Important update-Inclusion of Climate Change considerations within Management System Standards

By the joint statement Technical Bulletin: Inclusion of Climate Change considerations within Management System Standards on 27 February 2024.

IAF (International Accreditation Forum) and ISO have published a joint communication, highlighting the changes made to the Management System Standards (MSS) in the form of additional text highlighting the importance of climate change as a consideration within the organization context for the management system concerned. In response to the London Declaration on Climate Action.

The purpose of this technical bulletin is consistent with the IAF's decision to clarify expectations for both CB management systems and accredited customers. As stated in the joint statement

The overall intent of the requirements for clauses 4.1 and 4.2 remains unchanged. These include the need for certified organizations to consider all internal and external issues that may affect the effectiveness of their management systems. This will ensure that climate change is considered within the management system and sufficiently important external factor.

“Expectations of the certified organization, should define all internal and external issues related to the management system objectives. strategic direction and that affect the ability to achieve the results of the management system.”

“Climate changes addressed by amendments to clauses 4.1 and 4.2, CB will review these requirement to ensure that all internal issues and external issues, including climate change has been identified by the organization as relevant or not.   If relevant this must be considered in the development and effectiveness of the management system integrating climate change.”

If certified organization consider that this is not a problem related to the management system.  The CB (Auditor) will consider the reasons for such decision. To confirm and be confident in the decision whether it is appropriate or not.”

Should a certified organization consider whether the above issues are related to the organization or not? This is clearly stated by understanding the organizational context according to requirements 4.1 and understanding the needs and expectations of groups interested in environmental management according to requirements 4.2.

For example, an organization has an obligation to report the amount of electricity, fuel, and thermal energy consumed. Renewable energy needs to be known or there is a target of "Carbon neutrality" or carbon neutrality or "Net zero emissions" or net zero greenhouse gas emissions, etc. This must be specified. In some organizations who already have CFO (Carbon Footprint Organization) or CFP (Carbon Footprint Product) certification must be specified in the context of the organization.

Thank you for your cooperation.