Introduction

Build the confidence to understand ISO 14001:2026 and use environmental management as a practical tool for compliance, risk control, efficiency and business improvement.

This CQI and IRCA Certified 1-day Foundation course provides a clear introduction to Environmental Management Systems (EMS) based on ISO 14001:2026. It is designed for managers, decision-makers, EMS representatives and aspiring auditors who need to understand the purpose, structure and practical application of ISO 14001.

As environmental expectations increase across legislation, tenders, supply chains and customer requirements, organisations need people who can understand environmental impacts, support compliance obligations and contribute to continual improvement. This course explains the standard in plain, business-focused language so delegates can apply their learning with confidence.

Duration

1 Day, 08.30-17.00

Who should attend?

This course is ideal for:

• Managers and decision-makers who need a practical overview of ISO 14001:2026 and Environmental Management Systems.
• Environmental managers, coordinators, EMS representatives and staff responsible for maintaining or improving an existing EMS.
• Quality, health and safety, facilities, operations, estates and compliance professionals taking on environmental responsibilities.
• Anyone involved in implementation, transition planning, awareness raising or environmental performance improvement.
• Delegates who wish to progress to the registered 2-day EMS Auditor course but do not yet have prior EMS knowledge.

Course objectives

This course equips delegates with a practical understanding of environmental management principles and how ISO 14001:2026 is interpreted and implemented within an effective EMS.

• Describe the purpose, benefits and intended outcomes of an Environmental Management System.
• Explain the purpose, content and interrelationships of ISO 14001 and ISO 14004.
• Interpret key ISO 14001 requirements in the context of a functioning management system.
• Recognise how environmental aspects, impacts, compliance obligations and risk-based thinking support effective environmental control.
• Understand how objectives, monitoring, measurement and continual improvement support business performance.

Course content

• Benefits of an effective EMS for compliance, customer confidence, tenders and business
• Essential environmental terminology and familiarisation with ISO 14001 definitions.
• Purpose, structure and intent of ISO 14001:2026 and an Environmental Management System.
• Environmental issues, aspects and impacts, including how to assess and determine significance.
• Organisational context, interested parties and risk-based thinking.
• Overview of key environmental legislation and the role of compliance obligations in an EMS.
• Setting meaningful environmental objectives and planning to achieve them.
• Monitoring, measurement, analysis, evaluation and continual improvement.

What are the benefits

Attendance will help delegates and their organisations:

• Decide how best to develop, maintain or improve an Environmental Management System and avoid common implementation problems.
• Build recognised environmental management awareness and strengthen career credentials.
• Understand how ISO 14001 supports legal compliance, operational control and improved decision-making.
• Demonstrate the commercial value of environmental management standards to customers, supply chains and internal stakeholders.
• Prepare more confidently for further EMS auditor training or ISO 14001 implementation activity.

In-House Courses

In-house delivery offers better value for organisations with several delegates and can be designed to closely match your sector, activities, environmental risks and existing management system arrangements.

This option is ideal for teams who want a consistent understanding of ISO 14001:2026, practical examples relevant to their organisation and a focused discussion around implementation, transition or improvement priorities.

Style of Delivery and Course Leaders

The course is delivered in a practical, accessible style that connects ISO 14001 requirements with real organisational decisions, compliance obligations and environmental performance improvement.

Our course leaders have extensive experience in Environmental Management Systems across manufacturing, service and professional organisations, including Local and National Government. iqms Learning also brings international experience from work across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia and the Americas.

Certification

Delegates successfully completing the course will be awarded a CQI and IRCA Certified training accredited certificate. (2805).