole or in part to systematically improve environmental management. Claims of conformity to ISO 14001, however, are not acceptable unless all its requirements are incorporated into an organization's environmental management system and fulfilled without exclusion.
Note: This is a consolidated version, which means the amendment will be published as a new version. This approach was chosen to enhance readability and improve the overall user experience.

Umweltmanagementsysteme - Anforderungen mit Anleitung zur Anwendung

Systèmes de management environnemental — Exigences et lignes directrices pour son utilisation

ISO 14001 spécifie les exigences relatives à un système de management environnemental pouvant être utilisé par un organisme pour améliorer sa performance environnementale. La présente Norme internationale est destinée à être utilisée par les organismes souhaitant gérer leurs responsabilités environnementales d'une manière systématique qui contribue au pilier environnemental du développement durable.
ISO 14001 permet d'aider un organisme à obtenir les résultats escomptés de son système de management environnemental, lesquels constituent une valeur ajoutée pour l'environnement, pour l'organisme lui-même et pour les parties intéressées. En cohérence avec la politique environnementale de l'organisme, les résultats escomptés d'un système de management environnemental incluent:
- l'amélioration de la performance environnementale;
- le respect des obligations de conformité;
- la réalisation des objectifs environnementaux.
ISO 14001 est applicable aux organismes de toutes tailles, de tous types et de toutes natures, et s'applique aux aspects environnementaux de ses activités, produits et services que l'organisme détermine et qu'il a les moyens soit de maîtriser, soit d'influencer en prenant en considération une perspective de cycle de vie. La présente Norme internationale n'établit pas de critères spécifiques de performance environnementale.
ISO 14001 peut être utilisée en totalité ou en partie pour améliorer de façon systématique le management environnemental. Les déclarations de conformité à la présente Norme internationale ne sont cependant pas acceptables à moins que toutes ses exigences soient intégrées dans le système de management environnemental d'un organisme et soient satisfaites, sans exclusion.

Sistemi ravnanja z okoljem - Zahteve z navodili za uporabo (ISO/FDIS 14001:2026)

General Information

Status
Not Published
Public Enquiry End Date
28-Feb-2026
Technical Committee
UZO - Environmental management
Current Stage
4020 - Public enquire (PE) (Adopted Project)
Start Date
03-Sep-2025
Due Date
21-Jan-2026

Relations

Effective Date
27-Aug-2025
Effective Date
27-Aug-2025

Overview

The standard oSIST prEN ISO 14001:2026:2026 titled Environmental management systems - Requirements with guidance for use is an internationally recognized framework developed by ISO/TC 207/SC 1 and coordinated with the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). It outlines the essential requirements for organizations to establish, implement, maintain, and continually improve an environmental management system (EMS). This revision builds on the 2015 edition and incorporates recent amendments to enhance clarity and integration with modern management system standards.

ISO 14001:2026 is designed to help organizations proactively manage their environmental responsibilities. The goal is to improve overall environmental performance in a way that supports sustainable development by balancing environmental protection, social responsibility, and economic factors. This standard applies universally across industries and organizational types regardless of size or location, focusing on the environmental aspects of activities, products, and services controlled or influenced by the organization.

Key Topics

Key areas covered by ISO 14001:2026 include:

  • Context of the Organization: Understanding internal and external factors affecting environmental performance, relevant interested parties, and defining the EMS scope.

  • Leadership Commitment: Emphasizing top management’s role to demonstrate leadership, accountability, and a clear environmental policy that aligns with organizational goals.

  • Planning: Addressing risks and opportunities related to environmental aspects, compliance obligations, and setting measurable environmental objectives with clear planning actions.

  • Support and Resources: Establishing competence, awareness, communication protocols, and documented information control to maintain system effectiveness.

  • Operational Control: Implementing procedures to manage operations impacting the environment, including emergency preparedness and response.

  • Performance Evaluation: Monitoring, measurement, internal audits, compliance assessment, and management review to ensure the EMS delivers intended environmental outcomes.

  • Improvement: Facilitating continual improvement of environmental performance and managing nonconformities and corrective actions systematically.

This 2026 update refines requirements for leadership involvement and clarifies risk-based thinking in environmental aspects and compliance while promoting a life cycle perspective.

