The ISO 14001:2015 was officially released on September 15, 2015, adopting the high-level structure model of Annex SL. This version retains the original elements of environmental protection and social responsibility, including integrating environmental management into overall business considerations, continuous improvement of environmental performance, and compliance with relevant environmental laws.
The new version also introduces considerations for external environmental factors, internal factors, interested parties, and stakeholders. It emphasizes the life cycle of products, services, and activities and their corresponding handling. Additionally, the new version places particular emphasis on risks and opportunities derived from environmental assessments and strengthens the top management's awareness and monitoring of the environmental management system.