In September 2021, a crucial event held under the auspices of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the United Nations marked a significant turning point in the fight against climate change. During this important meeting, the London Declaration was officially approved and signed, committing formally and concretely to using ISO standards as tools to combat climate change. This agreement aims to contribute to the implementation of the ambitious global climate agenda, with the goal of achieving significant milestones by 2050.

One of the most recent outcomes of this initiative is the amendment recently introduced by ISO, which requires all certifications to consider the climatic impact of their operations. This change has a direct impact on millions of businesses worldwide, particularly those already certified under ISO 9001 and 14001, which will need to implement a detailed analysis of climate impact not only at the time of renewal but also during the maintenance processes of the certifications themselves.

Starting in June, all companies—an estimated total of around 4 million—will need to integrate climate impact assessment into their business context analysis. This marks a profound change in the way companies approach sustainability, in which awareness and responsibility regarding greenhouse gas emissions become an integral part of their management strategy.

### New Regulations in Action

The amendment mandates that companies conduct a thorough assessment related to climate impact, integrating it into existing contextual analyses. The methods of implementing such analyses may vary: for example, a SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) can be conducted where climate impact and stakeholder needs are systematically examined. Alternatively, companies may choose to conduct an analysis compliant with the international standards established by the GHG Protocol, a useful tool for measuring and managing corporate emissions.

For structured companies, this means refining and expanding their models for measuring and managing their emissions. However, many businesses may find themselves starting from scratch to develop a coherent and sustainable approach to meet these new regulatory requirements.

### The Need for Certified Data

One of the main challenges that companies will face is the efficient collection and management of data on their emissions. Preparing for these new regulations will require a gradual approach, focusing on building accurate models to monitor and track evidence related to climate impact. Companies will also need to keep these models updated and be ready to present the results of their audits to certifying bodies.

In response to this growing need, the IT market is already gearing up to assist companies in calculating and managing their emissions. This preparation extends to various functional areas of businesses, including production, energy, human resources, and mobility. By using certified technological tools compliant with international standards, companies will have access to timely information ready for analysis. Such tools can prove vital in formulating and implementing concrete emissions reduction strategies.

### Impacts on Sustainability Strategies

The introduction of this amendment represents a crucial step towards corporate sustainability. It is not merely a regulatory compliance issue, but a genuine opportunity for companies to align themselves with more responsible and transparent environmental practices. By incorporating climate impact analysis into their strategies, companies can not only better manage the risks associated with climate change but also position themselves as leaders in the field of sustainability.

Companies that…