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ISO 14001:2026 and ISO 45001:2027 Updates and Key Insights

Published on: October 28, 2025

Recently, we explored the upcoming revision of ISO 9001:2026. Now, attention is turning to two other widely adopted ISO standards that are also scheduled for updates:

These updates reflect growing global priorities around sustainability, climate resilience, and workplace wellbeing. For anyone studying, managing, or working with management systems, it’s important to understand what these changes mean and how to prepare for them.

In this article, we’ll cover:

Why Do ISO Standards Change?

ISO standards aren’t static, they evolve in line with global trends, risks, and stakeholder expectations. Typically reviewed every 5 to 10 years, updates aim to:

  • Address emerging risks, technologies, and best practices
  • Support global initiatives such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
  • Ensure consistency across management system standards via the Harmonised Structure (HS)
  • Strengthen leadership accountability and integration into organisational strategy

The upcoming revisions of ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 continue this cycle, sharpening the focus on environmental responsibility and occupational health and safety in a fast-changing world.

ISO 14001:2026 – Environmental Management Systems Update

Timeline and Transition

  • Draft International Standard (DIS): already released for review
  • Final publication: early 2026
  • Transition period: 3 years, meaning organisations will need to conform with the requirements of ISO 14001:2026 by 2029

Key Areas of Change

While the standard is still under development, proposed updates include:

  • Climate change fully embedded – integration of the 2024 climate amendment, with more emphasis on biodiversity, pollution, and resource use.
  • Life-cycle perspective strengthened – environmental aspects must now be assessed more holistically.
  • Planning clauses reorganised – clearer structure around risks, opportunities, and change management.
  • Expanded operational controls – including externally provided processes, products, and services.
  • Improved clarity – refined wording throughout and a major update to Annex A for easier interpretation of the standard’s main clauses.
  • Management review and improvement streamlined – inputs and outputs clearly distinguished; redundant sub-clauses simplified.
  • Closer alignment with other ISO standards – making it easier to integrate with ISO 9001 or ISO 45001.

Preparing for ISO 14001:2026

To stay ahead:

  • Familiarise yourself with the new standard once it’s published
  • Conduct a gap analysis against the new requirements
  • Review environmental aspects and objectives with climate and biodiversity in mind
  • Update system documentation and processes accordingly
  • Build awareness through training and leadership engagement

ISO 45001:2027 – Occupational Health & Safety Management Systems Update

Timeline and Transition

  • Revision confirmed: 2025
  • Draft International Standard: 2026
  • Final publication: early 2027
  • Transition period: 3 years, with conformance expected by 2030

Key Areas of Change

Expected focus areas include:

  • Psychosocial Health and Wellbeing
  • Stronger emphasis on mental health, stress, and inclusion.
  • Recognition of psychosocial risks such as burnout and harassment.
  • Climate Resilience in Safety
  • Climate-related risks (e.g., heat stress, extreme weather) integrated.
  • Adaptation and prevention measures to protect workers.
  • Leadership and Governance
  • Expanded expectations for top management accountability.
  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
  • Recognition of DEI as central to safe and supportive workplaces.
  • Contractor and Outsourced Work Oversight
  • Stronger governance and controls over external providers.
  • Integration with Other ISO Standards
  • Maintained alignment with the Harmonised Structure for smoother integration.

Preparing for ISO 45001:2027

Recommended actions include:

  • Reviewing psychosocial risk management approaches
  • Assessing climate-related health and safety risks
  • Strengthening leadership accountability for OHS
  • Enhancing contractor management practices
  • Building employee awareness and training programs

Comparing ISO 14001:2026 and ISO 45001:2027

ISO 14001 vs ISO 45001

StandardExpected PublicationTransition DeadlineKey Themes
ISO 14001:2026Early 20262029Climate change, biodiversity, lifecycle approach, leadership, SDG alignment
ISO 45001:2027Early 20272030Psychosocial health, climate resilience, leadership, DEI, contractor oversight

Both revisions emphasise leadership, sustainability, and resilience, making them strategically important for modern organisations.

Why Preparing Early Matters

Waiting until the last minute often leads to unnecessary stress. By engaging early, professionals and organisations can:

  • Manage transitions smoothly and efficiently
  • Allocate resources effectively (time, people, budgets)
  • Strengthen business resilience and reputation
  • Build a culture of continuous improvement aligned with global priorities

Final Thoughts

The upcoming revisions to ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 highlight the evolving priorities in environmental and occupational health and safety management. Together with ISO 9001:2026, these standards reflect the growing importance of climate change, mental health, inclusivity, and governance in today’s business landscape.

At ICExperts Academy, we provide practical and accessible ISO training for professionals, business leaders, and teams who want to strengthen their knowledge of Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety Management Systems.

Our Management System Internal Auditor online course is built around the current ISO 14001:2015 and ISO 45001:2018 standards and is continuously updated as official revisions are released. Delivered in a self-paced format, the course takes a process-based approach, helping you build the skills to effectively audit and support your organisation’s environmental and workplace health and safety systems.

Stay up to date with the upcoming ISO 14001:2026 and ISO 45001:2027 revisions by exploring our Internal Auditor training or subscribing to our mailing list for updates.

Erica Smith
Managing Director at ICExperts Academy and ISO Certification Experts

Erica is the Managing Director of ISO Certification Experts and ICExperts Academy. She has been helping businesses with their ISO Certification needs for over 20 years. Erica is also a Certified trainer, implementer and auditor for ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001 and ISO 27001 standards. Erica primarily heads up the day-to-day operations of the businesses, and is also a current member of the Australian Organisation for Quality and Brand Integrity Committee.

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