Applications

ISO 14001:2026 is widely applicable to organizations seeking to:

  • Develop or enhance their environmental management systems to reduce environmental impacts effectively.

  • Ensure compliance with environmental laws and regulations.

  • Improve resource efficiency and reduce waste to foster sustainable business practices.

  • Demonstrate environmental responsibility to customers, regulators, and stakeholders.

  • Integrate environmental management into overall business strategy to support sustainable development.

Industries from manufacturing, construction, healthcare, services to public institutions use ISO 14001 to systematically address environmental risks and opportunities. It supports organizations in meeting customer expectations for sustainability, improving brand reputation, and achieving operational efficiencies.

Related Standards

To maximize effectiveness and compliance, organizations often implement ISO 14001:2026 alongside related management standards, including:

  • ISO 9001: Quality management systems - integrating environmental and quality objectives.

  • ISO 45001: Occupational health and safety management – managing environmental safety risks.

  • ISO 50001: Energy management systems – optimizing energy use within environmental goals.

  • ISO 14004: General guidelines on environmental management systems, complementing ISO 14001 requirements.

Additionally, sector-specific standards and national regulations should be considered for comprehensive environmental performance management.


Adopting ISO 14001:2026 empowers organizations to take a strategic and structured approach to environmental stewardship, facilitating sustainable growth while meeting regulatory and stakeholder expectations. For organizations committed to environmental excellence, implementing this standard is a vital step toward a resilient and responsible future.

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oSIST prEN ISO 14001:2026

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Frequently Asked Questions

oSIST prEN ISO 14001:2026 is a draft published by the Slovenian Institute for Standardization (SIST). Its full title is "Environmental management systems — Requirements with guidance for use (ISO/FDIS 14001:2026)". This standard covers: ISO 14001 specifies the requirements for an environmental management system that an organization can use to enhance its environmental performance. ISO 14001 is intended for use by an organization seeking to manage its environmental responsibilities in a systematic manner that contributes to the environmental pillar of sustainability. ISO 14001 helps an organization achieve the intended outcomes of its environmental management system, which provide value for the environment, the organization itself and interested parties. Consistent with the organization's environmental policy, the intended outcomes of an environmental management system include: · enhancement of environmental performance; · fulfilment of compliance obligations; · achievement of environmental objectives. ISO 14001 is applicable to any organization, regardless of size, type and nature, and applies to the environmental aspects of its activities, products and services that the organization determines it can either control or influence considering a life cycle perspective. ISO 14001 does not state specific environmental performance criteria. ISO 14001 can be used in whole or in part to systematically improve environmental management. Claims of conformity to ISO 14001, however, are not acceptable unless all its requirements are incorporated into an organization's environmental management system and fulfilled without exclusion.   Note: This is a consolidated version, which means the amendment will be published as a new version. This approach was chosen to enhance readability and improve the overall user experience.

ISO 14001 specifies the requirements for an environmental management system that an organization can use to enhance its environmental performance. ISO 14001 is intended for use by an organization seeking to manage its environmental responsibilities in a systematic manner that contributes to the environmental pillar of sustainability. ISO 14001 helps an organization achieve the intended outcomes of its environmental management system, which provide value for the environment, the organization itself and interested parties. Consistent with the organization's environmental policy, the intended outcomes of an environmental management system include: · enhancement of environmental performance; · fulfilment of compliance obligations; · achievement of environmental objectives. ISO 14001 is applicable to any organization, regardless of size, type and nature, and applies to the environmental aspects of its activities, products and services that the organization determines it can either control or influence considering a life cycle perspective. ISO 14001 does not state specific environmental performance criteria. ISO 14001 can be used in whole or in part to systematically improve environmental management. Claims of conformity to ISO 14001, however, are not acceptable unless all its requirements are incorporated into an organization's environmental management system and fulfilled without exclusion.   Note: This is a consolidated version, which means the amendment will be published as a new version. This approach was chosen to enhance readability and improve the overall user experience.

oSIST prEN ISO 14001:2026 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 03.100.70 - Management systems; 13.020.10 - Environmental management. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.

oSIST prEN ISO 14001:2026 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to SIST EN ISO 14001:2015, SIST EN ISO 14001:2015/A1:2024. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.

