ISO Consults on Draft EMS Standard

With the launch of the latest stage in the revision of the global environmental management system standard ISO 14001, IEMA is urging Members to contribute vital user experience to the process.

The International Organization for Standards (ISO) has published the Draft International Standard (DIS) of ISO 14001 for public comment and a ballot of ISO member bodies. Through the consultation, ISO is seeking views on the revision from users, which has been drafted using the new High Level Structure now common to all international standards.

Martin Baxter, Executive Director – Policy & Engagement at IEMA and one of the UK’s appointed experts on the revision’s working group, said today: “The proposed changes are substantial and will mean organisations need to focus on building environment into the core of their business.

“Given the widespread use of the standard, it’s essential that users engage in the revision process and also begin preparations for transitioning to the new requirements. We’ll be working with IEMA members to ensure that Environment & Sustainability professionals are able to implement the changes in their organisations and add maximum business value”.

The Institute is about to release fourteen dates for a UK-wide programme of consultation with its members on the revision. An IEMA STS training course to support those implementing the proposed changes will launch at the beginning of September and IEMA’s EMS National Forum on 26^th November in London will provide an opportunity to hear the latest thinking from leading practitioners on their approach to getting maximum value from ISO 14001.