March2025

Understanding the ISO 9001 Climate Change Amendment: What it Means for Certified Organizations

The role of ISO 9001 in quality management is to provide a standardized framework for Quality Management Systems (QMS). The standard is designed to help companies meet regulatory requirements and minimize errors to improve overall performance.

A recent amendment to ISO 9001 was published on February 23, 2024, introducing climate change considerations that impact all organizations currently certified under ISO 9001, as well as those pursuing future certification.

The new ISO 9001 climate change amendment requires organizations to assess and document climate-related risks in their quality management systems, ensuring they consider potential environmental impacts and stakeholder expectations. This update is intended to increase organizations’ resilience to climate-related disruptions.

Overview of the ISO 9001 Climate Change Amendment

To encourage organizations to consider climate change as part of their QMS, the recent amendment to ISO 9001 introduces additional requirements in Clause 4.1 and Clause 4.2. Clause 4.1 now states that companies must assess whether climate change and its impacts are relevant to their operations. Clause 4.2 encourages companies to consider stakeholders’ climate-related requirements.

For example, imagine a manufacturing company that sources materials from regions known to be affected by hurricanes or typhoons. There could be logistical delays or damaged materials due to severe weather. The region’s climate change impact should be taken into consideration and contingency plans should be considered.

unnamed

The motivation behind this change stems from “ISO’s commitment to action on climate change,” and the growing need for organizations to engage in sustainable practices.

Overall, this amendment emphasizes integrating climate awareness into quality management, ensuring that organizations’ QMS frameworks address both immediate quality goals and broader, climate-driven risks and opportunities.

Steps to Prepare for Compliance with the New Amendment

Conduct a Climate Impact Assessment: Begin with a systematic review to identify climate-related risks and opportunities in operations, supply chains, and stakeholder expectations.
Engage Stakeholders and Identify Needs: Consult key stakeholders to understand their climate-related concerns. Learn what mitigation strategies third-party stakeholders are putting in place to address their own climate-change related risks.
Integrate Findings into the QMS: For organizations where climate change is relevant, incorporate climate risks into the quality objectives, risk management processes, and strategic planning. Suggest engaging with ISO consultants or undergoing internal training on the new requirements.
Prepare for Auditor Inquiries: Certification bodies will review climate assessments as part of the regular audit process. Be prepared to show that your organization has evaluated climate impacts, regardless of whether actions were deemed necessary.

How Can Medpoint Help?

Medpoint can assist organizations in aligning with the new ISO 9001 climate change amendment by offering expert guidance and support throughout the implementation process. Medpoint’s regulatory experts can help your organization identify and assess climate-related risks, incorporate climate-related findings into QMS documentation, and support continuous improvement to ensure your company remains compliant with the ISO standard.

To speak to someone directly about our services, fill out a contact form on our website: https://medpoint.com/contact-us/.

Conclusion

The recent amendment to ISO 9001 highlights the growing importance of integrating climate change considerations into quality management systems. By requiring organizations to assess and document climate-related risks, the amendment ensures that companies are better equipped to manage environmental impacts and meet evolving stakeholder expectations.

Medpoint can support this transition by offering guidance on climate impact assessments, stakeholder engagement, documentation, and training, helping organizations stay compliant with the updated standard.

Ultimately, this amendment aligns quality management practices with broader global sustainability goals, positioning companies for long-term resilience and success in a rapidly changing environment.

For more information on this amendment, visit the International Organization for Standardization’s website.

Author: Ashlee Bailey, Project Coordinator and Social Media Manager

References