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Net zero

Net zero means achieving a balance between the carbon emitted into the atmosphere, and the carbon removed from it. BSI's net zero standards are the enablers for the innovation, collaboration and acceleration needed to help organizations navigate the path to reducing emissions and achieving net zero carbon emissions.

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Explore how standards are helping organizations accelerate their transition to net zero to meet climate targets

Pre-order BS EN ISO 14001:2026: An evolution for environmental management is coming
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Pre-order BS EN ISO 14001:2026: An evolution for environmental management is coming

From manufacturing to public services, the pressure to reduce environmental impact and meet sustainability goals is growing. Customers, regulators and investors expect organizations to demonstrate leadership and resilience in environmental responsibility. Enter BS EN ISO 14001:2026 Environmental management systems requirements with guidance. This internationally recognized standard has undergone a revision that will transform how you manage environmental responsibilities and embed sustainability into your business strategy. The revised standard is scheduled to publish in April 2026, but you can pre-order ISO/FDIS 14001:2026 today. By pre-ordering, you’ll receive the final draft immediately, giving you early access to the new requirements and guidance. When the final standard is published, your copy will arrive automatically at no extra cost. What is BS EN ISO 14001 and why does it matter? BS EN ISO 14001 is the world’s most recognized environmental management standard, with over half a million organizations using it globally. It provides a comprehensive framework for establishing, maintaining and continually improving an Environmental Management System (EMS). It helps you: Enhance environmental performance by reducing waste, emissions and resource use. Meet compliance obligations and avoid costly penalties. Achieve environmental objectives aligned with your organization’s strategy. Strengthen brand reputation, helping you win tenders and attract environmentally conscious customers. The standard applies to any organization, regardless of size or sector, and covers the environmental aspects of activities, products and services you can control or influence, considering a life cycle perspective. BS EN ISO 14001 also aligns with key legislation and frameworks, including: UK Environmental Protection Act and related regulations. EU Green Deal and Circular Economy Action Plan. Global frameworks such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By embedding BS EN ISO 14001 into your operations, you not only comply with legal requirements but also position your organization as a leader in sustainability and resilience. But don’t just take our word for it. Discover how microbusiness LMS Highways has used ISO 14001 to deliver sustainable road solutions nationally, or how ISO 14001 is helping Warwickshire County Council (WCC) to define a framework for a more sustainable future. Understanding the BS EN ISO 14001:2026 revision International standards follow a periodical review cycle, typically every five to seven years, to ensure they remain relevant and effective. The last major revision of BS EN ISO 14001 was in 2015. Since then, the environmental landscape has changed dramatically. Climate change, biodiversity loss and growing ESG expectations have reshaped how organizations manage sustainability. This review was necessary to: Address emerging environmental challenges such as climate resilience and supply chain transparency. Align with evolving legislation and global frameworks including the EU Green Deal and UN Sustainable Development Goals. Improve usability and integration with other management system standards like BS EN ISO 9001 and BS EN ISO 45001. Respond to user feedback gathered through global surveys and ballots across 72 ISO member countries. The revision ensures that BS EN ISO 14001 remains a practical tool for organizations of all sizes and sectors. It introduces clearer guidance, stronger leadership accountability and better alignment with modern sustainability priorities. These changes make it easier for you to embed environmental management into everyday operations and demonstrate compliance to regulators and stakeholders. Did you know that other management system standards are also undergoing important revisions? BS EN ISO 9001 and BS EN ISO 45001 are also being updated to better help you tackle modern challenges head on. Stay up to date with the progress of these revisions and access the support your organization needs to prepare for and successfully adopt the upcoming changes by visiting our Standards Revision & Transition Hub. Why pre-order ISO/FDIS 14001:2026? The final standard is scheduled for publication in April 2026, but you don’t have to wait. Pre-ordering gives you a strategic advantage: Immediate access to the final draft - Get the proposed requirements and guidance now, so you can start planning and adapting your processes without delay. Stay ahead of competitors - While others wait for publication, you’ll be preparing your teams, updating documentation and aligning your systems early. Identify compliance gaps sooner - Use the draft to review your current environmental management system and address any gaps before audits or regulatory deadlines. Integrate with other standards smoothly - The revision aligns with BS EN ISO 9001, BS EN ISO 45001, so early access helps you streamline integration across management systems. Automatic delivery of the final standard - When BS EN ISO 14001:2026 is published, you’ll receive your copy at no extra cost, so no need to reorder or worry about missing the release. Peace of mind - Pre-ordering ensures you’re ready for transition without disruption. Secure your copy of ISO/FDIS 14001 today and position your organization as an early adopter ready for the future of environmental management.Read more
Empowering organizations to navigate ESG complexity with the ISO ESG Implementation Principles
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Empowering organizations to navigate ESG complexity with the ISO ESG Implementation Principles