You can purchase oSIST prEN ISO 14001:2026 directly from iTeh Standards. The document is available in PDF format and is delivered instantly after payment. Add the standard to your cart and complete the secure checkout process. iTeh Standards is an authorized distributor of SIST standards.

Standards Content (Sample)


SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-februar-2026
Sistemi ravnanja z okoljem - Zahteve z navodili za uporabo (ISO/FDIS 14001:2026)
Environmental management systems — Requirements with guidance for use (ISO/FDIS
14001:2026)
Umweltmanagementsysteme - Anforderungen mit Anleitung zur Anwendung
Systèmes de management environnemental — Exigences et lignes directrices pour son
utilisation
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: prEN ISO 14001
ICS:
03.100.70 Sistemi vodenja Management systems
13.020.10 Ravnanje z okoljem Environmental management
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

FINAL DRAFT
International
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ISO/FDIS 14001
ISO/TC 207/SC 1
Environmental management
Secretariat: BSI
systems — Requirements with
Voting begins on:
guidance for use
2026-01-05
Systèmes de management environnemental — Exigences et lignes
Voting terminates on:
directrices pour son utilisation
2026-03-02
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MADE IN NATIONAL REGULATIONS.
Reference number
ISO/FDIS 14001:2026(en) © ISO 2026

FINAL DRAFT
ISO/FDIS 14001:2026(en)
International
Standard
ISO/FDIS 14001
ISO/TC 207/SC 1
Environmental management
Secretariat: BSI
systems — Requirements with
Voting begins on:
guidance for use
2026-01-05
Systèmes de management environnemental — Exigences et lignes
Voting terminates on:
directrices pour son utilisation
2026-03-02
RECIPIENTS OF THIS DRAFT ARE INVITED TO SUBMIT,
WITH THEIR COMMENTS, NOTIFICATION OF ANY
RELEVANT PATENT RIGHTS OF WHICH THEY ARE AWARE
AND TO PROVIDE SUPPOR TING DOCUMENTATION.
© ISO 2026
IN ADDITION TO THEIR EVALUATION AS
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
BEING ACCEPTABLE FOR INDUSTRIAL, TECHNO­
ISO/CEN PARALLEL PROCESSING
LOGICAL, COMMERCIAL AND USER PURPOSES, DRAFT
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on
INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS MAY ON OCCASION HAVE
the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address below
TO BE CONSIDERED IN THE LIGHT OF THEIR POTENTIAL
or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
TO BECOME STAN DARDS TO WHICH REFERENCE MAY BE
MADE IN NATIONAL REGULATIONS.
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Email: copyright@iso.org
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Published in Switzerland Reference number
ISO/FDIS 14001:2026(en) © ISO 2026

ii
ISO/FDIS 14001:2026(en)
Contents Page
Foreword .v
Introduction .vi
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
3.1 Terms related to organization and leadership .1
3.2 Terms related to planning .3
3.3 Terms related to support and operation .4
3.4 Terms related to performance evaluation and improvement.5
4 Context of the organization . 6
4.1 Understanding the organization and its context .6
4.2 Understanding the needs and expectations of interested parties .6
4.3 Determining the scope of the environmental management system .6
4.4 Environmental management system .7
5 Leadership . 7
5.1 Leadership and commitment .7
5.2 Environmental policy .7
5.3 Roles, responsibilities and authorities .8
6 Planning . 8
6.1 Actions to address risks and opportunities .8
6.1.1 General .8
6.1.2 Environmental aspects .8
6.1.3 Compliance obligations .9
6.1.4 Risks and opportunities .9
6.1.5 Planning action .9
6.2 Environmental objectives and planning to achieve them .10
6.2.1 Environmental objectives .10
6.2.2 Planning actions to achieve environmental objectives.10
6.3 Planning of changes .10
7 Support .11
7.1 Resources .11
7.2 Competence .11
7.3 Awareness .11
7.4 Communication .11
7.4.1 General .11
7.4.2 Internal communication . 12
7.4.3 External communication . 12
7.5 Documented information . 12
7.5.1 General . 12
7.5.2 Creating and updating documented information . 12
7.5.3 Control of documented information . 13
8 Operation .13
8.1 Operational planning and control . 13
8.2 Emergency preparedness and response .14
9 Performance evaluation . 14
9.1 Monitoring, measurement, analysis, and evaluation .14
9.1.1 General .14
9.1.2 Evaluation of compliance . 15
9.2 Internal audit . 15
9.2.1 General . 15
9.2.2 Internal audit programme . 15

