Raising the bar for environmental performance with the new edition of ISO 14001

The world’s most widely used standard for environmental management systems has been updated. The new edition of ISO 14001 provides an improved framework that helps organizations of all types and sizes manage their environmental responsibilities in a systematic and effective way.

Norwegian edition and translation coming soon

At present, only ISO’s official version has been published: ISO 14001:2026. This edition will also be adopted and published as a Norwegian Standard, NS-EN ISO 14001:2026.

Norwegian editions of ISO standards are more cost-effective than the original ISO version, so you may wish to wait until the NS-edition becomes available in our online store. The NS-edition will also be available in Norwegian.

The Norwegian translation is currently being finalized. Check our website or subscribe to our newsletters to stay updated.

Automatically updated in subscription-based solutions

Customers who have included the standard in a company subscription will automatically receive access to the updated version in the same format they currently use. If you have ISO 14001:2015, you will receive ISO 14001:2026. If you have NS-EN ISO 14001:2015, you will receive NS-EN ISO 14001:2026 when it becomes available.

If you add the valid Norwegian edition from 2015 (NS-EN ISO 14001:2015) to a subscription today, you will automatically gain access to the new edition when it is published – with no additional effort or cost.

Read more about our subscription solutions

What has changed and what are the benefits?

This new edition of ISO 14001 provides clearer guidance, a simpler structure and stronger alignment with today’s environmental priorities such as climate change, biodiversity and resource efficiency. The standard is now easier to understand, easier to implement and integrates seamlessly with other ISO management system standards.

The 2026 edition reinforces what matters most: environmental protection and business performance. The updated standard enables organizations to improve performance, reduce costs and ensure compliance, while strengthening credibility and delivering tangible environmental impact.

Read more about what’s new and updated in ISO 14001

Why is ISO 14001 relevant for organizations?

Many organizations face increasing expectations from customers, owners and regulators to demonstrate environmental performance. At the same time, there is growing focus on value chains, suppliers and the life cycle perspective.

Systematic environmental management is therefore becoming a clearer competitive advantage, particularly in tenders and contracts. For many, ISO 14001 serves as a prerequisite for market access.

What does the new edition mean for certified organizations?

Organizations certified to ISO 14001:2015 have up to three years to transition to the new edition. This means existing ISO 14001:2015 certificates must be updated before the end of the transition period in 2029.

What should you do now? Start today!

• 2026: Understand the changes in the new standard. Inform management and key personnel.
• 2026–2027: Conduct a gap analysis. Define your level of ambition and implementation plan.
• 2027–2028: Update your environmental management system, objectives and procedures. Strengthen supplier requirements and the value chain perspective.
• 2028–2029: Perform internal audits and management review. Complete transition audit and certification to ISO 14001:2026.

Standards Norway can support you throughout this process. Read more about our consultant services (in Norwegian only) and contact us today.

Get a free GAP analysis

Receive one hour of free advisory services, including a simple mini GAP analysis of your system against the new edition of ISO 14001. This provides a quick overview of your current status and concrete recommendations for next steps – with no obligation.

Contact consultant Ingebjørg Sjåstad to register your interest.

Learn more through training

We also offer several courses on the new edition of ISO 14001. Our couses are mainly held in Norwegian:

• Digital half-day course focusing on what’s new in the latest edition
• One-day course on ISO 14001
• Two-day course with a more in-depth introduction to ISO 14001
• Tailored in-company training for your organization

Launch event

We are planning a launch event for the new edition of ISO 14001, covering what has changed, how it relates to other key environmental standards, and what you need to do to become certified or recertified to the new edition.

Follow our website and subscribe to our newsletter to receive updates on the date and registration.