Sustainability within the framework of ISO 9001: An integral part of modern management systems

Sustainability has long become a crucial competitive factor. Regulatory requirements such as the CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive), growing stakeholder expectations, and increasing risks from climate change are prompting companies to comprehensively realign their business strategies. Alongside environmental considerations, social and corporate aspects are also taken into account—summarized under the ESG criteria (Environmental, Social, Governance). These principles now play a decisive role in corporate processes, particularly through their integration into ISO 9001, one of the world’s leading standards for quality management.

Historically, the standard has focused on continuous improvement and risk-based thinking. With Amendment 1 (ISO 9001 AMD 1:2024-02), climate change is now explicitly emphasized within the Quality Management System (QMS). The goal is to support companies in systematically addressing climate-related aspects and integrating ESG requirements into their management processes.

ISO 9001: Updates to the standard

The ISO 9001 standard was last fundamentally revised in 2015. Since then, the economic and regulatory landscape has shifted significantly. Climate protection, sustainability, and ESG reporting have become key factors in corporate management. In response, Amendment 1 was published in February 2024, placing a stronger focus on climate change. The next full revision of the standard is scheduled for 2026. This update does not affect the validity of existing certificates nor does it alter certification cycles. Instead, it aims to broaden the perspective by ensuring that both an organization’s own climate-related impacts and the requirements of external stakeholders are considered.

ISO 9001 and sustainability: How the standard integrates ESG requirements

Sustainability is no longer optional—it’s a necessity. ISO 9001 provides a structured approach for companies to effectively incorporate ESG objectives into their management systems. Amendment 1 primarily introduces changes to the following sections:

• Section 4.1 “Understanding the organization and its context”: Organizations must assess whether climate change is relevant to their operations. If deemed relevant, the management system must be adapted accordingly, which may involve adjustments to the scope of the system or how risks and opportunities are addressed.
• Section 4.2 “Understanding the needs and expectations of interested parties”: Stakeholder requirements—ranging from customers and regulators to investors—regarding climate change must be taken into account.

It is recommended that companies evaluate compliance with the new Amendment during their first audit following the implementation of the amendment. The primary focus should be on determining how climate-related risks and opportunities are integrated into the organization’s strategy.

ISO 9001 and Climate Change: Why companies should act now

Climate change presents companies with a range of challenges—from supply chain disruptions and rising raw material costs to evolving legal requirements. ISO 9001 thus calls for the proactive identification and consideration of climate-related risks and opportunities within quality management. Taking a proactive approach offers significant benefits:

• Competitive advantages: Sustainable business strategies enhance market positioning and facilitate participation in public tenders.
• Strengthened stakeholder reputation: Transparent climate strategies and ESG reports build trust with customers, partners, and investors.
• Increased resilience: Early consideration of climate-related risks helps safeguard against sudden market changes and regulatory hurdles.

By engaging in forward-looking planning, companies can ensure the consistent adaptation of their existing systems. It is therefore advisable not to wait for the 2026 revision but to start implementation now.

How Tanso supports your ISO 9001 and ESG implementation

Tanso’s software enables companies to manage sustainability reporting efficiently, providing an essential component for meeting the new ISO 9001 requirements. Our solutions for CO₂ accounting and CSRD reporting offer comprehensive support:

• Transparent data collection: Fast, audit-proof data acquisition helps identify climate-related risks and opportunities early.
• Holistic climate management: Services include carbon accounting (Corporate Carbon Footprint), risk analysis, and reduction planning, ensuring end-to-end guidance.
• Efficient ESG and sustainability reporting: Easily create reports aligned with standards such as the ESRS, meeting both internal and external requirements.