iii
ISO/FDIS 14001:2026(en)
9.3 Management review . 15
9.3.1 General . 15
9.3.2 Management review inputs .16
9.3.3 Management review results .16
10 Improvement .16
10.1 Continual improvement .16
10.2 Nonconformity and corrective action .17
Annex A (informative) Guidance on the use of this document .18
Bibliography .36
Index .37

iv
ISO/FDIS 14001:2026(en)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through
ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee
has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations,
governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely
with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are described
in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the different types
of ISO document should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the editorial rules of the
ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
ISO draws attention to the possibility that the implementation of this document may involve the use of (a)
patent(s). ISO takes no position concerning the evidence, validity or applicability of any claimed patent
rights in respect thereof. As of the date of publication of this document, ISO had not received notice of (a)
patent(s) which may be required to implement this document. However, implementers are cautioned that
this may not represent the latest information, which may be obtained from the patent database available at
www.iso.org/patents. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and expressions
related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO’s adherence to the World Trade
Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 207, Environmental management,
Subcommittee SC 1, Environmental management systems, in collaboration with the European Committee for
Standardization (CEN) Technical Committee, in accordance with the Agreement on technical cooperation
between ISO and CEN (Vienna Agreement).
This fourth edition cancels and replaces the third edition (ISO 14001:2015), which has been technically
revised. It also incorporates the Amendment ISO 14001:2015/Amd 1:2024.
The main changes are as follows:
a) incorporation of latest ISO requirements for management system standards as appropriate;
b) clarification of requirements associated with key topics.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.

v
ISO/FDIS 14001:2026(en)
Introduction
0.1  Background
Achieving a balance between the environment, society and the economy is considered essential to meet the
needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. Sustainable
development as a goal is achieved by balancing the three pillars of sustainability.
Societal expectations for sustainable development, transparency and accountability have evolved with
increasingly stringent legislation, growing pressures on the environment from pollution, inefficient use of
resources, improper waste management, climate change, degradation of ecosystems and loss of biodiversity.
Undermining the environment can carry financial, social and business consequences, not just environmental
implications.
These expectations have led organizations to adopt a systematic approach to environmental management by
implementing environmental management systems with the aim of contributing to the environmental pillar
of sustainability. As a result, organizations are better positioned to respond to the needs and expectations of
interested parties and to meet the organization’s compliance obligations.
0.2  Aim of an environmental management system
This document provides organizations with a framework to protect the environment and respond to
changing environmental conditions in balance with socio-economic needs. It specifies requirements that
enable an organization to achieve the intended outcomes it sets for its environmental management system.
A systematic approach to environmental management provides top management with information to build
success over the long term and create options for contributing to sustainable development by:
— protecting the environment by preventing or mitigating adverse environmental impacts;
— mitigating the potential adverse effect of environmental conditions on the organization;
— assisting the organization to meet its compliance obligations;
— enhancing environmental performance;
— controlling or influencing the way the organization’s products and services are designed, manufactured,
distributed, consumed and disposed by using a life cycle perspective that prevents adverse environmental
impacts from being unintentionally shifted elsewhere within the life cycle;
— achieving financial and operational benefits that result from implementing environmentally sound
alternatives that strengthen the organization’s market position;
— communicating environmental information to relevant interested parties.
0.3  Success factors
The success of an environmental management system depends on commitment from all levels and functions
of the organization, led by top management. Organizations can leverage opportunities to prevent or mitigate
adverse environmental impacts and enhance beneficial environmental impacts, particularly those with
strategic and competitive implications. Top management can effectively address its risks and opportunities
by integrating environmental management into the organization’s business processes, strategic direction
and decision-making, aligning them with other business priorities, and incorporating environmental
governance into its overall management system. Demonstration of successful implementation of this
document can be used to assure interested parties that an effective environmental management system is
in place. Adoption of this document, however, will not in itself guarantee optimal environmental outcomes.
Application of this document can differ from one organization to another due to the context of the
organization. Two organizations can carry out similar activities but can have different compliance
obligations, commitments in their environmental policy, environmental technologies and environmental
performance goals, yet both can conform to the requirements of this document.

