MEDIA RELEASE
New global research highlights significant environmental benefit of ISO 14001, as the updated standard launches today
Geneva, Switzerland | 15 April 2026 – Preliminarynew international research has linked the adoption of ISO 14001, the world’s most widely used environmental management systems standard, with significant reductions in GHG emissions intensity.
A two-year research project led by the Standards Council of Canada (SCC) analysed data from 83 countries between 1999 and 2022, identifying a strong and statistically solid correlation between the adoption of ISO 14001 and improved environmental performance.
The study found that a 1% increase in ISO 14001 certifications is associated with a 0.14% decrease in GHG per unit of GDP, reinforcing the credibility and value of the ISO 14000 family and the relevance of the new edition of the standard, which ISO launches today.
ISO 14001, the leading International Standard for environmental management, is adopted by more than 670,000 organizations worldwide*. ISO 14001:2026, the new edition, updates a trusted framework to align with current environmental priorities, including climate change and biodiversity.
Sergio Mujica, Secretary-General of ISO, said ISO 14001:2026 empowered organizations everywhere to improve environmental performance, cut costs and stay compliant, while building credibility and making a tangible difference for the planet.
“The new edition of ISO 14001 is smoother to implement and integrates seamlessly with other ISO management systems standards, making it easier for organizations of all sizes to embed environmental management into their strategy, achieve tangible results and demonstrate real impact,” Mr Mujica said.
“We are encouraged by the findings of this new research and excited to launch the new edition of ISO 14001: a trusted standard, renewed for today – helping organizations everywhere continue to turn environmental commitment into performance, resilience and lasting value.”
Chantal Guay, CEO of Standards Council of Canada (SCC), who holds the secretariat for ISO Technical Committee 207 (Environmental Management), said, “We know that standards help reduce costs, improve efficiency, and support stronger economies. We’ve been measuring these impacts at the organizational level. But increasingly, through targeted research, we’re able to demonstrate their broader, system-wide benefits. This study is a strong example of that. In simple terms, increasing the use of ISO 14001 is associated with lower emissions, even as the economy continues to grow.
“Another important finding is that countries with more mature standardization systems—where industry, government, and regulators work closely together—see even greater benefits. These are significant findings that reinforce what we’ve long believed: standardization delivers real value across economic, environmental, and societal fronts.”
Susan Taylor Martin, Chief Executive of BSI, who holds the secretariat for ISO Technical Committee 207/SC1 (Environmental management systems) said, “Thirty years ago ISO 14001 redefined how organizations approach environmental responsibility. BSI is proud to have played a leading role in its original creation. Since then, it has provided a shared global framework, enabling hundreds of thousands of organizations to manage their environmental impact in a structured, credible and measurable way.
“As environmental risks become more complex and interconnected, and expectations for transparency and accountability continue to rise, this latest revision represents far more than a routine update. It is a major step forward, strengthening governance, enhancing resilience and aligning with emerging priorities such as climate change, biodiversity and natural capital. It will equip organizations with the tools to embed environmental thinking into strategy, demonstrate real accountability and deliver measurable impact to support the transition to a fair society and a sustainable world.”
While the new research highlights the standard’s impact on GHG emissions, ISO 14001 addresses a broader range of environmental challenges. The standard supports organizations in managing their impact across areas such as biodiversity, resource use, waste and pollution, helping to drive more sustainable practices throughout operations and value chains.
It also provides a robust framework to support environmental data collection, management and reporting, enabling organizations to strengthen the quality and credibility of their sustainability disclosures. By taking a holistic approach to environmental management, ISO 14001 enables organizations to respond to interconnected global challenges and deliver meaningful, measurable improvements beyond climate alone.
By transitioning to ISO 14001:2026, organizations ensure they remain at the forefront of credible, effective and globally recognized environmental management. The updated standard makes environmental responsibility more accessible for every organization of all sizes, while also supporting more transparent and consistent reporting aligned with evolving stakeholder and regulatory expectations. In doing so, it helps turn sustainability goals into measurable impact: cleaner air, safer water and a healthier planet for generations to come.
CLICK HERE TO SEE WHAT’S CHANGED
More information about ISO 14001:2026 is available at http://iso.org/standard/14001.
For more information, please contact:
standards@saz.org.zw
call 0785 183 805/0242885511/2
Zimbabwe has once again demonstrated its growing leadership in quality excellence, following an impressive performance at the 2025/26 SADC Quality Awards, where the country secured six awards from a total of seven entries submitted. This strong regional representation reflects the rising commitment of Zimbabwean organizations and professionals to quality standards, innovation, and global competitiveness. The awards ceremony was held on 25 March 2026 at the Premier Hotel in Johannesburg, South Africa, during the SADC Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Meetings.
Zimbabwe’s representatives—carefully selected after excelling at the National Annual Quality Awards (NAQA)—delivered an exceptional result at the SADC regional stage.
Dinson Iron and Steel Company (Pvt) Ltd, Integrated Properties (Pvt) Ltd, and Tobacco Processors Zimbabwe (Pvt) Ltd each earned 2nd runner‑up positions for outstanding achievements in their respective categories: Category 4 – Exporter of the Year (Large Enterprise), Category 1 – Company of the Year, and Category 3 – Service of the Year (Large Enterprise).
Irvine’s Zimbabwe and Chibuku Super – Delta Beverages (Pty) Ltd also received special recognition in Category 1 – Company of the Year (Large Enterprise) and Category 2 – Product of the Year (Large Enterprise), respectively. Their accolades reaffirm their ongoing commitment to quality improvement and global best practices.
In the individual category, Isaac Mlambo distinguished himself as the Winner in Category 5, earning distinction for exemplary leadership and excellence.
These achievements underscore the strength of Zimbabwe’s national quality framework and the value of continued investment in standards, certification, and quality‑driven processes.
Launch of 2026 National Annual Quality Awards
With the regional celebrations still fresh, The Standardization Quality Assurance Accreditation and Meteorology (SQAM) Committee is ready for the next cycle of the National Annual Quality Awards. The awards recognize organizations and individuals who demonstrate excellence in quality management, customer service, leadership, innovation, and performance improvement.
Key dates for the 2026 awards cycle are as follows:
📌 Call for Entries Opens: 31 March 2026
Click here to download Entry Forms
📌 Preparatory Workshop: 13 May 2026
This workshop is designed to help potential entrants understand category requirements and improve the quality of their submissions.
📌 Submission Deadline: 31 July 2026
📌 Awards Ceremony: 11 September 2026
Participation is open to both certified (not only to ISO 9001:2015, but to other management systems as well) and non‑certified companies, encouraging broader inclusion across industries and business sizes. Entrants stand to gain national recognition, enhanced credibility, and potential qualification for future SADC regional representation.
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