You’re asking about the anticipated changes to ISO 14001 in the upcoming revision typically referred to as ISO 14001:2026. Here’s what’s known as of September 2025, based on officially published drafts and guidance.

Timeline Highlights

The draft is already out and undergoing balloting, giving us a clear indication of the revisions but keep in mind these are still subject to change pending feedback.

Key Anticipated Changes (Clause-by-Clause)

The upcoming standard is largely a refinement enhancing clarity, alignment, and accountability not introducing brand-new obligations.

1. Harmonized Structure & Clarity

• Updated to fit the latest ISO Harmonized Structure (Annex SL), maintaining consistency across ISO management system standards (e.g., ISO 9001, ISO 45001) DNVLRQASGSCorp.
• Text rephrased and explanatory notes added to improve readability and understanding. Annex A is expanded (more guidance), while Annex B (bibliography) removed for simplicity LRQA+1.

2. Context of the Organization (Clause 4)

• Requires explicit consideration of environmental conditions, including climate change, pollution, and biodiversity SGSCorpLRQA.
• Emphasis on adopting a life cycle perspective in defining the EMS scope SGSCorpLRQA.

3. Planning (Clause 6)

• A new Clause 6.3: “Planning and Managing Changes”, calling for structured change management in your EMS SGSCorpLRQA.
• The planning structure is refined:
  • 6.1.4 becomes “Risks and Opportunities”
  • 6.1.5 becomes “Planning Actions” LRQASGSCorp.

4. Support & Terminology (Clause 7)

• Consistent terminology: all EMS records are now to be referred to as “documented information” SGSCorp.
• Communication enhancements to encourage employee involvement in continual improvement.

5. Operations (Clause 8)

• “Outsourced processes” now formally called “externally provided processes, products or services” SGSCorpbprhub.com.
• EMS controls must extend to suppliers and partners clarifying influence over external processes SGSCorpLRQA.

6. Performance Evaluation (Clause 9)

• Stronger focus on evaluating environmental performance and overall EMS effectiveness SGSCorp.
• Internal audits must articulate objectives in addition to scope and criteria.
• Management review is restructured into:
  • Inputs
  • Process
  • Results SGSCorpLRQA.

7. Improvement (Clause 10)

• Clause 10.1 (General) removed content redistributed into 10.2 and 10.3.
• More structured approach to nonconformity and corrective action, with clearer links to EMS performance evaluation SGSCorpLRQA.

Other Emerging Themes

Sources also emphasize broader trends shaping these updates:

• Lifecycle thinking and supply chain sustainability remain central (e.g., extended scope of operations, risks, reporting) TÜV SÜDCore Business Solutions.
• Enhanced climate action focus—embedding climate-related risks and performance deeper into system roles and context Core Business Solutionsbprhub.com.
• Stronger strategy integration and reporting, aligning ISO 14001 with global frameworks (e.g., SDGs, EU Green Deal) Acclaro Advisorybprhub.com.
• Encouragement to adopt digital tools, analytics, and innovation to monitor and report EMS performance bprhub.comCore Business Solutions.

Summary: What to Expect in ISO 14001:2026

• Not a radical overhaul focus is on clarity, improved control, and global environmental integration.
• A new change management clause (6.3).
• An explicit life cycle perspective, climate awareness, and external (supplier) control enhancement.
• A reworked performance evaluation and improvement process, with better structure and documentation rigor.
• Greater alignment with other management system standards and international sustainability frameworks.

What You Can Do Now

• Monitor the final ballot results through early autumn 2025.
• Conduct a gap analysis using the DIS versus your current EMS.
• Begin updating documentation, scope, internal audit processes, and training to reflect evolving semantics and structure.
• Prepare for the transition period once the official standard is published in January 2026.