What are the ISO 14001 Clauses?

At the core of the standard are the first three clauses that deal with the terms and definitions, the scope of the standard, and the standard's terms and definitions. There are no requirements in these three clauses but they do provide a deeper understanding of the intent and the terminology used throughout the standard.

There are then a further seven clauses, which do contain requirements.

The 10 Clauses of ISO 14001

The standard’s format is based on Annex SL, the current high-level structure which is a common framework for all ISO management systems.

1. Scope
2. Normative References
3. Terms and Definition
4. Context of the Organization
5. Leadership
6. Planning
7. Support
8. Operations
9. Performance Evaluation
10. Improvement

Clauses 4 to 7, the 'requirements' of ISO 14001, are divided into sub-clauses covering the specific requirements that any business needs to set up and manage their environmental management system.

Using the PDCA Methodology for each Clause

The PDCA cycle is recognized by ISO as an approved management methodology and is compulsory within the scope of ISO 14001.

ISO 14001 Clauses - PLAN

• 1 Scope of EMS
• 2 Normative References
• 3 Terms and Definitions
• 4 Context of the Organization
  • 4.1 Understanding the Organization and its Context
  • 4.2 Understanding the Needs and Expectations of Interested Parties
  • 4.3 Determining the Scope of the EMS
  • 4.4 Environmental Management System
• 5 Leadership
  • 5.1 Leadership and Commitment
  • 5.2 Environmental Policy
  • 5.3 Organizational Roles, Responsibilities and Authorities
• 6 Planning
  • 6.1 Actions to Address Risks and Opportunities
    • 6.1.1 General
    • 6.1.2 Environmental Aspects
    • 6.1.3 Compliance Obligations
    • Compliance Obligations Procedure Explained
    • 6.1.4 Planning Action
  • 6.2 Environmental Objectives and Planning to Achieve them
    • 6.2.1 Environmental Objectives
    • 6.2.2 Planning Actions to Achieve Environmental Objectives

ISO 14001 Clauses - DO

• 7 Support
  • 7.1 Resources
  • Infrastructure & Natural Resources Procedure Explained
  • 7.2 Competence
  • 7.3 Awareness
  • 7.4 Communication
    • 7.4.1 General
    • 7.4.2 Internal Communication
    • 7.4.3 External Communication
  • 7.5 Documented information
    • 7.5.1 General
    • 7.5.2 Creating and Updating
    • 7.5.3 Control of Documented Information

8 Operation

• 8.1 Operational Control
• 8.2 Emergency Preparedness and Response
  

ISO 14001 Clauses - CHECK

• 9 Performance Evaluation
  • 9.1 Monitoring, Measurement, Analysis and Evaluation
    • 9.1.1 General
    • 9.1.2 Evaluation of Compliance
    • Compliance Obligations Procedure Explained
  • 9.2 Internal Audit
    • 9.2.1 General
    • 9.2.2 Internal Audit Programme
  • 9.3 Management Review

ISO 14001 Clauses - ACT

• 10 Improvement
  • 10.1 General
  • 10.2 Nonconformances and Corrective Action
  • 10.3 Continual Improvement

Further Reading

• www.iso.org — ISO 14001:2015 Environmental management systems — Requirements with guidance for use
• www.iso.org/standard/60857.html
• www.iso.org/iso-14001-environmental-management.html

Updated: 26th February 2022
Author: Richard Keen

Richard Keen

Richard is our Compliance Director, responsible for content & product development.
But most importantly he is ISO's biggest fanboy and a true evangelist of the standards.
Learn more about Richard

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