Key Changes in the ISO 9001:2015/Amd 1:2024
The ISO 9001:2015/Amd 1:2024 amendment introduces several important changes aimed at promoting sustainability and addressing climate change-related risks. The main areas impacted by this amendment are:
1. Risk-Based Thinking: Now Including Climate-Related Risks
The amendment reinforces the concept of risk-based thinking, but now organizations are expected to consider climate-related risks as part of their risk assessments. This update reflects the reality that climate change can have serious consequences for businesses, such as supply chain disruptions, resource scarcity, and increased operational costs due to extreme weather events.
- How It Affects Organizations: Companies must now expand their risk management processes to identify, evaluate, and mitigate climate-related risks. For instance, organizations should assess the vulnerability of their supply chains to climate-related disruptions, such as floods, hurricanes, or droughts. Risk management plans should address how these events could affect product quality or delivery times and outline steps to minimize these risks.
2. Sustainability Goals Linked to Quality Objectives
The amendment encourages organizations to link their sustainability objectives with their quality goals. The focus is on ensuring that efforts to improve product and service quality do not come at the expense of the environment.
- How It Affects Organizations: Companies will need to establish sustainability-related quality objectives. These could include reducing waste, cutting energy consumption, or using renewable resources in production processes. Integrating sustainability into the QMS also means that companies must monitor and report on their progress toward environmental goals as part of their overall quality improvement efforts.
3. Life Cycle Perspective and Environmental Impact
The February 2024 amendment brings greater emphasis on evaluating the environmental impact of a product or service across its entire life cycle. Organizations are encouraged to consider how their products impact the environment from production to disposal, ensuring that their practices contribute to sustainable development.
- How It Affects Organizations: Organizations must assess how raw materials are sourced, how efficiently they use energy in production, and how their products are disposed of or recycled at the end of their life cycle. Companies will need to incorporate environmentally friendly practices, such as using recycled materials, optimizing resource efficiency, and promoting product recyclability.
4. Supply Chain Sustainability
Organizations are now encouraged to work closely with their suppliers to ensure the sustainability of their supply chains. The amendment pushes businesses to assess the environmental performance of their suppliers and promote sustainable practices throughout the entire supply chain.
- How It Affects Organizations: Companies must engage with suppliers to ensure that they adhere to environmentally sustainable practices. This may involve requiring suppliers to comply with environmental regulations, reduce emissions, and adopt renewable energy. A climate-resilient supply chain is now seen as a critical element of maintaining overall product quality.
5. Increased Emphasis on Regulatory Compliance
The amendment emphasizes the importance of staying compliant with environmental regulations related to climate change. As countries and regions introduce stricter climate-related laws and policies, organizations must ensure their QMS meets these evolving standards.
- How It Affects Organizations: Businesses will need to keep track of the latest environmental regulations and make necessary adjustments to their QMS to remain compliant. This may involve conducting regular environmental audits, ensuring that processes and products meet climate-related standards, and integrating any new legal requirements into their operational procedures.
Conclusion: The Path Forward with ISO 9001:2015/Amd 1:2024
The February 2024 amendment to ISO 9001 signals a critical shift in how quality management systems are approached, with climate change now being a key factor. By integrating climate considerations into their QMS, businesses can not only maintain high-quality standards but also contribute to global sustainability efforts and future-proof their operations.
As businesses continue to navigate the complexities of climate change, this amendment encourages proactive action. If your organization is ISO 9001 certified, updating your management system to reflect these new changes will not only ensure compliance but also demonstrate your commitment to sustainability and responsible business practices.
For expert assistance in aligning your QMS with the new ISO 9001:2015/Amd 1:2024 requirements, contact Global Certification Alliance for guidance on integrating climate change considerations into your quality management systems.
