The latest amendment to ISO 9001:2015, known as ISO 9001:2015/Amd 1:2024, introduces significant updates to emphasize the importance of addressing climate change within quality management systems. This amendment, effective from February 2024, reflects a growing global recognition of the need for environmental sustainability to be a core consideration in organizational operations and strategy.
Key Changes in ISO 9001:2015/Amd 1:2024
- Understanding the Organization and Its Context (Clause 4.1): The amendment adds a new requirement for organizations to determine whether climate change is a relevant issue. This means organizations must actively consider the implications of climate change on their operations and ensure their quality management systems are resilient and adaptive to environmental challenges.
- Understanding the Needs and Expectations of Interested Parties (Clause 4.2): A new note emphasizes the relevance of climate change to stakeholder expectations. Organizations must be aware of and responsive to any climate change-related requirements or expectations from their stakeholders.
Implications for Organizations
The explicit inclusion of climate change considerations in the ISO 9001:2015 standards encourages organizations to:
- Assess the impact of climate change on their operations and strategic objectives.
- Engage with interested parties to understand and address any climate change-related requirements.
- Embed sustainability and environmental responsibility into their quality management systems.
Example:
Integrating Climate Action into a Manufacturing Company's Quality Management System
Context
ABC Manufacturing Corp., a leading producer of eco-friendly packaging, aims to integrate climate action into its Quality Management System (QMS) in accordance with ISO 9001:2015/Amd 1:2024.
1. Understanding the Organization and Its Context (Clause 4.1)
Identified Internal and External Issues:
- Internal: Production processes, energy consumption, waste management, and employee awareness.
- External: Regulatory requirements, market trends favoring sustainable products, technological advancements in eco-friendly materials, and customer expectations for sustainable practices.
Impact Evaluation:
- Climate Risks: Increased energy costs, regulatory fines, reputational risk.
- Opportunities: Competitive advantage through sustainability, innovation in product design, and customer loyalty.
2. Understanding the Needs and Expectations of Interested Parties (Clause 4.2)
Stakeholder Engagement:
- Customers: Expect eco-friendly products and transparency in environmental practices.
- Regulators: Enforce compliance with environmental laws.
- Employees: Seek a safe and sustainable workplace.
- Community: Desires reduced environmental impact from local industries.
Moving Forward
The amendment represents a significant step forward in aligning quality management practices with environmental sustainability goals. Organizations certified under ISO 9001:2015 are now tasked with revisiting their management systems to ensure that climate change considerations are adequately addressed. This includes reviewing and possibly updating policies, objectives, and processes to incorporate climate change as a critical factor in organizational planning and decision-making.
Conclusion
The ISO 9001:2015 /Amd 1:2024 amendment marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of quality management standards, embedding climate change considerations at the heart of organizational strategies. By integrating climate action into quality management systems, organizations can contribute to a more sustainable and resilient future.
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