The growing importance of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles is transforming how organizations operate. From addressing climate change to promoting social equity and ensuring sound governance, ESG considerations are now critical to business strategy and long-term success. But while ESG is a priority for many, the landscape remains fragmented and complex, with multiple reporting frameworks and standards that are often challenging to navigate. To address this issue, the ISO ESG Implementation Principles was developed, providing a free, practical solution for organizations worldwide. Why ESG matters Governments, investors, and consumers are increasingly holding organizations accountable for their environmental and social impacts, as well as their governance practices. ESG is no longer a "nice-to-have" but a fundamental aspect of business performance and reputation. Companies that fail to integrate ESG into their operations face greater regulatory scrutiny, risk, and reputational damage. Those that excel in ESG, on the other hand, can enhance stakeholder trust, attract investment, and drive long-term growth. Despite its importance, the challenge many organizations face is how to implement ESG effectively and consistently. This is where the ISO ESG Implementation Principles come in. For a more in-depth guide, download your copy of our free Little Book of ESG here. Developing ISO ESG Implementation Principles: A global collaborative effort The ISO ESG Implementation Principles is the result of a global, collaborative effort led by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the British Standards Institution (BSI), along with the Standards Council of Canada (SCC), and the Brazilian Association of Technical Standards (ABNT). Developed with input from over 1,500 stakeholders across various sectors and regions, the ISO ESG Implementation Principles offer an inclusive approach to ESG that reflects diverse perspectives and industry needs. The principles provide practical, high-level guidance on ESG integration, helping organizations implement sustainable practices that align with global goals such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The goal is to establish a unified structure that simplifies ESG reporting, making it accessible to organizations of all sizes and those in developing countries. For SMEs, the guidance’s simplified approach and scalability are particularly beneficial, helping them implement strong ESG practices without needing extensive resources. For larger organizations, the ISO ESG Implementation Principles provide a global structure that ensures consistency and reliability in ESG reporting, supporting long-term success in an increasingly sustainability-focused world.  What do the ISO ESG Implementation Principles cover? The ISO ESG Implementation Principles are designed to address all three pillars of ESG—Environmental, Social, and Governance—in a holistic manner. They provide guidance on identifying key requirements across these areas, specifying measurable performance indicators to assess organizational maturity. By doing so, the ISO ESG Implementation Principles support companies in evaluating and improving their ESG performance over time. Here’s a quick overview of what is covered: Environmental: The ISO ESG Implementation Principles help organizations assess their environmental impact, covering areas such as resource management, energy efficiency, and carbon footprint quantification. Social: The guidance supports organizations in promoting diversity, social responsibility, human rights, and community engagement, ensuring that social concerns are fully integrated into business operations. Governance: Good governance practices—such as transparency, ethical decision-making, and compliance—are central to the ISO ESG Implementation Principles, providing a foundation for robust leadership and accountability. The ISO ESG Implementation Principles also signpost examples of key ISO standards that can help evidence Environmental, Social and Governance performance. If you are looking for guidance on the global approach to achieving net zero, discover the IWA 42 Net Zero Guidelines here. Understanding the benefits of the ISO ESG Implementation Principles The ISO ESG Implementation Principles provide a range of benefits that make such guidance an essential tool for organizations looking to integrate ESG effectively: Interoperability: The ISO ESG Implementation Principles was designed to work seamlessly with existing voluntary and regulatory ESG reporting frameworks and standards, simplifying compliance, and reducing duplication of effort whilst promoting harmonization across regions and sectors. Transparency: The guidance enhances the consistency and transparency of ESG reporting, making it easier for stakeholders—such as investors, regulators, supply chain partners and consumers—to understand and compare organizational performance. This is crucial for building trust and credibility. Reliability: By providing a structured, ISO-backed approach, the ISO ESG Implementation Principles help organizations deliver reliable, accurate ESG data that meets both regulatory demands and stakeholder expectations. This reliability is key for effective risk management and long-term strategic planning. Holistic ESG integration: The ISO ESG Implementation Principles address all elements of ESG together, ensuring that organizations take a balanced, integrated approach to sustainability. This not only improves ESG outcomes but also fosters innovation and drives sustainable growth. Scalability: Whether you’re a large multinational or a small business, the ISO ESG Implementation Principles are scalable to suit your needs. Its flexible structure allows organizations of all sizes to adopt ESG practices at their own pace, without compromising on quality. Global consistency: The guidance offers a standardized approach to ESG practices, enabling organizations to communicate their sustainability efforts effectively at both local and international levels. This global consistency helps businesses compete and thrive in a sustainability-focused marketplace. Alignment with global initiatives: The ISO ESG Implementation Principles support broader sustainability initiatives, including the UN SDGs and the ISO London Declaration, helping organizations align their ESG efforts with global goals and strengthen their contributions to a sustainable future. Further guidance to support climate transition planning In addition to the ISO ESG Implementation Principles, several other guidance documents are available to support climate transition planning. ISO 14060 is currently under development, and focuses on converting ISO’s net zero guidelines into the world’s first verifiable net-zero standard, helping organizations measure and verify their net zero commitments. BS ISO 32212 provides specific guidance for financial institutions on net zero transition planning, ensuring they can manage climate-related risks and opportunities effectively. Find out more. For smaller enterprises, BSI Flex 3030 offers practical tools for SMEs to develop and implement net zero plans, supporting their contribution to global sustainability goals. Each of these documents complements the ISO ESG Implementation Principles by addressing key aspects of climate transition planning. Get your free copy of the ISO ESG Implementation Principles Whether you're new to ESG or looking to enhance your existing practices, the invaluable ISO ESG Implementation Principles can improve your sustainability performance and reporting. Download your free copy of the ISO ESG Implementation Principles and start building a stronger, more sustainable future for your organization. New to ESG? Discover The Little Book of ESG The Little Book of ESG aims to provide a straightforward introduction to ESG. It covers how getting the fundamentals right can help to sustainably grow your business, and how you can start implementing ESG principles right away. Visit the Little Book of ESG dedicated page.
The 2025 Net Zero Barometer Report: Time to quicken the pace
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The 2025 Net Zero Barometer Report: Time to quicken the pace

