ISO standards for the environment sector

Q: What ISO standards are relevant for environmental sustainability and management?
​A: The key ISO standards for environmental sustainability and management are primarily found in the ISO 14000 family. The cornerstone is ISO 14001:2015, which specifies requirements for an Environmental Management System (EMS). The family also includes standards on audits, labelling, life cycle assessment, greenhouse gas accounting, and climate change mitigation. These standards help organizations minimize environmental impact, comply with laws, and improve environmental performance continuously

.

Q: Who can benefit from implementing ISO environmental standards?
​A: ISO 14001 and related standards are designed for any type of organization—large or small, public or private, across all sectors—helping them systematically manage environmental responsibilities and improve sustainability performance globally.

Q: What is ISO 14001 and why is it important?
​A: ISO 14001 sets out the criteria for an environmental management system that enables organizations to develop policies and objectives that consider legal requirements and other environmental factors. It facilitates continuous improvement of environmental performance and risk management. Certification demonstrates commitment to sustainability and legal compliance, widely recognized in over 180 countries with over 500,000 certifications worldwide.

Q: What other ISO 14000 series standards should organizations know?
​A:

Q: How do ISO standards support climate action and renewable energy?
​A: ISO environmental standards offer tools for greenhouse gas accounting, emissions verification, and carbon footprint measurements. Specific technical committees develop standards supporting renewable energy technologies, enabling organizations to participate in the global transition toward a low-carbon economy and comply with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) frameworks.

Q: Which ISO technical committees manage environmental standard development?
​A:

Q: What benefits can organizations expect?
​A: Improved regulatory compliance, reduced environmental risks and impacts, enhanced operational efficiency, resource savings, increased stakeholder trust, and improved brand reputation. Embracing ISO environmental standards helps organizations achieve operational excellence and align with global sustainability goals such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Q: How do I obtain ISO environmental standards or participate in their development?
​A: ISO standards can be purchased via the ISO website or national standards bodies. To engage in development, contact your national standards body to join ISO/TC 207 or its subcommittees.

Learn more:

https://www.iso.org/sectors/environment