ISO 9001:2015/Amd 1:2024 Climate Change Amendment Integration in Quality Management Systems

Did you know that ISO 9001, the gold standard for quality management systems, just got a major update? In February 2024, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) released ISO 9001 Amendment 1:2024. This amendment introduces a significant change by requiring organizations to consider the impact of climate change on their quality management systems.

The ISO responded by introducing this amendment, emphasizing the integration of climate change as an external issue under clauses 4.1 and 4.2. Now, organizations must explicitly consider how climate change could affect their quality management processes. 

This blog will help you understand how the ISO 9001 Amendment 1:2024 fits into your existing QMS, what changes it introduces, and how to align your audits and processes with the new requirements.

Understanding the ISO 9001 Amendment 1:2024

2023 was the warmest year on record worldwide. This is a huge indication that we should alter the ways we deal with climate change. Before this amendment, while ISO 9001 emphasized the importance of continuous improvement, it didn't explicitly address the growing global challenge of climate change. This update recognizes the far-reaching effects of climate change and its potential impact on an organization's ability to deliver quality products and services.

The amendment's core focus is to ensure climate change is actively considered in the design and implementation of QMS. Below is a step-by-step breakdown to help you grasp the key changes and their impacts.

• Clause 4.1 - Understanding the Organization and Its Context

The amendment expands this clause to explicitly include climate change as an external factor. Previously, organizations only had to identify external issues affecting their QMS. Now, the ISO 9001 Amendment 1:2024 mandates climate change as a specific consideration in this context.

• Clause 4.2 - Understanding the Needs and Expectations of Interested Parties
  Similarly, clause 4.2 now requires organizations to account for how climate change might influence the needs and expectations of stakeholders. Whether it’s customers, regulators, or the community, the amendment ensures that climate change impacts are part of the broader QMS analysis.

Since the two clauses have changed, your organization needs to make some adjustments to remain aligned with the standards.

How Will the ISO Amendment Affect Your Organization?

The good news is that organizations do not require obtaining new certifications. The main purpose of introducing these changes is to remind people to keep up with climate changes in Quality Management Systems (QMS). However, if these changes are already introduced by your organization in the objectives, there is no need to treat them as “new”. Here’s a list of changes your organization can expect otherwise:

• Impact on Risk Management: The amendment prompts organizations to evaluate risks linked to climate change, like supply chain disruptions or changes in regulations. It’s now vital to assess how climate-related risks could affect your ability to meet customer needs and deliver quality.
• Auditor Guidelines for the Amendment: ISO guidelines on auditing the ISO 9001 Amendment 1:2024 stress that auditors must remain neutral when addressing climate change, particularly in regions where it might be controversial. Auditors will focus on whether the organization is properly identifying and addressing climate change in its QMS without personal bias on the subject matter.
• No Special Transition Program Required: For third-party certification, ISO clarified that no additional transition program is needed for this amendment. As long as organizations are already auditing their QMS under ISO 9001:2015, they will be able to integrate the climate change considerations without significant changes to their existing processes.

• Increased Stakeholder Engagement: With climate change taking center stage in the QMS framework, companies will need to enhance their communication with stakeholders (including customers, suppliers, and regulatory bodies) to demonstrate how they’re addressing these external factors in their business strategy.

• Increased Focus on Long-Term Sustainability: In the U.S., at least 67% of the population wants alternative energy sources such as wind and solar. This amendment signals a shift towards long-term thinking. Organizations must not only focus on short-term quality goals but also consider the sustainability of their operations over time in the face of climate risks and challenges.

• Stronger Environmental Considerations: ISO 9001 Amendment 1:2024 encourages organizations to embed sustainability and environmental considerations into every level of their operations. This means companies will need to adopt more eco-conscious practices while maintaining quality standards.

By following this structured approach, organizations can effectively integrate the requirements of the ISO 9001 Amendment 1:2024 into their QMS. In this way, they remain aligned with new standards and changing environmental expectations. But how do you implement the new changes? Let’s find out.

A Practical Step-by-Step Guide to Introduce ISO 9001 Climate Change Amendment in Your QMS

The total human-induced increase in global surface temperature from the period 1850–1900 to 2010–2019 is expected to range between 0.8°C and 1.3°C. These numbers are proof that, as a human race, we are constantly failing to protect our climate.

For businesses already familiar with ISO 9001, implementing this change may seem like a natural progression, but it requires careful planning and execution. Here is a four-step guide for you:

1. Assess Climate Change Relevance

• Identify potential climate-related risks and opportunities that could affect your organization's products, services, or processes.
• Evaluate the severity and likelihood of these impacts, considering factors such as location, industry, and supply chain.
• Determine how these impacts align with your organization's strategic goals and QMS objectives.

2. Integrate Climate Change Considerations

• Review and update your existing QMS documentation, including policies, procedures, and work instructions, to address climate change.
• Incorporate climate-related performance indicators into your monitoring and measurement processes.
• Train your employees on the new requirements and their role in implementing the climate change initiatives.

3. Develop a Climate Change Strategy

• Define clear objectives and targets related to climate change, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions or improving energy efficiency.
• Develop a roadmap to achieve these objectives, including specific actions, timelines, and responsibilities.
• Allocate necessary resources, including budget and personnel, to support your climate change initiatives.

