Dear Valued Customers,
We are pleased to share an important update regarding the ISO 9001:2015 standard, which now incorporates Amendment 1:2024 – Climate Action Changes. Published on February 22, 2024, by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), this amendment introduces considerations related to climate change as an integral part of quality management systems, aligning with ISO’s global sustainability commitments as outlined in the London Declaration on Climate Change.
What has changed?
Amendment 1:2024 adds two specific points to clauses 4.1 and 4.2 of ISO 9001:2015, emphasizing the need to integrate climate change into the organizational context and stakeholder expectations:
- Clause 4.1 – Understanding the organization and its context: Organizations must now determine whether climate change is a relevant issue for their operations. This involves assessing how climate-related factors, such as extreme weather events, environmental regulations, or supply chain disruptions, may impact the ability to deliver products and services that meet customer requirements.
- Clause 4.2 – Understanding the needs and expectations of interested parties: A note has been added clarifying that relevant interested parties, such as customers, suppliers, or regulatory bodies, may have requirements related to climate change. Examples include demands for more sustainable products or compliance with environmental regulations.
Impact for our customers
The inclusion of these considerations does not alter the core of clauses 4.1 and 4.2, which already require the analysis of internal and external issues affecting the quality management system. However, it is now mandatory for organizations to explicitly assess the relevance of climate change. This assessment may identify risks and opportunities, such as:
- Operational resilience: Identifying climate-related risks that may affect supply chains, such as disruptions due to extreme weather events.
- Regulatory compliance: Meeting environmental requirements imposed by interested parties, such as emissions regulations or the use of sustainable materials.
- Market opportunities: Enhancing reputation and competitiveness by demonstrating a commitment to sustainability, attracting environmentally conscious customers and investors.
Next steps
For our customers who are already certified or in the process of obtaining ISO 9001 certification, we recommend the following:
- Review the organizational context: Assess whether climate change is relevant to your operations, considering risks and opportunities.
- Engage interested parties: Identify climate-related expectations, such as demands for more sustainable practices.
- Update documentation: Incorporate climate considerations into policies, objectives, and quality management processes.
- Prepare for audits: Our auditors will verify how climate change has been addressed within your management system.
We are fully committed to supporting our customers in implementing these changes, offering guidance and resources to align your management systems with Amendment 1:2024. Should you have any questions or require assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us!
We reaffirm our commitment to quality, sustainability, and operational excellence, contributing to a more resilient and environmentally responsible future.
Sincerely,
NCC Team