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We have finally received the updated environmental management systems standard. The European standard EN ISO 14001:2026 was published on 29 May this year as the Lithuanian standard LST EN ISO 14001:2026 “Environmental management systems. Requirements with guidance for use (ISO 14001:2026)” in English. The Lithuanian version of the standard is expected to be published in the first half of 2027.

The new LST EN ISO 14001:2026 replaces the currently applicable standard LST EN ISO 14001:2015 “Environmental management systems. Requirements with guidance for use (ISO 14001:2015)” and its amendment LST EN ISO 14001:2015/A1:2024. From 14 April 2029, the LST EN ISO 14001:2015 edition will no longer be valid.

The official transition period to the new edition of the standard has not yet been confirmed. However, in accordance with IAF MD provisions, it is likely that the transition period will be three years. During the transition period, both editions of the standard — LST EN ISO 14001:2015 and LST EN ISO 14001:2026 — will remain valid. This will allow organizations to calmly and consistently plan the transition to the new requirements according to their certification cycle, level of readiness and internal management system changes.

The 2026 edition of the standard maintains the existing management system structure, but clarifies the requirements and strengthens the focus on environmental performance. This is an important step forward, as the new edition places greater emphasis on climate change, biodiversity, sustainable use of resources, pollution prevention, assessment of environmental conditions and measurable environmental results.

Key Changes in LST EN ISO 14001:2026

1. More Comprehensive Assessment of the Organization’s Context

In the new edition of the standard, organizations will have to assess more broadly the external and internal circumstances that may affect the environmental management system. Greater attention is given to factors such as climate change, biodiversity loss, sources of pollution, use and availability of natural resources, and the condition of ecosystems.

These issues will need to be assessed not separately, but as part of the organization’s context, linking them with the expectations of interested parties, environmental aspects, risks, opportunities and applicable compliance obligations.

2. Clearer Definition of Leadership Involvement

The updated edition places stronger emphasis on the responsibility of top management for the direction, effectiveness and practical application of the environmental management system within the organization. Environmental objectives will need to be more closely linked to the organization’s strategic priorities, operational planning and decision-making.

This is a good opportunity for organizations to reassess whether the environmental management system is a real part of management, rather than merely a formal system of documents or procedures.

3. Greater Focus on Actual Environmental Results

The new edition strengthens the requirement to demonstrate the effectiveness of the environmental management system through specific data and results. Organizations will need to show how identified environmental aspects, compliance obligations and planned actions contribute to the actual improvement of environmental performance.

In other words, greater attention will be given not only to what the organization has planned in its documents, but also to the real change it achieves in the field of environmental protection.

4. More Consistent Management of Risks, Opportunities and Changes

The standard sets out more clearly how organizations should identify, assess and manage risks and opportunities related to the environmental management system. Greater importance is also given to change management, ensuring that environmental requirements are considered when planning changes to activities, processes, services or products.

This approach gives organizations more clarity and helps them anticipate potential environmental impacts in advance, prepare better for changes and use opportunities more purposefully to improve environmental performance.

5. Increased Responsibility for External Processes and the Supply Chain

The new edition places greater emphasis on the organization’s control over, and influence on, processes carried out beyond its direct boundaries. This includes processes, services and products provided by external suppliers that may have a significant environmental impact.

Organizations may need to define more clearly how they assess, control and communicate environmental requirements to suppliers, contractors, service providers and other partners.

6. Clarified Terminology and More Practical Guidance

In the updated standard, certain terms have been reviewed and clarified so that the requirements are easier to understand and apply more consistently. Greater attention is given to topics such as the life cycle perspective, leadership, organizational culture, environmental responsibility and employee involvement.

Annex A gains greater practical importance — the explanations provided in it help organizations better understand the essence of the requirements and apply them within the context of their own activities.

7. Transition Audit to the New Edition

The transition to LST EN ISO 14001:2026 may be assessed by conducting an audit of changes in the standard requirements. According to the section “Audit of Changes in Standard(s) Requirements” of Sertika’s management system certification rules, such an audit may be performed during a recertification audit, a surveillance audit or as an unscheduled audit.

During the assessment, updated management system documents may be reviewed and, where applicable, an on-site assessment may be carried out. If it is determined that the organization has properly implemented the requirements of the new edition of the standard, the validity of the certificate may be extended to cover conformity with the new edition of the standard without changing the expiry date of the certificate already issued.

We recommend that organizations use the transition period purposefully. This is the right time to assess the conformity of the existing environmental management system with the new requirements, review environmental aspects, risks and opportunities, strengthen the link between environmental objectives and the organization’s strategy, and prepare for the transition audit according to the selected stage of the certification cycle.