The role of an internal audit throughout the Environmental Management System (EMS) life cycle becomes even more critical under the upcoming ISO 14001:2026 revision. Internal audits help ensure that processes are consistently managed, reflect updated requirements—such as explicit climate‑change considerations, lifecycle perspective, change management, and expanded emergency preparedness—and support the organization in achieving its environmental and business objectives. A strong internal audit program remains a powerful tool to evaluate adoption of best practices, strengthen environmental culture, and verify the real effectiveness of the EMS.

Learning Objectives

This course prepares students to become effective Environmental Internal Auditors aligned with the new expectations of ISO FDIS 14001:2026. Students will learn how to evaluate and improve an EMS by:

• Understanding the updated ISO 14001:2026 requirements, including strengthened leadership accountability, lifecycle perspective in scope definition, and climate‑related considerations within organizational context.
• Applying the clarified risk and opportunity planning structure, including the new requirement for change‑management planning (Clause 6.3).
• Assessing processes more effectively using updated operational‑control expectations, such as oversight of externally provided processes, improved emergency planning, and expanded performance‑evaluation requirements.
• Preparing an audit aligned with ISO 19011 and with strengthened EMS‑performance verification requirements introduced in the 2026 revision.
• Conducting interviews, gathering objective evidence, evaluating conformity and effectiveness, and preparing accurate, actionable audit reports.
• Adapting verbal and written communication skills to achieve audit objectives and influence environmental performance improvements.

Who should attend?

• Internal Auditors interested in learning the changes of ISO FDIS 14001:2026
• Environmental professionals responsible for implementing or monitoring the Management Systems
• Environmental professionals with responsibilities of reporting the system performance to management
• Individuals in charge of handling Non-Conformities and how to close them
• Professionals seeking further qualifications in the near future, such as Lead Auditor
• Internal Auditors responsible for other management systems
• Environmental regulatory compliance officers
• Consultants and external auditors

Course Highlights

• Importance and value of the internal audit process
• Applying the process approach to EMS auditing
• Understanding the three dimensions of an audit:
  • Conformity
  • Effectiveness
  • Improvement
• The 7 Principles of Auditing (from ISO 19011)
• Implementing the six major audit activities according to ISO 19011
• Recommended attributes and behaviours for effective auditors
• Integrating 2026‑specific EMS requirements into internal audit activities, including:
  • Lifecycle perspective validation
  • Climate change and biodiversity considerations (Clause 4)
  • Evaluation of change‑management planning (new Clause 6.3)
  • Broader emergency‑situation assessment requirements
  • Updated expectations for internal audits and management reviews (Clause 9)

Duration & Format

Duration: 3 days (24 hours total)

To optimize knowledge assimilation and harmonize training with operational responsibilities, our public training schedule offers courses delivered consecutively or distributed across several weeks. This methodology ensures superior learning outcomes while respecting busy professional calendars.

Delivery Format: 100% Live Virtual Training

Participate from any location with reliable internet connectivity. Our interactive virtual learning environment delivers the same dynamic, participatory educational experience as conventional classroom training, enhanced by the flexibility of learning from your preferred location. Webcam and microphone capabilities are mandatory for active participation and engagement with instructors and peer learners.

Private courses can be delivered in person or virtually depending on organizational needs.

Prerequisites

It is recommended to have a high-level understanding of the standard, although this course includes fundamentals of ISO 14001.

Course Materials

Students obtain extensive electronic course resources available online for consultation throughout and following the training. All resources support viewing, downloading, and printing for maximum convenience.

Important Note: Due to copyright restrictions, copies of ISO standards are not supplied as part of the course registration fee. ERM CVS will provide temporary access to reference standards throughout the training period. Students are highly encouraged to acquire their personal copy of the ISO 14001:2026 standard. Digital reference standards are non-printable and non-downloadable.

Expert Instruction

Our Expert facilitators contribute authentic environment management and audit proficiency to each learning session. They deliver thorough explanations of standard specifications, communicate industry-leading practices, and mentor students through applied environment audit scenarios. With extensive professional audit experience, our facilitators enrich your education with pertinent case analyses and validated methodologies immediately applicable within your organization.