vi
ISO/FDIS 14001:2026(en)
The level of detail and complexity of the environmental management system will vary depending on the
context of the organization, the scope of its environmental management system, its compliance obligations,
and the nature of its activities, products and services, including its environmental aspects and associated
environmental impacts.
0.4  Plan-Do-Check-Act model
The basis for the approach underlying an environmental management system is founded on the concept
of Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA). The PDCA model provides an iterative process used by organizations to
achieve continual improvement. It can be applied to an environmental management system and to each of its
individual elements. It is briefly described as follows:
— Plan: establish environmental objectives and processes necessary to deliver results in accordance with
the organization’s environmental policy.
— Do: implement the processes as planned.
— Check: monitor and measure processes against the environmental policy, including its commitments,
environmental objectives and operating criteria, and report the results.
— Act: take actions to continually improve.
Figure 1 shows how the framework used in this document can be integrated into a PDCA model, which can
help new and existing users to understand the importance of a systems approach.
Figure 1 — Relationship between PDCA and the framework in this document
0.5  Contents of this document
This document conforms to ISO requirements for management system standards. These requirements
include a harmonized structure, identical core text, and common terms with core definitions, designed to
benefit users implementing multiple ISO management system standards.

vii
ISO/FDIS 14001:2026(en)
This document does not include requirements specific to other management systems, such as those for
quality, occupational health and safety, energy or financial management. However, this document enables an
organization to use a common approach and risk-based thinking to integrate its environmental management
system with the requirements of other management systems.
This document contains the requirements used to assess conformity. An organization that wishes to
demonstrate conformity with this document can do so by:
— making a self-determination and self-declaration; or
— seeking confirmation of its conformance by parties having an interest in the organization, such as
customers; or
— seeking confirmation of its self-declaration by a party external to the organization; or
— seeking certification/registration of its environmental management system by an external organization.
Annex A provides explanatory information to prevent misinterpretation of the requirements of this
document. Guidance on applying the ISO 14001 framework to specific environmental topic areas is addressed
in the ISO 14002 series. Implementation guidance on environmental management systems is included in
ISO 14004.
Clause A.3 provides further insight on specific words and phrases used in this document to enhance the
understanding of concepts that are relevant to an environmental management system.

viii
FINAL DRAFT International Standard ISO/FDIS 14001:2026(en)
Environmental management systems — Requirements with
guidance for use
1 Scope
This document specifies the requirements for an environmental management system that an organization
can use to enhance its environmental performance. It is intended for use by an organization seeking to
manage its environmental responsibilities in a systematic manner that contributes to the environmental
pillar of sustainability.
This document helps an organization to achieve the intended outcomes of its environmental management
system, which provide value for the environment, the organization itself and interested parties. The
intended outcomes of an environmental management system include:
— enhancing environmental performance;
— meeting compliance obligations;
— achieving environmental objectives.
This document is applicable to any organization, regardless of size, type and nature, and applies to the
environmental aspects of its activities, products and services that the organization determines it can either
control or influence considering a life cycle perspective. This document does not state specific environmental
performance criteria.
This document can be used in whole or in part to systematically improve environmental management. Claims
of conformity to this document, however, are not acceptable unless all its requirements are incorporated
into an organization’s environmental management system and fulfilled without exclusion.
2 Normative references
There are no normative references in this document.
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https:// www .electropedia .org/
3.1 Terms related to organization and leadership
3.1.1
management system
set of interrelated or interacting elements of an organization (3.1.5) to establish policies (3.1.3) and objectives
(3.2.5) as well as processes (3.3.4) to achieve those objectives
Note 1 to entry: A management system can address a single discipline or several disciplines.
EXAMPLE Quality, environment, occupational health and safety, energy or financial management.

