I’ll start by saying that I’ve been talking for several years about the importance of embedding sustainability into management systems. This includes finding a better balance between business, society, and the natural world. Especially since ISO 9001 introduced the concept of Context of the Organisation in 2015. So, I’m really pleased to see this latest development.

But while this may be true, there is more to the story of why ISO included climate notations across most Standards and understanding this context will help you appreciate this new approach. Especially why ISO introduced these amendments were introduced in September 2024 rather than waiting for the next version of specific Standards to be released.

What are the changes?

In short, ISO added two sentences to clauses 4.1 and 4.2 within the Context of the Organisation:

• 4.1 – The organisation shall determine whether climate change is a relevant issue.
• 4.2 – Relevant interested parties can have requirements related to climate change.

Although these additions appear small, the word ‘shall’ in the first clause means organisations must consider climate change. Otherwise, failure to address it will result in unwanted non-conformities.

Why and how did it come about?

Well it certainly wasn’t a knee jerk reaction. Developments leading to the publication of these additions in September 2024 started with the London Declaration in September 2021. Subsequently in early 2024, ISO and the IAF published a joint declaration to include these clauses in the core “Annex SL” framework.

Thus promoting the importance of integrating climate change considerations into many management systems with some saying it reflects a global shift toward sustainability and resilience in organisational practices.

What it means for organisations

For businesses, the new clauses open the door to stronger strategy and risk management practices with climate change no longer being just an environmental concern. It becomes a strategic issue that affects resilience, supply chains, and performance. Especially for any forward-thinking businesses.

It is in fact a clever way of opening up these conversations. Because when used correctly, clauses 4.1 and 4.2 shape how organisations define the risks, opportunities, and objectives fundamental to creating robust management systems. That introduce an inclusive culture and a continual improvement mindset focused on long-term sustainable success.

Creating a meaningful strategy that allows them to consider cross-disciplinary value, linking ISO Standard work with ESG, SDGs, and other sustainability initiatives.

But what has it meant from an Audit Point of View?

A year on from the publication of these climate change notations a clearer picture is emerging in terms of what this means during certification or surveillance audits.

Auditors expect clear evidence that your organisation has considered climate change from the external-internal issues and interested parties’ perspectives, asking questions like:

• How did you determine climate change’s relevance or non-relevance?
• What records support your decision?
• If relevant, how do you integrate it into your management system?

For standards like ISO14001, this questioning is straightforward. But for ISO9001, ISO45001, ISO27001, and ISO22301, it poses more challenges, especially since businesses have had only a little over a year to update their systems.

Although auditors’ expectations may differ in terms of what evidence they deem acceptable. They will more than likely raise minor non-conformities at either certification or surveillance audits if a business has not taken any action.

So, how to respond?

A practical way to strengthen your management system is to

• Update the Context of the Organisation in their management system.
• Add climate-related prompts to risk assessment tools.
• Include climate change in management review agendas.

Above all, organisations must justify and approve any determination, whether the result is that climate change is relevant or not relevant.

At the very least, organisations should prepare an Environmental Statement outlining climate relevance and reference an initial plan for a more formal approach in the future. Potentially starting with an Environmental Aspects and Impacts evaluation to determine relevant objectives.

In summary

Balancing business performance, social responsibility, with the natural world isn’t easy and required more than quick fixes but it’s where the world is heading.

The climate notation changes remind us that ISO standards aren’t just about compliance; they’re about building resilient, future-ready organisations. So, organisations should develop a robust strategy for Sustainable Development.

To learn how to enhance your management system strategy, contact Coaction Solutions to set-up a free 45-minute consultation.

Driving Excellence through ISO Standards.