Integrating climate change considerations into Internal Audits
In today’s evolving regulatory and corporate landscape, climate change is no longer a distant issue — it is a current and pressing concern. While most ISO Management System Standards do not yet mandate specific actions regarding climate change, organisations certified to ISO 14001 (Environmental Management) or ISO 50001 (Energy Management) should already be considering how their operations affect the climate. Proactively incorporating climate-related considerations into internal audit programmes is not only forward-thinking but could soon become essential.
At Temple QMS, we believe the role of the internal auditor is expanding. Auditors must be trained not only in compliance and process efficiency, but also in identifying environmental risks and opportunities. With many European customers and corporate groups already requesting suppliers to calculate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, this is an issue that will affect businesses across all sectors.
Understanding the Challenge
The carbon cycle is a natural process where carbon is exchanged between the earth’s atmosphere, oceans, and living organisms. However, human activity — such as the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation — is releasing carbon dioxide (CO₂) at a rate faster than natural systems can absorb. This imbalance is a key driver of climate change.
Rather than entering the political debate, we encourage businesses to focus on what they can control: reducing the release of greenhouse gases through thoughtful, practical steps. Internal audits provide a useful mechanism for identifying where emissions originate and how they can be mitigated.
Linking to ISO Management Standards
Although climate change is not yet a core clause in all ISO MSS, there are several relevant touchpoints. For example:
ISO 9001:2015 Clause 7.1.3 – Infrastructure
ISO 45001:2018 Clause 6.1.2.1 – Hazard Identification
Both standards mention infrastructure, which includes buildings, equipment, transport resources, and information and communication technology. Each of these areas presents opportunities to reduce emissions and improve sustainability.
A Climate-Focused View of Infrastructure
Let us briefly examine each category from a climate change perspective:
Buildings and Utilities
An internal audit could assess:
Air leaks around doors, windows, and dock plates.
The use of LED lighting and motion sensors in low-traffic areas.
Installation of solar-powered external lighting.
Utilisation of natural light indoors through innovative design.
Deployment of waste heat recovery systems.
Use of green roofing or natural insulation strategies.
Availability of green space that could contribute to carbon offsetting.
Maintenance of HVAC filters and seals to ensure energy efficiency.
Real-world examples include identifying unsealed wall penetrations from outdated equipment or recommending retrofitting for improved insulation.
Equipment and Software
Auditors should consider:
Variable speed drives (VSDs) and energy-efficient motors.
Regular maintenance, including the use of ultrasonic detectors to identify air or vacuum leaks.
The energy consumption of software and smart technologies.
Insulation of hot or chilled water pipes.
Opportunities for renewable energy (solar, wind, water).
Equipment sizing and avoiding over-specification, which leads to energy waste.
Thermal imaging as a tool to detect inefficiencies and overheating.
Transportation Resources
Transitioning from propane to electric forklifts.
Minimising unnecessary trips through logistical planning.
Conducting spaghetti diagram analyses to optimise workflow.
Maintaining internal transport vehicles to ensure efficiency.
Information and Communication Technology
Installation of programmable thermostats and smart controls.
Conducting energy audits focused on lighting and ICT systems.
Identifying “phantom energy” draw from idle electronics.
Managing operations during peak energy tariff periods to reduce demand.
Training Auditors to Address Climate Change
The traditional internal audit checklist is no longer sufficient. Climate-related insights require a deeper understanding of operational processes, emerging standards, and innovation.
ISO 56001:2024 (Innovation Management) provides a useful framework for encouraging a culture of improvement, particularly through the concepts of reduce, reuse, and recycle. Encouraging your internal auditors to understand innovation systems can support the identification of new opportunities to reduce carbon output.
Additionally, ISO 14068-1:2023, Climate Change Management – Transition to Net Zero, Part 1: Carbon Neutrality, provides further guidance. While not a certifiable MSS, this verification standard is increasingly being requested by customers, particularly in Europe.
We have already supported clients facing demands to align with ISO 14068, and while it is not yet a formal requirement, familiarity with its principles can position your organisation as a responsible and preferred supplier.
Preparing for the Future
ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 are both undergoing reviews, with updates anticipated in 2026. Climate change may become a more explicit component of these revisions. Preparing your internal audit team now ensures you will be ahead of the curve, rather than reacting under pressure later.
Final Thoughts
Addressing climate change through internal auditing is not about meeting a current requirement — it is about preparing your organisation for what lies ahead. As customer expectations shift and environmental concerns grow, businesses that take proactive steps will be better equipped to remain competitive, compliant, and credible.
At Temple QMS, we are committed to helping you integrate sustainability into your management systems. If you would like support in updating your internal auditor training or conducting a climate-focused audit, we are here to help.