Upcoming Revisions to ISO 14001 and ISO 45001: What to Expect and How to Prepare

The landscape of environmental and Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) management is evolving—and so are the standards that support it. ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 are currently undergoing revisions to reflect modern challenges such as climate change, sustainability, and employee wellbeing.

Here’s what organisations should know about the anticipated updates and how they can start preparing.

ISO 14001:2025 – ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

Current status:

The revision process is well underway, with the Draft International Standard (DIS) expected in May 2025 and the final version slated for release in January 2026.

Why the revision?

This update is less about introducing new requirements and more about clarifying existing ones. The goal is to improve understanding and implementation of environmental management systems while keeping pace with global environmental priorities.

What’s likely to change?

• Enhanced focus on lifecycle thinking and environmental impacts across the entire value chain
• Greater emphasis on climate change within environmental risk assessment (environmental aspects) and planning
• Stronger alignment with frameworks like the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
• Emphasis on opportunity-based approach and placing greater importance on reporting environmental performance
• Improved compatibility with other ISO standards, especially ISO 9001 and ISO 45001

What this means for you:

Organisations should expect clearer guidance on applying environmental principles and a stronger push toward proactive sustainability. The revision also makes integrating ISO 14001 with other management systems easier- a significant benefit for organisations operating across multiple disciplines.

ISO 45001 – OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

Current status:

ISO 45001 is currently in the early stages of its first major revision since its release in 2018. The next committee meeting is scheduled for May 2025, and the revised standard is expected in 2027.

Why the revision?

The revision ensures that ISO 45001 continues to reflect the best practices in OH&S and remains relevant amid changing workplace expectations.

What changes are being discussed?

• Considering the impact of climate change on occupational safety
• Increased focus on employee wellbeing, including mental health and psychosocial risks
• Support for a more diverse and inclusive workforce
• Alignment with revisions in ISO 14001 and ISO 9001 for easier integration

What this means for you:

If your organisation is certified to ISO 45001, it's a good time to start preparing. Monitoring the development of the revised standard and identifying potential process adjustments now will ensure a smoother and more efficient transition later.

HOW TO PREPARE NOW

Even though the final versions are a year or more away, taking proactive steps now can make all the difference:

• Stay updated on committee meetings and draft publications

• Review your current systems for gaps, especially those related to climate change, well-being, and lifecycle impacts
• Engage leadership and key departments in strategic discussions
• Explore opportunities for system integration if you're certified to multiple ISO standards

HOW TÜV SÜD IN SINGAPORE CAN SUPPORT YOUR TRANSITION

As a trusted certification and training body, TÜV SÜD is well-positioned to help organisations navigate these upcoming changes with confidence. Here’s how we can assist:

• Gap assessments to help you evaluate your current system readiness for the upcoming revisions
• Awareness and implementation training on the revised ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 standards
• Integrated management system support, streamlining compliance across ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001

By partnering with TÜV SÜD, you gain a strategic ally committed to not only ensuring compliance but also helping your organisation drive long-term value through improved sustainability and workplace resilience.

FINAL THOUGHTS

These upcoming revisions reflect a broader shift in how organisations approach environmental and occupational responsibilities—from compliance to leadership in sustainability and human-centred practices.

With TÜV SÜD’s support and early preparation, your organisation can stay ahead of the curve, ensuring a smooth transition and maintaining a competitive edge in a changing world.

Contact us here for further information regarding the upcoming revisions.