The Net Zero Barometer is our annual report presenting findings that explore how UK businesses are navigating the transition to net zero. The fifth Barometer has now been published and reveals important data on what UK businesses are thinking, and doing, about net zero. All the reports are available to download for free from here: Net Zero Barometer Report 2021 Net Zero Barometer Report 2022 Net Zero Barometer Report 2023 Net Zero Barometer Report 2024 Net Zero Barometer Report 2025 Net zero signs of the times Our previous Net Zero Barometer Reports have reflected the attitudes and actions at the times when they were published. In 2021, it was the COVID-19 pandemic. 2022 saw commitments to net zero boosted by COP26 with 195 countries agreeing to the 'Glasgow Climate Pact' to keep 1.5C alive. And in 2023 and 2024, cost established itself as the main obstacle towards action on net zero. Five years on, businesses are facing a number of difficult challenges, both geo-political and more local. For the Net Zero Barometer Report 2025, we surveyed over 1,000 senior decision-makers in small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) all over the UK. Key findings from the 2025 report are: Consumer demand has emerged as the primary driver of net zero action. There’s a large demand for support and guidance on how to make net zero transition. In a difficult business environment, the commitment to decarbonizing has slowed and there is less target-setting. The sector and size of businesses is driving notable differences in the degree of action. Confidence has suffered, with fewer businesses believing they will achieve net zero by 2050. Cost remains a key barrier to action and progress. The new government is providing welcome policy clarity on the clean energy transition. Download the latest Net Zero Barometer Report to read the full findings. Discover BSI Knowledge Subscriptions As the pressure builds for all businesses to achieve net zero, knowing which standards can help you and how to share their guidance within your organization can seem like a huge challenge. With a BSI Knowledge subscription, you will have the flexibility and visibility to manage the key standards you need in order to start your journey to net zero with confidence. Build your own custom collection of standards, or opt for access to one of our pre-built modules, such as GBM06 Environment, Wastes, and keep up-to-date with any relevant changes to your standards strategy. Request to learn more.
Turning ambition into action: Using a standards subscription to drive sustainable performance
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Turning ambition into action: Using a standards subscription to drive sustainable performance