ISO/FDIS 14001:2026(en)
Note 2 to entry: The management system elements include the organization’s structure, roles and responsibilities,
planning and operation.
Note 3 to entry: The scope of a management system can include the whole of the organization, specific and identified
functions of the organization, specific and identified sections of the organization, or one or more functions across a
group of organizations.
3.1.2
environmental management system
part of the management system (3.1.1) used to manage environmental aspects (3.2.2), meet compliance
obligations (3.2.9), and address risks and opportunities (3.2.10)
Note 1 to entry: The environmental management system elements include: context of the organization (Clause 4),
leadership (Clause 5), planning (Clause 6), support (Clause 7), operation (Clause 8), performance evaluation (Clause 9)
and improvement (Clause 10).
3.1.3
policy
intentions and direction of an organization (3.1.5) as formally expressed by its top management (3.1.6)
3.1.4
environmental policy
policy (3.1.3) related to environmental performance (3.4.11)
3.1.5
organization
person or group of people that has its own functions with responsibilities, authorities and relationships to
achieve its objectives (3.2.5)
Note 1 to entry: The concept of organization includes, but is not limited to, sole-trader, company, corporation, firm,
enterprise, authority, partnership, charity or institution, or part or combination thereof, whether incorporated or not,
public or private.
Note 2 to entry: If the organization is part of a larger entity, the term “organization” refers only to the part of the larger
entity that is within the scope of the environmental management system (3.1.2).
3.1.6
top management
person or group of people who directs and controls an organization (3.1.5) at the highest level
Note 1 to entry: Top management has the power to delegate authority and provide resources within the organization.
Note 2 to entry: If the scope of the management system (3.1.1) covers only part of an organization, then top management
refers to those who direct and control that part of the organization.
3.1.7
interested party (preferred term)
stakeholder (admitted term)
person or organization (3.1.5) that can affect, be affected by, or perceive itself to be affected by a decision or
activity
EXAMPLE Customers, communities, suppliers, regulators, non-governmental organizations, investors and
employees.
Note 1 to entry: To “perceive itself to be affected” means the perception has been made known to the organization.

