ISO 14001 Internal Audit Checklist with Annex A Requirements

ISO 14001:2015 Internal Audit Checklist

Use this concise checklist based on Annex A guidance to ensure your environmental management system meets all ISO 14001:2015 requirements:

How to Implement ISO 14001

During implementation of ISO 14001, adhering to the Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle (PDCA) can organize EMS processes and help organizations meet the standard in proper order. The PDCA cycle can be simplified into 4 easy-to-follow steps:

1. Plan – Plan environmental performance evaluation by selecting relevant indicators. Use a comprehensive checklist to ensure that auditors thoroughly investigate during data collection.
2. Do – Collect and analyze data, assess information, and report results. This step involves implementing the planned EMS and operational controls
3. Check – Conduct a performance evaluation and management review
4. Act – Implement and ensure that corrective actions are completed

After going through the PDCA cycle, you may modify your EMS based on the data gathered.

Complying with ISO 14001 Requirements

ISO 14001 compliance is the bare minimum of an environmental management system that actually works. Being ISO 14001-certified entails specific compliance obligations as explained in Annex A of the ISO 14001:2015 standard—mandatory legal requirements related to an organization's environmental aspects can include, if applicable:

• requirements from governmental entities or other relevant authorities;
• international, national and local laws and regulations;
• requirements specified in permits, licenses or other forms of authorization;
• orders, rules or guidance from regulatory agencies; and
• judgments of courts or administrative tribunals.

The guidance on the use of ISO 14001:2015 standard further states that compliance obligations also include other interested party requirements related to its environmental management system which the organization has to or chooses to adopt which can include, if applicable:

• agreements with community groups or non-governmental organizations;
• agreements with public authorities or customers;
• organizational requirements;
• voluntary principles or codes of practice;
• voluntary labeling or environmental commitments;
• obligations arising under contractual arrangements with the organization; and
• relevant organizational or industry standards such as the Business Social Compliance Initiative (BSCI) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), among others.

Ready to Get Started?

Don't let the fear of a complicated audit process hold you back from achieving excellence. Our comprehensive ISO 14001 Audit Checklist with Annex A requirements will empower you with the tools and confidence to conduct a thorough internal audit and drive meaningful organisational change.

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