ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems (EMS) Certification
A standards-based approach to managing your environmental risk
ISO 14001 DIS is live and ISO 9001 is almost there. ISO 45001 is next.
The world’s most recognised management system standards are being updated, with new requirements, new expectations and a formal transition period on the way. These changes matter.
ISO Transition Club: It's Free to Join
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Take control of your environmental risk with ISO 14001 certification
ISO 14001 is the world’s leading standard for Environmental Management Systems (EMS), and it’s evolving. The revised version is currently at the Draft International Standard (DIS) stage, with final publication expected in March 2026. This will mark the start of a three-year transition period for certified organisations. To support you during this standard revision, we have launched our Transition Club. Sign up now, it’s free to join!
As a market leader in ISO 14001 certification, LRQA helps organisations go beyond compliance; using environmental management as a strategic tool to reduce risk, strengthen resilience and unlock long-term value. We support you across every stage of your journey, from initial implementation to navigating the upcoming transition.
Check out the Frequently Asked Questions for more information about ISO 14001 and our solutions.
Our ISO 14001 services
Our auditors are well-versed in assessing against ISO 14001, ensuring that your environmental management system aligns with the latest requirements and guidelines. They can help you demonstrate your commitment to best practice and establish credibility and reliability.
Training
Expert-led courses designed to build internal knowledge, improve system performance and support readiness for the 2026 revision.
Gap Analysis
An optional pre-audit review that highlights gaps in your current system and helps you prepare with confidence.
Certification
A globally recognised two-phase audit that builds trust, meets stakeholder expectations and drives continual improvement.
Integrated Audits
Combine ISO 14001 with other standards like ISO 9001 or ISO 45001 to join the dots and manage risk more efficiently.
Why work with us?
Global reach, local support
With clients in over 150 countries and auditors on the ground wherever you operate, we deliver consistent, high-quality support. Our environmental auditors combine local knowledge with global best practice to support your ISO 14001 journey, wherever it takes you.
A connected approach to risk
ISO 14001 is a powerful tool for managing environmental impact, but it’s even more effective when part of a broader risk strategy. We help you connect your environmental management system with wider risks, giving you a clearer, more complete view of performance.
Decades of expertise
LRQA was the first organisation to receive UKAS accreditation for delivering certification services across multiple standards. With decades of experience in environmental management, our auditors bring deep sector knowledge and proven insight to every engagement.
Focused on you
We don’t just audit; we help you improve. Our ISO 14001 solutions are tailored to your goals, whether that’s meeting stakeholder expectations, accessing new markets, or strengthening environmental performance. Every assessment is designed to add value and support your goals.
What is ISO 14001?
Providing a framework to meet the requirements of international standards for environmental management systems (EMS), ISO 14001 requires organisations to manage their environmental impact through a commitment to pollution prevention, legal compliance, and continual improvement.
Environmental Management System certification to the ISO 14001 standard helps organisations demonstrate a commitment to improving environmental performance. The standard has been comprehensively reviewed and updated to ensure that it supports changing organisational needs in today’s world and reflects the complex environment in which businesses operate.
What is the latest version of ISO 14001?
ISO 14001:2015 puts greater emphasis on proactively improving environmental performance and embeds environmental management within an organisation's strategic plans. It is suitable for organisations of any size and in any sector. LRQA's technical experts were part of the ISO technical committee that developed ISO 14001:2015, so can provide deep insights into the requirements and rationale of the standard.
What are the benefits of ISO 14001 certification?
Certification from a globally recognised brand like LRQA gives customers, employees, and stakeholders added confidence that environmental performance improvement is an organisational priority.
Environmental compliance
ISO 14001 certification can help you comply with legal requirements by providing a systematic approach for identifying and addressing current and future legislation.
Managing environmental risk
ISO 14001 can help to manage and improve performance in key areas such as energy usage, waste reduction and sourcing of raw materials – reducing the likelihood of clean-ups, litigation and associated reputational damage. Certification demonstrates that environmental risks are being managed, and improvements against specific targets are always being made.
Credibility and competitive edge
Being independently assessed against ISO 14001:2015 increases your credibility and provides a competitive edge over non-certified businesses when competing for business.
Cost reduction
By promoting continual improvement against environmental objectives, ISO 14001 can help drive more efficient use of raw materials and enhanced performance, leading to cost reductions.
Easy integration
ISO 14001 follows the Annex SL framework, the high-level structure for modern ISO Standards. The Annex SL structure ensures consistency and compatibility between the different management system standards and allows for a straightforward and harmonised implementation of multiple standards (integrated management systems). ISO 14001 easily integrates with all new and revised ISO management system standards, such as ISO 9001, ISO 45001, and ISO 27001.
How are ISO 14001 audits conducted?
Our services blend remote and on-site audits activities to provide unrivalled insight and expertise. Using secure, remote technology, we can provide a fast and flexible way to maintain your audit schedule, help reduce carbon footprint associated with travel, and minimise health and safety risks for people working on hazardous sites or hard-to-reach areas. Outcomes are consistent with on-site audits, so the integrity of your audit and accredited certification remains exactly the same.
How do I get ISO 14001 certification?
The path that your organisation takes to achieve ISO 14001 certification often depends on your business's size, maturity, and existing approach to managing risk, amongst other factors. But the standard process to becoming ISO 14001 certified includes three main steps.
Stage 1 Audit – document review and planning: Your auditor will review the design and documentation of your management system – in most cases, this is carried out remotely.
Stage 2 Audit – evaluating your implementation: Your auditor will evaluate the implementation and effectiveness of your existing EMS in line with the requirements of ISO 14001. If there are no non-conformities, you’ll receive your certification. This stage can be carried out remotely or on-site.
Promote your ISO 14001 certification: Your certification demonstrates a commitment to internationally recognised best practices and continual improvement – helping you win new business and meet stakeholder demands. If your organisation uses more than one management system, such as Quality (ISO 9001), or Occupational Health and Safety (ISO 45001), LRQA can provide a coordinated assessment and surveillance programme to avoid duplication, save time and reduce costs.
How much does it cost to get ISO 14001 certified?
Certification costs will depend on the size and complexity of your organisation and the maturity of its existing management system.
What is the difference between ISO 9001 and ISO 14001?
ISO 14001 is the globally recognised standard which certifies environmental management systems, whereas ISO 9001 is the globally recognised standard which certifies a business’s quality management system (QMS). ISO 14001 and ISO 9001 both follow the Annex SL framework and can be easily integrated.
What are the ISO 14001 requirements?
Clauses 0 to 3: Introduction, Scope, References, Terms and Definitions
Clause 4: Context of the organisation
Clause 5: Leadership and commitment
Clause 6: Planning for the QMS
Clause 7: Support & resource management
Clause 8: Operational planning and control
Clause 9: Performance evaluation
Clause 10: Improvement actions
What’s happening with the ISO 14001 revision and how can I prepare?
ISO 14001 is currently under revision, with the Draft International Standard (DIS) now published. The final updated standard is expected in March 2026, which will mark the beginning of a three-year transition period for certified organisations.
To help you stay informed and prepare with confidence, we’ve launched the LRQA Transition Club, a free hub of resources, expert insight and practical guidance to support your transition planning.