ISO/FDIS 14001:2026(en)
3.2 Terms related to planning
3.2.1
environment
surroundings in which an organization (3.1.5) operates, including air, water, land, natural resources, flora,
fauna, humans and their interrelationships
Note 1 to entry: Surroundings can extend from within an organization to the local, regional and global system.
Note 2 to entry: Surroundings can be described in terms of biodiversity, ecosystems, climate or other characteristics.
3.2.2
environmental aspect
element of an organization’s (3.1.5) activities or products or services that interacts or can interact with the
environment (3.2.1)
Note 1 to entry: An environmental aspect can cause (an) environmental impact(s) (3.2.4). A significant environmental
aspect is one that has or can have one or more significant environmental impact(s).
Note 2 to entry: Significant environmental aspects are determined by the organization applying established criteria.
3.2.3
environmental condition
state or characteristic of the environment (3.2.1) as determined at a certain point in time
3.2.4
environmental impact
change to the environment (3.2.1), whether adverse or beneficial, wholly or partially resulting from an
organization’s (3.1.5) environmental aspects (3.2.2)
3.2.5
objective
result to be achieved
Note 1 to entry: An objective can be strategic, tactical, or operational.
Note 2 to entry: Objectives can relate to different disciplines (such as finance, health and safety, and environment
(3.2.1)). They can be, for example, organization-wide or specific to a project, product, service or process (3.3.4).
Note 3 to entry: An objective can be expressed in other ways, e.g. as an intended result, as a purpose, as an operational
criterion, as an environmental objective (3.2.6), or by the use of other words with similar meaning (e.g. aim, goal, or
target).
Note 4 to entry: In the context of environmental management systems (3.1.2), environmental objectives are set by the
organization (3.1.5), consistent with the environmental policy (3.1.4), to achieve specific results.
3.2.6
environmental objective
objective (3.2.5) set by the organization (3.1.5) consistent with its environmental policy (3.1.4)
3.2.7
prevention of pollution
use of processes (3.3.4), practices, techniques, materials, products, services or energy to avoid, reduce or
control (separately or in combination) the creation, emission or discharge of any type of pollutant or waste,
in order to reduce adverse environmental impacts (3.2.4)
Note 1 to entry: Prevention of pollution can include source reduction or elimination; process, product or service
changes; efficient use of resources; material and energy substitution; reuse; recovery; recycling; reclamation; or
treatment.
ISO/FDIS 14001:2026(en)
3.2.8
requirement
need or expectation that is stated, generally implied or obligatory
Note 1 to entry: “Generally implied” means that it is custom or common practice for the organization (3.1.5) and
interested parties (3.1.7) that the need or expectation under consideration is implied.
Note 2 to entry: A specified requirement is one that is stated, e.g. in documented information (3.3.2).
3.2.9
compliance obligations (preferred term)
legal requirements and other requirements (admitted term)
legal requirements (3.2.8) that an organization (3.1.5) has to comply with and other requirements that an
organization has to or chooses to comply with
Note 1 to entry: Compliance obligations are related to the environmental management system (3.1.2).
Note 2 to entry: Compliance obligations can arise from mandatory requirements, such as applicable laws and
regulations, or voluntary commitments, such as organizational and industry standards, contractual relationships,
codes of practice and agreements with community groups, non-governmental organizations, or other interested
parties (3.1.7).
3.2.10
risks and opportunities
potential adverse effects (i.e. risks) and potential beneficial effects (i.e. opportunities)
3.3 Terms related to support and operation
3.3.1
competence
ability to apply knowledge and skills to achieve intended results
3.3.2
documented information
information required to be controlled and maintained by an organization (3.1.5) and the medium on which
it is contained
Note 1 to entry: Documented information can be in any format and media and from any source.
Note 2 to entry: Documented information can refer to:
— the management system (3.1.1), including related processes (3.3.4);
— information created in order for the organization to operate (documentation);
— evidence of results achieved (records).
3.3.3
life cycle
consecutive and interlinked stages of a product (or service) system, from raw material acquisition or
generation from natural resources to final disposal
Note 1 to entry: The life cycle stages include acquisition of raw materials, design, production, transportation/ delivery,
use, end-of-life treatment and final disposal.
[SOURCE: ISO 14044:2006, 3.1, modified ― “(or service)” added to the definition. Note 1 to entry added.]
3.3.4
process
set of interrelated or interacting activities that uses or transforms inputs to deliver a result
Note 1 to entry: Whether the result of a process is called an output, a product or a service depends on the context of
the reference.
ISO/FDIS 14001:2026(en)
Note 2 to entry: A process can be documented or not.
3.4 Terms related to performance evaluation and improvement
3.4.1
audit
systematic and independent process (3.3.4) for obtaining evidence and evaluating it objectively to determine
the extent to which the audit criteria are fulfilled
Note 1 to entry: An audit can be an internal audit (first party) or an external audit (second party or third party), and it
can be a combined audit (combining two or more disciplines).
Note 2 to entry: An internal audit is conducted by the organization (3.1.5) itself, or by an external party on its behalf.
Note 3 to entry: “Audit evidence” and “audit criteria” are defined in ISO 19011.
Note 4 to entry: Independence can be demonstrated by the freedom from responsibility for the activity being audited
or freedom from bias and conflict of interest.
3.4.2
conformity
fulfilment of a requirement (3.2.8)
3.4.3
nonconformity
non-fulfilment of a requirement (3.2.8)
Note 1 to entry: Nonconformity relates to requirements in this document and additional environmental management
system (3.1.2) requirements that an organization (3.1.5) establishes for itself.
3.4.4
corrective action
action to eliminate the cause(s) of a nonconformity (3.4.3) and to prevent recurrence
3.4.5
continual improvement
recurring activity to enhance performance (3.4.10)
Note 1 to entry: Enhancing performance relates to the use of the environmental management system (3.1.2) to enhance
environmental performance (3.4.11) consistent with the organization’s (3.1.5) environmental policy (3.1.4).
Note 2 to entry: The activity does not have to take place in all areas simultaneously, or without interruption.
3.4.6
effectiveness
extent to which planned activities are realized and planned results are achieved
3.4.7
indicator
quantitative, qualitative or binary variable that can be measured or described, representing the status of
operations, management, conditions or impacts
[SOURCE: ISO 14031:2021, 3.4.1]
3.4.8
monitoring
determining the status of a system, a process (3.3.4) or an activity
Note 1 to entry: To determine the status, there can be a need to check, supervise or critically observe.
3.4.9
measurement
process (3.3.4) to determine a value

