This policy fits on one page and meets the requirements of ISO 14001 without any edits - just needs top management to approve and date. Can easily be customised to make it more relevant.
This policy template is supplied in fully editable MS Word format and can be easily customised and edited. The document uses pre-defined style formatting throughout, with all text in Calibri font for improved readability.
The following document labelling is included in the footer:
- Policy number and title
- Information-classification
- Version
- Page number / total pages
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Further guidance on the environmental policy and related clauses:
Download this policy template with your company name and logo already added!
Document Preparation available with all document toolkits.
To get access to this file please click on Add to Cart to purchase for immediate download. If you have an alphaZ Subscription just click on Download Files to view all the files available to download. This policy is also included in every alphaZ ISO 14001 toolkit, so if you need the wider set of documents for an environmental or integrated management system, the toolkit route gives you this file plus everything else you need in one download.
If you'd like hands-on help putting your environmental policy in place or building out your wider environmental management system, our remote support services provide direct expert input from our team, by the day, by project, or on an ongoing basis.
Environmental Policy Template
A short, top-management-approved environmental policy is the foundation of an ISO 14001 environmental management system. It is the statement top management makes to staff, customers, regulators and other interested parties about how the organisation will manage its environmental responsibilities.
This template gives you that statement in a clean, single-page format that meets every requirement the standard sets out - ready to brand, approve and issue.
What an ISO 14001 Environmental Policy Must Include
ISO 14001 sets out a clear set of commitments that the environmental policy must cover. The wording in this template covers every one of them:
- A framework for setting environmental objectives
- Protection of the environment and prevention of pollution
- Fulfilment of compliance obligations
- Continual improvement of the environmental management system and environmental performance
- A statement that the policy is documented, communicated within the organisation and available to interested parties
The policy is approved by top management and is one of the first documents an external auditor will ask to see at certification or surveillance.
Two Versions Supplied
The download includes two versions of the policy so you can pick the one that matches the version of ISO 14001 you are currently certified to or transitioning from:
- P-2 Environmental Policy - aligned to the current standard.
- P-2 Environmental Policy 2015 - the previous version, retained for organisations still operating against the 2015 standard.
The two versions are very similar - the policy commitments required by the standard have not changed significantly. Most users will only need the current version, but both are included so you have continuity through your transition period.
Aligned with ISO 14001:2015 and ISO 14001:2026
The policy wording satisfies clause 5.2 (Environmental Policy) and supports clauses 5.1 (Leadership and Commitment) and 5.3 (Organisational Roles, Responsibilities and Authorities) under both editions of the standard. The commitments listed at clause 5.2 - protect the environment, prevent pollution, fulfil compliance obligations, framework for objectives, continual improvement - are unchanged between the two versions, so a policy that meets one meets the other.
Built to Stay on One Page
The template is laid out so that, with your logo and approval block added, the policy sits on a single page. Approval and review-date fields are included in the footer so the controlled copy is clearly identifiable as documented information. A one-page policy is easier to communicate, easier to display on a notice board and easier to issue to interested parties on request.
Who Needs an Environmental Policy?
Every organisation operating an ISO 14001 environmental management system needs a documented environmental policy approved by top management. The policy is one of the first documents an external auditor will ask to see and one of the first documents interested parties - customers, regulators, prospective clients running supplier due diligence - expect to be made available on request.
Included in Every ISO 14001 Toolkit
This policy is included in every alphaZ ISO 14001 toolkit and integrated toolkit that covers environmental management. If you are building or rebuilding a management system, the toolkit route is the most efficient way to get the full set of documents you need.
Works with the Environmental Management Procedure
The environmental policy sits alongside the PP-6-100 Environmental Management Policy Procedure. The policy is the top-level statement of commitment; the policy procedure is the operating document that turns those commitments into day-to-day practice.