Climate Change and Quality Management: New Amendments to ISO 9001
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO), a global leader in setting standards for quality management systems, has recently amended over 30 of its standards, including the widely recognized ISO 9001. This significant update aims to integrate climate change considerations into the core of quality management practices.
Why the Change?
The driving force behind these amendments is ISO’s commitment to addressing climate change, as declared in the London Declaration. The organization recognizes the critical role businesses play in mitigating the impacts of climate change and aims to provide a framework for integrating climate action into existing quality management systems.
What’s New in ISO 9001?
The amendments primarily focus on clauses 4.1 and 4.2 of ISO 9001:2015. These clauses now emphasize the need for organizations to assess the relevance of climate change to their operations. This includes understanding how climate change might affect their ability to achieve the intended outcomes of their quality management system (QMS).
The relevance of climate change will vary for each organization, depending on factors such as industry, location, and supply chain. The amendments do not require organizations to implement climate change initiatives unless they are deemed relevant to their specific QMS.
Auditing Climate Change in the QMS
Auditing climate change within the QMS involves evaluating how organizations have determined the relevance of climate change to their operations. Auditors will assess whether this determination aligns with regulatory requirements and contractual obligations. They will also examine how organizations are addressing relevant climate change issues within their QMS processes.
Guidance for Auditors
The ISO has released guidance to support auditors in navigating these new amendments. This guidance aims to ensure a consistent and effective approach to auditing climate change considerations within quality management systems.
Key Takeaways for Businesses
- Climate change is now a key consideration in quality management. Organizations need to assess the relevance of climate change to their operations and integrate relevant actions into their QMS.
- Auditing practices are evolving. Auditors will be evaluating how organizations are addressing climate change within their QMS.
- Guidance is available. The ISO has provided resources to support organizations and auditors in understanding and implementing these changes.
By incorporating climate change considerations into quality management, businesses can contribute to a more sustainable future while ensuring the resilience and effectiveness of their operations.
Join the Conversation: Your Experiences with Auditing and Climate Change
How is your organization addressing the new ISO 9001 amendments regarding climate change considerations in your auditing practices?
What steps has your company taken to prepare for audits that assess the integration of climate change factors into your quality management system (QMS)?
Source for further reading: Climate Change and Quality Management: New Amendments to ISO 9001