Sustainability has become a powerful driver of innovation, resilience and long-term value. As organizations set ambitious climate, environmental, and social goals, many are looking for practical ways to embed sustainability into everyday decision-making and operations. Internationally recognized standards provide clear, consistent frameworks that help turn ambition into measurable action. BSI Knowledge, a comprehensive standards and best practices platform, equips businesses with the resources needed to support sustainable growth and demonstrate credible progress. The sustainability challenge Many organizations struggle to operationalize sustainability commitments due to: Complex reporting requirements: From carbon reporting to ESG disclosures, expectations are increasing across regions and industries. Inconsistent approaches: Sustainability efforts often sit across multiple teams, leading to fragmented data and decision-making. Supply chain impacts: Environmental and social risks frequently extend beyond an organization’s direct operations, increasing exposure and accountability. Stakeholder scrutiny: Investors, customers, and regulators expect credible, verifiable evidence of progress - not just pledges. By tapping into BSI Knowledge, organizations can establish common reference points that help demonstrate consistency, credibility and accountability across sustainability efforts. How BSI Knowledge can help BSI Knowledge offers a structured approach to embedding sustainability into everyday operations. With over 120,000 standards, organizations can: Implement environmental management systems: Use standards such as BS EN ISO 14001 to manage environmental responsibilities systematically and support continual improvement. Measure and reduce carbon impact: Apply standards like BS EN ISO 14067, BS ISO 14068-1, BS EN ISO 14064 series and BSI Flex 3030 to support carbon foot printing, greenhouse gas accounting and emissions reporting on the path net zero. Strengthen governance and transparency: Align sustainability initiatives with recognized best practices such as BS EN ISO 26000 (social responsibility) to support accountability, reporting, and stakeholder confidence. Engage supply chains responsibly: Use guidance like BS ISO 20400 (sustainable procurement) to assess, manage, and improve sustainability performance beyond the organization’s own boundaries. Stay ahead of the curve: Access the latest standards, amendments, and emerging guidance from a trusted source. As a leading global standards publisher, BSI makes new and updated content available faster, supported by expert insight into evolving sustainability expectations. Key benefits of BSI Knowledge Comprehensive standard library: Access over 120,000 international standards across 54 modules, covering sustainability, quality, safety, compliance, and innovation. Flexible subscription models: Choose customizable, multi-user collections aligned to your organization’s needs and budget. Regular updates: Stay aligned with the latest standards, amendments, and adoptions through BSI’s in-house expertise. Tracked changes: Save time with tracked-changes documents that clearly highlight updates at no additional cost. Effortless collaboration: Share access across departments, improving alignment, productivity and consistency. Easy access anytime, anywhere: Manage and access essential standards from a single platform, across locations and devices. Take the next step Ready to elevate your sustainability strategy? Request a live demo of BSI Knowledge and discover how a standards-based approach can help turn intent into impact - delivering progress that is credible, comparable, and resilient over time. Request your free demo now.

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