In short: Auditors should check whether the organization has determined if climate change is a relevant issue, how it affects interested-party requirements, and whether any resulting risks and opportunities are addressed in planning.
What must organizations do?
Following the 2024 amendments, management system standards require organizations to determine whether climate change is a relevant issue and to consider related interested-party requirements.
What should auditors look for?
- Evidence that climate change was considered in the context analysis
- A reasoned decision on relevance
- Links to risks, opportunities and objectives where relevant
- Awareness among top management
What if climate change is judged not relevant?
That can be acceptable if the decision is reasoned and reviewed; auditors should assess whether the justification is credible.
Key takeaways
- Check for a reasoned relevance decision.
- Follow the thread to risks, opportunities and objectives.
- Accept justified conclusions, challenge weak ones.
Frequently asked questions
Is a separate climate policy required?
No. The requirement is to consider climate change in context and interested-party analysis.
Does this apply to all ISO management systems?
It applies to the management system standards that received the 2024 climate amendments.
Should auditors raise nonconformities if it is not addressed?
If there is no evidence climate change was considered, a nonconformity may be appropriate.