IAF-ISO Joint Communiqué
Addition of Climate Change Considerations to MSS
Introduction & Abstract
On 22 February 2024, IAF and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) published a joint communiqué to highlight the upcoming publication of Climate Action Amendments to new and existing ISO management systems standards.
Two new statements are being added to a number of existing management systems standards, and will be included in all new standards under development/revision, to address the need to consider the effects of climate change on the ability to achieve the intended results of the management system.
“The overall intent of the requirements for clauses 4.1 and 4.2 remain unchanged; these clauses already include the need for the organization to consider all internal and external issues that can impact the effectiveness of their management system...”
Key Insight
Because the overall intent remains unchanged, this is treated as a clarification rather than a new requirement. No full transition programme is required.
Expectations for Stakeholders
Certified Organisations
Ensure Climate Change aspects and risks are considered within the development and effectiveness of management systems.
- Determine if relevant or not within the scope.
- Consider across multiple systems (e.g., QMS and OH&S).
- Evaluate regulatory compliance and operational adaptability.
Certification Bodies
Ensure that Climate Change has been considered and, if relevant, included in any objectives and mitigation activities.
- Verify the effectiveness of the determination process.
- Ensure inclusion in mitigation activities.
- Raised suitable findings if issues are not addressed.
Accreditation Bodies
Ongoing accreditation cycles must ensure CBs are confirming client compliance.
- Monitor CB auditing practices.
- Focus on Clause 4.1 and 4.2 updates.
- Review during scheduled assessments.
Timing & Implementation
The Amendments are expected to be published on 23 February 2024. Upon publication, certification bodies should include the new text in their auditing.
Why a revised certificate is NOT needed:
- • Publication year of the MS standard remains unchanged.
- • No change in the scope of application.
- • No significant impact on MS effectiveness.
- • Actions align with existing contextual change methods.