Impact of Climate Change Amendment on Resources in ISO 9001:2015 QMS

Impact of Climate Change Amendment on Resources in ISO 9001:2015 QMS

Amendments in ISO 9001:2015 QMS Standard:

Clause 4.1 – Added requirement: The organization needs to determine whether climate change is a relevant issue.

Clause 4.2 – Added note: Relevant interested parties can have needs and expectations related to climate change.

If climate change is a relevant issue, then the determined climate change issues may impact resources within the quality management system of an organization.

Impact of Climate Change on the Environment for the Operation of Processes (Clause 7.1.4)

(1) Physical Environment:

Climate change issues can alter the physical environment where processes exist and operate. For example, increased temperatures, humidity, or extreme weather events might require changes in Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems, building structures, or protective measures to ensure that the work environment remains conducive to quality output.

(2) Employee Well-being:

The well-being of employees might be impacted by climate change issues such as heat stress or air quality issues. An organization may need to implement additional health and safety measures to protect workers, ensuring that the environment remains safe and does not hinder operational efficiency.

(3) Resource Availability:

Climate change issues can affect the availability of natural resources (e.g., water, raw materials) that are crucial for certain processes. An organization may need to adapt their processes to account for resource scarcity or variability, ensuring that the environment for the operation of processes remains stable and sustainable.

Impact of Climate Change on Organizational Knowledge (Clause 7.1.6)

(1) Knowledge Acquisition:

Organizations may need to acquire new knowledge related to climate change issues and their effects on operations. This includes understanding climate change issues, climate science, regulatory changes, and best practices for mitigation and adaptation.

(2) Employee Training:

Employees at all levels should be informed and trained on how climate change issues can impact their roles and the organization as a whole. This includes incorporating climate-related risks and opportunities into training programs and ensuring that this knowledge is integrated into the organization's culture.

(3) Adaptation Strategies:

Developing and maintaining knowledge on how to adapt processes and operations in response to climate change issues. This could involve research and development efforts to innovate and implement more sustainable practices and technologies.

(4) Documentation and Sharing:

Ensuring that climate change-related knowledge is well-documented and accessible to relevant stakeholders. This might include creating repositories of information, updating standard operating procedures, and fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement in the organization.

Summary 

Addressing climate change as a relevant issue necessitates that the organization evaluate and adapt its operational environments and organizational knowledge to mitigate risks and leverage opportunities. This will ensure the resilience and sustainability of their quality management systems.

Regards,

Keshav Ram Singhal