Subject and Scope:

ISO 14001:2015 specifies requirements for an environmental management system that an organization can use to enhance its environmental performance. This international standard is designed for use by organizations seeking to manage their environmental responsibilities in a systematic manner that contributes to the pillar of environmental sustainability.

ISO 14001:2015 helps an organization achieve the intended outcomes of its environmental management system, which provides value for the environment, the organization itself, and interested parties. Consistent with the organization's environmental policy, the intended outcomes of the environmental management system encompass:

•  Improving environmental performance
• Fulfilling compliance obligations
• Achieving environmental objectives

ISO 14001:2015 is applicable to any organization, regardless of its size, type, or nature, and applies to the environmental aspects of its activities, products, and services that the organization identifies as being within its control or influence by considering the life cycle perspective. This international standard does not specify specific environmental performance criteria.

ISO 14001:2015 can be used in its entirety or partially for the systematic improvement of environmental management. However, claims of conformity with this international standard are not acceptable until all its requirements are included in the organization's environmental management system and fulfilled, without exception.