What is ISO 14001:2015?
ISO 14001:2015 is the third edition of ISO 14001, the internationally recognized standard for environmental management systems (EMS). It specifies the requirements for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continually improving an EMS, helping organizations manage their environmental responsibilities in a systematic and effective way.
ISO 14001:2015 introduced a stronger emphasis on leadership, risk‑based thinking, and integration with other ISO management system standards through the High‑Level Structure. It has been widely adopted by organizations of all sizes and sectors around the world and has supported improvements in environmental performance, regulatory compliance processes, and operational efficiency.
ISO 14001:2015 is now withdrawn and has been replaced by ISO 14001:2026, which builds on this established framework with clearer structure, easier navigation, and stronger alignment with today’s environmental priorities.
Register for insights on ISO 14001 and related topics, including webinars, recordings and expert videos!
How your data will be used
Please see ISO privacy notice. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
FAQ
ISO standards are reviewed regularly to ensure they remain relevant and effective. Since the publication of ISO 14001:2015, expectations around environmental management have continued to evolve, particularly in relation to climate change, biodiversity, and resource efficiency.
The new version, ISO 14001:2026 builds on the proven ISO 14001:2015 framework while improving clarity, usability, and alignment with current environmental priorities. This helps organizations apply the standard more easily and consistently, while maintaining continuity with existing systems.
ISO 14001:2015 is no longer the current edition of the standard. Organizations are encouraged to refer to ISO 14001:2026, which represents the latest agreed requirements for environmental management systems.
Organizations certified to ISO 14001:2015 should consult their certification body regarding transition arrangements to the new edition.
Get ready for ISO 14001:2026
Discover what’s new in the world’s leading Environmental Management Systems standard
General information
-
Status: WithdrawnPublication date: 2015-09Stage: Withdrawal of International Standard [95.99]
-
Edition: 3Number of pages: 35
-
Technical Committee :ISO/TC 207/SC 1
- RSS updates
This standard contributes to
- Achieve climate neutrality: Carbon footprint; GHG emissions / mitigation;
- Become resilient and adaptative: Climate change adaptation;
Life cycle
-
Previously
WithdrawnISO 14001:2004
WithdrawnISO 14001:2004/Cor 1:2009
-
Now
-
00
Preliminary
-
10
Proposal
-
20
Preparatory
-
30
Committee
-
40
Enquiry
-
50
Approval
-
60
Publication
-
90
Review
-
95
Withdrawal
Amendments
Provide additional content; available for purchase; not included in the text of the existing standard.WithdrawnISO 14001:2015/Amd 1:2024
DeletedISO 14001:2015/DAmd 2
-
00
-
Revised by
PublishedISO 14001:2026
This standard contributes to the following Sustainable Development Goals
