ISO 9001:2015 QMS Standard And Climate Change - 01

ISO 9001:2015 QMS Standard And Climate Change  - 01

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Amendment To ISO 9001:2015 QMS Standard

 

As per information gathered from online sources, ISO has published on 24 February 2024 an amendment to clause 4.1 of ISO 9001 (ISO 9001:2015/ Amd1:2024), along with all other management system standards, adding an additional requirement for the organisation to determine if climate change is a relevant issue (when determining the issues relevant to its purpose and that affects its ability to achieve the intended results of its management system). The amendment also adds a note to clause 4.2 of the standard, indicating that relevant interested parties may have climate change related requirements. This change takes effect immediately.

 

The amendment to clause 4.1 now additionally requires an organization to determine if climate change is a relevant issue for the organization. This determination should be done at the time of determining external and internal issues (positive and negative factors or conditions) that are relevant to the organization’s purpose and strategic direction and that affect the organization’s ability to achieve the intended result(s). If climate change is a relevant issue, then the organization needs to monitor and review information (data) about the climate change impacts.

 

Clause 4.2 of the standard stipulates requirements related to the understanding needs and expectations of interested parties. Although there is no change in the requirements of this clause, however, a clarifying note has been added indicating that interested parties may have climate change related requirements. The impact of this addition is that the organization needs to monitor and review information (data) of such climate related needs and expectations of interested parties.

 

Climate Change A Relevant Issue For An Organization

 

Climate change can be a relevant issue for an organization, if it affects the organization’s ability to:

 

(1)    deliver products and services that meet customer and applicable legal (= statutory + regulatory) requirements, or

 

(2)    achieve its objectives.

There may be many instances, where climate change can be a relevant issue for sector specific organizations. A few of them are as under:

 

-          For an organization in the agriculture sector, climate change can affect the availability and quality of water, soil, seeds, crops, and livestock, as well as occurrence and severity of pests, diseases, and natural disasters.

 

-          For an organization in the energy sector, climate change can affect the demand and supply of energy, the reliability and efficiency of energy infrastructure, the feasibility and profitability of renewable energy source, and the environmental and social impacts of energy production and consumption.

 

-          For an organization in the tourism sector, climate change can affect the attractiveness and accessibility of destinations, the seasonality and variability of tourism demand, the health and safety of tourists and workers, and the preservation and promotion of natural and cultural heritage.  

 

-          For an organization in the packaging industry, climate change can have significant impacts in various ways. It can affect the quality of raw materials used in the packaging production.

 

In general, climate change can have significant impacts on organizations, a few of them are mentioned below:

 

-          Climate change can impact the availability and cost of resources, such as water, energy, and raw materials, affecting production and financial stability. Government may impose carbon taxes, thus more cost to the organization.

 

-          Compliance to present and forthcoming regulations on emissions, waste management, and resource usage can necessitate changes in organizations operations. An organization may face new regulations and reporting requirements related to greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption, or climate adaptation plans.

 

-          Climate change can impact the reputation and brand image of an organization. Consumers and stakeholders are increasingly concerned about sustainability, and organizations with weak climate practices may face reputational risks. Consumers increasingly demand sustainable products and services that influence market trends and brand reputation of the organization. 

 

-          Climate change can impact the supply chain disruptions. Extreme weather events and resource scarcity, such as water scarcity, or resource depletion can disrupt supply chains, impacting organization’s production, delivery and cost.

 

-          Climate change can impact the operational risks for an organization. Increased heatwaves, floods, rising sea levels, and other climate related phenomena can damage infrastructure and disrupt operations of an organization, resulting financial loss to the organization.

 

-          Climate change can impact the employee health and safety of an organization. Extreme heat, air pollution, and other climate anxiety can affect employee health and safety resulting productivity of the organization.

 

-          Climate change can impact the product and service adaptation. Changing consumer preferences and regulations may necessitate adapting products and services to be more sustainable.

 

Thus, we find that the climate change can be relevant for an organization in numerous ways, depending on its sector, location and activities.  

 

Rest in the next article …..

 

Best wishes,

Keshav Ram Singhal

 

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