4. Monitor and Review

• Regularly monitor your organization's performance against climate change objectives and targets.
• Conduct periodic reviews to assess the effectiveness of your climate change initiatives and identify areas for improvement.
• Update your QMS documentation and training materials as needed to reflect changes in climate-related risks and opportunities.

Since integration is time-consuming, you can Contact BPR Hub to assist you in this process further. 

While integrating the ISO 9001 Amendment 1:2024 may seem straightforward, there are a few common challenges you might encounter along the way. Let’s take a look at these potential hurdles and how you can overcome them effectively.

Challenges You Might Face While Implementing ISO 9001 Amendment 1:2024

Implementing the ISO 9001 Amendment 1:2024 to address climate change within your Quality Management System (QMS) may come with some challenges. These barriers can hinder progress if not properly managed. Here are three key challenges organizations may face:

1. Lack of Training and Awareness

One of the primary obstacles is insufficient training. Without proper education on the amendment’s requirements, employees and stakeholders may struggle to understand the importance of integrating climate change into the QMS. 

Training is essential to ensure that everyone involved is aware of the changes and equipped to apply them effectively. Failing to invest in training can lead to incorrect implementation and potential compliance issues.

2. Cultural Resistance to Change

Organizational culture plays a significant role in the success of any change initiative. Some employees or leadership teams may resist the shift toward incorporating climate change as part of the QMS. This resistance often stems from long-standing practices or skepticism about the relevance of climate change within the quality management framework. 

At least 10% of U.S. Adults believe that large corporations are not doing enough to overcome climate change. Overcoming this concept requires clear communication, strong leadership, and demonstrating how this amendment aligns with both the company’s values and global sustainability goals.

3. Resource Allocation and Time Constraints

Integrating climate change considerations into the QMS demands time, effort, and resources. This includes revising existing processes, conducting new risk assessments, and possibly adopting new tools or technologies. Many organizations, particularly smaller ones, may find it challenging to allocate the necessary resources for a smooth transition. 

Balancing these efforts with ongoing business operations could strain budgets and schedules, making it crucial to plan for these resource needs in advance.

By understanding and preparing for these challenges, your organization can better handle the complexities of implementing the ISO 9001 Amendment 1:2024. Since the challenges are not quite easy to handle, proper training support from the cloud-based platforms will help.

How a Cloud-Based Platform Can Help with ISO 9001 Climate Change Amendment Implementation?

A cloud-based platform can significantly streamline the integration of the ISO 9001 Amendment 1:2024 into your Quality Management System (QMS), especially when dealing with climate change considerations. Here’s how:

1. Centralized Data Management

A cloud platform allows you to store and manage all your QMS data in one secure, easily accessible location. This ensures that climate change-related information, such as updated risk assessments and environmental impact reports, is easily tracked and updated across teams.

Platforms like BPR Hub, Greenlight Guru, or MasterControl are specifically designed to manage quality and compliance processes. These platforms can help centralize your climate change-related data, such as updated risk assessments or sustainability metrics. It ensures that everyone in the organization has access to the most up-to-date information.

2. Real-Time Collaboration

Implementing climate change considerations across your QMS may require input from multiple departments—environmental, operations, risk management, and more. A cloud-based platform enables real-time collaboration, allowing teams to work together on documents, share updates, and track progress from anywhere.

BPR Hub or Greenlight Guru offers collaboration features that make it easy for teams to review and update documents related to climate change. For example, your environmental team can collaborate with procurement and operations to assess how climate change risks (like supply chain disruptions) are being managed in real-time.

3. Automated Monitoring and Reporting

One of the key challenges of the ISO 9001 Amendment 1:2024 is the need for continuous monitoring of external factors such as climate-related risks. Cloud platforms often come with built-in automation tools that allow you to track these risks automatically and generate reports on demand.

BPR Hub and MasterControl provide automated reporting tools that can be customized to track and report climate-related risks. For instance, you can set up automated alerts for when certain risk thresholds (e.g., increased emissions and extreme weather events) are met.  

Final Thoughts

Integrating the ISO 9001 Amendment 1:2024 into your QMS is made easier with BPR Hub's Document Hub. This platform provides a secure, centralized space for managing all your critical documents, including those related to climate change risk assessments and sustainability policies. Features like version control and real-time collaboration ensure everyone has access to the latest information.

BPR Hub also offers powerful audit trails, keeping track of document edits and access history, which is essential for maintaining compliance during ISO audits. If you're looking to simplify the process of adapting your QMS to the new amendment, BPR Hub is a perfect solution. 

Learn more about how it can help your organization by sending queries to hello@bprhub.com and getting started today!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is the ISO 9001 Amendment 1:2024 mandatory for all organizations?

While it is mandatory for organizations seeking certification or recertification, it’s not a requirement for companies that are already ISO 9001 certified unless they are updating their system to reflect the new amendment.

2. How does the climate change amendment affect small businesses?

Small businesses must also consider climate change risks, but they can tailor their approach to fit their scale and resources, ensuring the process is manageable.

3. What’s the deadline for implementing the ISO 9001 Amendment 1:2024?

There is no specific deadline for implementation, but organizations should begin integrating the changes as soon as possible to stay compliant and ahead of audits.

4. Do auditors need special training to assess climate change considerations?

Yes, auditors should be trained to understand the new requirements around climate change, especially on how to assess risk management related to environmental factors.

5. Can climate change considerations be integrated into existing QMS documents?

Absolutely. The amendment doesn’t require creating entirely new documents but encourages organizations to update existing ones to include climate-related risks and policies.