ISO/FDIS 14001:2026(en)
3.4.10
performance
measurable result
Note 1 to entry: Performance can relate either to quantitative or qualitative findings.
Note 2 to entry: Performance can relate to managing activities, processes (3.3.4), products, services, systems or
organizations (3.1.5).
3.4.11
environmental performance
performance (3.4.10) related to the management of environmental aspects (3.2.2)
Note 1 to entry: For an environmental management system (3.1.2), results can be measured against the organization’s
(3.1.5) environmental policy (3.1.4), environmental objectives (3.2.6) or other criteria, using indicators (3.4.7).
4 Context of the organization
4.1 Understanding the organization and its context
The organization shall determine external and internal issues that are relevant to its purpose and that affect
its ability to achieve the intended outcomes of its environmental management system.
These issues shall include environmental conditions being affected by the organization or capable of affecting
the organization, such as pollution levels, availability of natural resources, climate change, biodiversity or
ecosystem health (see A.4.1).
4.2 Understanding the needs and expectations of interested parties
The organization shall determine:
a) the interested parties that are relevant to the environmental management system;
b) the relevant needs and expectations (i.e. requirements) of these interested parties;
c) which of these needs and expectations become its compliance obligations (see 6.1.3) and will be
addressed through the environmental management system.
NOTE 1 Relevant interested parties can have needs and expectations related to environmental conditions, such as
pollution levels, availability of natural resources, climate change, biodiversity or ecosystem health.
NOTE 2 The relevant needs and expectations of interested parties, other than legal requirements, become a
compliance obligation when the organization decides to comply with them.
4.3 Determining the scope of the environmental management system
The organization shall determine the boundaries and applicability of the environmental management
system to establish its scope.
When determining this scope, the organization shall consider:
a) the external and internal issues referred to in 4.1;
b) the compliance obligations referred to in 4.2;
c) its organizational units, functions and physical boundaries;
d) its activities, products and services;
e) its authority and ability to exercise control and influence, over the life cycle of its activities, products
and services.
ISO/FDIS 14001:2026(en)
Once the scope is defined, all activities, products and services of the organization within that scope shall be
included in the environmental management system.
The scope shall be available as documented information and shall be available to interested parties.
4.4 Environmental management system
To achieve the intended outcomes, including enhancing its environmental performance, the organization
shall establish, implement, maintain and continually improve an environmental management system,
including the processes needed and their interactions, in accordance with the requirements of this document.
The organization shall consider the knowledge gained in 4.1 and 4.2 when establishing and maintaining the
environmental management system.
5 Leadership
5.1 Leadership and commitment
Top management shall demonstrate leadership and commitment with respect to the environmental
management system by:
a) taking accountability for the effectiveness of the environmental management system;
b) ensuring that the environmental policy and environmental objectives are established and are compatible
with the strategic direction and the context of the organization;
c) ensuring the integration of the environmental management system requirements into the organization’s
business processes;
NOTE Reference to “business” in this document can be interpreted broadly to mean those activities that are
core to the purpose(s) of the organization’s existence.
d) ensuring that the resources needed for the environmental management system are available;
e) communicating the importance of effective environmental management and of conforming to the
environmental management system requirements;
f) ensuring that the environmental management system achieves its intended outcomes;
g) directing and supporting persons to contribute to the effectiveness of the environmental management
system;
h) promoting continual improvement;
i) supporting other relevant roles to demonstrate their leadership as it applies to their areas of
responsibility.
5.2 Environmental policy
Top management shall establish, implement and maintain an environmental policy that, within the defined
scope of its environmental management system:
a) is appropriate to the purpose and context of the organization, including the nature, scale and
environmental impacts of its activities, products and services;
b) provides a framework for setting environmental objectives;
c) includes a commitment to the protection of the environment, including prevention of pollution and other
specific commitment(s) relevant to the context of the organization;

ISO/FDIS 14001:2026(en)
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