As you may be aware, ISO 14001:2026 has been published and will eventually supersede the ISO 14001:2015 version. As such we need to begin planning to transition your existing ISO 14001:2015 certification to the new 2026 version.
Why has it been updated?
All ISO standards undergo a periodic review and update every 10 years to draw in the latest thinking and align them with changes in technology, business innovations and culture.
Here’s our suggestion of what you need to do:
- Purchase a copy of the ISO 14001:2026 standard and review the changes. You may also wish to attend some training on it or consult with an expert who helps maintain your system.
- Produce a gap analysis which links the changes in ISO 14001:2026 to the updates needed in your environmental management system
- Implement the changes needed
- Conduct an internal audit to confirm that the changes are effectively implemented
- Conduct a management review which evaluates the effectiveness of the updated environmental management system
Once you have completed these steps or a similar plan you are ready to start the transition process. This process is in addition to your usual surveillance or recertification audits.
Audit time and fees:
The transition process will take 0.5 days which will comprise of remote assessment time and internal evaluation and decision making. The price for this is £475 plus VAT.
Additional time may also be chargeable if there are actions arising from our assessment of your transition evidence.
How to apply for transition
Once you are ready to transition, just apply by submitting your evidence using the link below and we’ll process your application on first come first served basis.
Here’s the link: https://www.atlascertification.com/iso-140012026-transition-submission/
Timeframes and deadlines:
- If your next ISO 14001:2015 recertification is later than 1st May 2028, then your recertification audit must be completed based on the requirements of ISO 14001:2026 along with the points mentioned above.
- If your next recertification is before 1st May 2028 and you choose not to transition to ISO 14001:2026, then you must transition based on the above points by no later than 15th April 2029.
- All ISO 14001:2015 certificates issued from now will expire on 15th April 2029. Once you have successfully transitioned to ISO 14001:2026, the usual 3-year expiry date shall be applied.
Audit time and fees:
The transition process will take place over 0.5 days which will comprise of an offline desktop assessment, internal evaluation and decision making. The result of this will either be issuing of a new ISO 14001:2026 certificate or clear actions as to what other aspects you will need to undertake.
It would be unusual for you to be involved in the process so there are no additional meetings or onsite audits to be arranged.
If you have any questions:
If you have any questions about the transition process, please contact your Account Manager, or visit the ISO 14001:2026 Q&A page.
Hints and tips to consider:
When updating your environmental management system
- consider how you will upgrade the knowledge of your internal auditor(s)
- consider how you will communicate the changes to members of your organisation and applicable interested parties
Whilst the changes to the 2026 version of the standard are relatively minor, we have inserted below a summary of the changes.
| Clause | Change Type | New / Enhanced Requirement (2026) | Typical Gap vs ISO 14001:2015 | Evidence Examples |
| 4.1 | Strengthened | Broader environmental context incl. climate change, biodiversity, resources | Context analysis too generic | Updated context register showing climate, biodiversity, resources |
| 4.2 | Strengthened | Stakeholder expectations linked to environmental conditions | Stakeholder register generic | Updated interested parties register with environmental linkage |
| 4.3 | Clarified | Scope considers lifecycle/value chain influence | Scope limited to site | Scope statement referencing lifecycle and supply chain |
| 5.1 | Strengthened | Greater leadership accountability | Leadership not actively engaged | Management review showing leadership decisions |
| 5.2 | Clarified | Policy linked to performance outcomes | Policy not linked to objectives | Policy mapped to KPIs and programmes |
| 6.1 | Structural | Clearer risk & opportunity framework | Risks generic / unstructured | Updated risk register aligned to context |
| 6.2 | Strengthened | Objectives focus on measurable performance | Objectives activity-based | KPIs and performance tracking |
| 6.3 | New | Formalised change management for EMS | Change control not linked to EMS | Change logs including environmental review |
| 7.2/7.3 | Strengthened | Competence & awareness aligned to new priorities | Training outdated | Training records referencing new topics |
| 7.4 | Clarified | General communication requirements | General communication requirements | Review EMS communication channels. |
| 7.5 | Strengthened | Documented information must be available and usable | Documents difficult to access | Accessible controlled records |
| 8.1 | Strengthened | Control extends to external providers | Supplier controls limited | Supplier evaluation including environmental controls |
| 8.2 | Strengthened | Emergency planning includes value chain risks | Internal focus only | Emergency scenarios incl. external risks |
| 9.1 | Strengthened | Monitoring focuses on outcomes | Limited performance metrics | Trend analysis reports |
| 9.2 | Strengthened | More structured audit programmes | Audit lacks depth | Audit plan with objectives |
| 9.3 | Strengthened | Management review more structured | Review is superficial | Detailed management review records |
| 10.1/10.3 | Strengthened | Improvement linked to performance | Corrective actions isolated | Corrective actions linked to EMS updates |