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Training content
Overview
ISO 14001:2026 Environmental Management Systems Lead Auditor Training aims to develop lead auditors who can assess organisations’ environmental management systems against international standard requirements, plan and conduct audits, and manage audit teams.
The training covers the requirements of the ISO 14001:2026 standard, the assessment of environmental aspects and impacts, the management of environmental risks and opportunities, legal compliance, environmental performance, audit principles, audit planning, implementation, reporting and follow-up activities.
The programme also examines the key changes between ISO 14001:2015 and ISO 14001:2026, as well as climate change, biodiversity, the life cycle approach and environmental sustainability.
In addition to theoretical instruction, the training is supported by case study analyses and practical auditing exercises.
Objectives and Outcomes
Aim of the Training
The aim is to provide participants with the knowledge and skills required to interpret the requirements of ISO 14001:2026, evaluate environmental management systems, examine environmental risks and control mechanisms, conduct risk-based audits and carry out lead auditor activities.
Learning Outcomes
Participants who complete the training are expected to acquire the following knowledge and skills:
- Interpret the requirements of ISO 14001:2026
- Evaluate environmental management system processes
- Evaluate environmental aspects, impacts, risks and opportunities
- Audit environmental legal obligations and compliance processes
- Evaluate environmental performance and sustainability processes
- Interpret the key changes in ISO 14001:2026
- Apply auditing principles within the scope of ISO 19011
- Prepare an audit programme and audit plan
- Manage the audit team
- Evaluate objective audit evidence
- Identify and report nonconformities
- Evaluate the effectiveness of corrective actions
- Prepare audit reports
Programme and Method
Day 1 – Introduction to the Environmental Management System and Fundamental Requirements
- Purpose, scope and structure of the ISO 14001:2026 standard
- Fundamental principles of the environmental management system
- Key changes between ISO 14001:2015 and ISO 14001:2026
- Process approach, risk-based thinking and the PDCA cycle
- Context of the organisation and expectations of interested parties
- Leadership, environmental policy and organisational responsibilities
- Climate change, biodiversity and environmental sustainability
Day 2 – ISO 14001 Requirements and Environmental Risk Management
- Review of ISO 14001:2026 Clauses 4–10 requirements
- Identification of environmental aspects and impacts
- Assessment of environmental risks and opportunities
- Management of environmental legislation and compliance obligations
- Environmental objectives and planning of changes
- Operational control and the life cycle approach
- Emergency preparedness and response
- Monitoring environmental performance and continual improvement
Day 3 – Audit Principles and Audit Planning
- Audit principles under ISO 19011
- First-, second- and third-party audits
- Establishment and management of the audit programme
- Duties and responsibilities of the lead auditor
- Determination of the audit scope, criteria and objectives
- Stage 1 and Stage 2 certification audits
- Preparation of the audit plan and checklists
- Risk-based approach to environmental management system audits
Day 4 – Conducting the Audit
- Opening meeting and audit interviews
- Audit techniques and sampling methods
- Collection and evaluation of objective audit evidence
- Auditing environmental aspects, impacts and operational controls
- Assessment of compliance with environmental legislation and environmental performance
- Identification and evaluation of audit findings
- Practical audit exercises
Day 5 – Audit Reporting and Lead Auditor Practices
- Identification and classification of nonconformities
- Preparation of the audit report
- Conducting the closing meeting
- Evaluation of corrective actions and root cause analyses
- Closure of nonconformities and follow-up audits
- Management of the audit team and lead auditor practices
- Case studies and final examination
Attendance and Certificate
Certification Rule
A certificate of attendance is issued to all participants whose attendance has been confirmed. To receive a certificate of achievement, participants must achieve a passing grade in the end-of-training examination; participants who use all their examination attempts but do not pass will be issued a certificate of attendance.
FAQ and Resources
1. Who is the ISO 14001 Lead Auditor Training suitable for?
It is suitable for management system auditors, environmental engineers, environmental management specialists, internal auditors, sustainability specialists and professionals who wish to become lead auditors.
2. What is the purpose of the ISO 14001 standard?
It aims to enable organisations to control their environmental impacts, comply with environmental legislation and other compliance obligations, improve their environmental performance and continually improve their environmental management systems.
3. What is the difference between ISO 14001:2015 and ISO 14001:2026?
ISO 14001:2026 retains the core structure of the previous version while addressing environmental risks, climate change, biodiversity, the life cycle approach, management of change and environmental performance more explicitly.
4. Is environmental legislation covered within the scope of ISO 14001:2026?
Yes. The training covers environmental legislation, compliance obligations and processes for evaluating legal compliance.
5. What is the difference between the 5-day and 3-day training courses?
The 5-day training comprehensively covers the standard's requirements and audit processes, while the 3-day training is an intensive programme for participants who already have auditing knowledge.
6. Does the training include practical exercises?
Yes. Exercises are conducted on environmental aspect and impact assessment, audit planning, case study analysis, writing nonconformities and reporting.
7. Can the training be delivered online or face-to-face?
Yes. The training can be scheduled online or face-to-face according to the requirements of organisations and participants.
8. Is there an examination and certificate at the end of the training?
Yes. A final examination or assessment may be conducted at the end of the training. A certificate is issued based on participation and successful completion.
Resources
- ISO 14001:2026 – Environmental Management Systems – Requirements with Guidance for Use
- ISO 14001:2015 – Environmental Management Systems – Requirements with Guidance for Use (Previous version)
- ISO 14004:2016 – Environmental Management Systems – General Guidelines on Implementation
- ISO 19011:2026 – Guidelines for Auditing Management Systems
- ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015 – Requirements for Bodies Providing Audit and Certification of Management Systems
- ISO/IEC 17021-2:2016 – Competence Requirements for Auditing and Certification of Environmental Management Systems
- Relevant national environmental legislation and legal regulations
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