ISO 14001 is the global standard for environmental management systems. It defines the requirements for environmental management with the purpose of protecting the environment and improving environmental conditions. The first ISO 14001 standard was published in 1996 (ISO 14001:1996) and later updated in 2004 (ISO 14001:2004). Due to the changes in the environment and the ever-evolving needs of users, a recent update was made to the standard. This article will help you learn which is the latest version of ISO 14001.

What is ISO 14001?

The ISO 14001 standard is used to establish an environmental management system aimed at meeting compliance obligations, enhancing environmental performance, achieving environmental objectives, and facilitating sustainable development. Any organization can achieve these goals and be certified for the ISO 14001 if it meets the requirements of the standard.

The ISO 14001:2015 EMS lead auditor’s key responsibility is to audit the organization against the latest version of the ISO 14001 and ensure that the organization meets its requirements. It is important that the ISO 14001 Lead Auditor have a vast knowledge of the ISO 14001 standard, including its requirements and methods of application. Additionally, it is paramount that the ISO 14001 lead auditor keeps up with the recent trends of the ISO 14001 standard, including the latest version of the ISO 14001.

Which is the latest version of the ISO 14001?

There have been 3 versions of the ISO 14001 with each updated version created to enhance environmental performance and improve user experience. The latest version of the ISO 14001 was published in September 2015 making the ISO 14001:2015 the most improved and latest version of the ISO 14001 replacing the previous editions; ISO 14001:1996 and ISO 14001:2004.

The latest version of the ISO 14001 (ISO 14001:2015) applies to any organization regardless of the size and nature of the business. If implemented, the organization will be able to better manage the environmental aspects and impacts of its processes, products and services, systems, and activities.

Fig. 1 Versions of the ISO 14001

Auditors that desire to amass an in-depth knowledge of the ISO 14001 and develop the skills needed to carry out a first, second, and third-party audit of the environmental management system against the ISO 14001 standard must undergo the ISO 14001:2015 EMS Lead Auditor training and write the final examination and pass.

ISO 14001 EMS Lead Auditor Course:

The ISO 14001:2015 EMS Lead Auditor course is designed to build up participants’ knowledge and skills in auditing an organization’s EMS against the ISO 14001 Standard. Participants who complete the training and excel in the final examination will receive an ISO 14001:2015 EMS Lead Auditor certificate of achievement. He/she is then qualified to evaluate an organization’s environmental management system to determine its effectiveness while recommending and implementing improvement strategies.

There are numerous unapproved training institutes offering the ISO 14001 lead auditor course and awarding unapproved certificates. This has led to many auditors losing job opportunities or being left embarrassed and unable to perform their responsibilities due to a lack of trust in their ability by hiring organizations.

It is therefore very important for aspiring lead auditors to enroll in an Approved Training Partner of the CQI IRCA for their ISO 14001:2015 EMS Lead Auditor training. The Chartered Quality Institute (CQI) is the professional body for experts in improving the product, project, and service quality. The International Register of Certificated Auditors (IRCA) is a division of the CQI and the market leader in providing management systems auditing training and certification, ISO 14001:2015 EMS Lead Auditor inclusive.

Auditors that do the needful and get their training from an approved training institute of the CQI & IRCA can be confident that their certification meets the highest standards and can be tenable anywhere in the world. They can also be confident that this would open up job opportunities for them both locally and internationally.

Get enrolled, get certified!

3FOLD Education Center is certified by the International Register of Certificated Auditors (IRCA) and approved to deliver the ISO 14001:2015 EMS Lead Auditor course to aspiring lead auditors. When you enroll in 3FOLD for the ISO 14001:2015 EMS Lead Auditor course, you will gain a better understanding of the latest version of the ISO 14001 and master the skills to conduct a first, second and third-party audit of the environmental management system against the ISO 14001, in accordance with ISO 19011 and ISO/IEC 17021, as applicable. 3FOLD provides the ISO 14001 EMS Lead Auditor course at incredibly affordable fees.

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