Support Resources and Documentation for ISO 14001

ISO 14001 Clause 7 - Support

Clause 7 of ISO 14001:2026 covers the supporting elements that enable the environmental management system to function. Without resources, competent people, awareness across the organisation, effective communication and properly controlled documented information, the rest of the standard cannot be delivered. Clause 7 has five sub-clauses, each covering one of these supporting elements.

ISO 14001 Clause 7.1 - Resources

The organisation determines and provides the resources needed to establish, implement, maintain and continually improve the environmental management system. Resources include human, natural, infrastructure, technology and financial resources.

For more on this clause see ISO 14001 Clause 7.1 - Resources.

ISO 14001 Clause 7.2 - Competence

The organisation determines the competence needed for people whose work affects environmental performance, ensures that competence through education, training or experience, and retains documented information as evidence of competence.

For more on this clause see ISO 14001 Clause 7.2 - Competence.

ISO 14001 Clause 7.3 - Awareness

People doing work under the organisation's control need to be aware of the environmental policy, the significant aspects associated with their work, their contribution to environmental performance, and the implications of not conforming to the EMS.

For more on this clause see ISO 14001 Clause 7.3 - Awareness.

ISO 14001 Clause 7.4 - Communication

The organisation establishes processes for internal and external environmental communication, including what to communicate, when, with whom and how.

For more on this clause see ISO 14001 Clause 7.4 - Communication.

ISO 14001 Clause 7.5 - Documented Information

The EMS includes documented information required by the standard and additional information the organisation determines is necessary for effectiveness. Documented information is created, updated and controlled to remain available, suitable and protected.

For more on this clause see ISO 14001 Clause 7.5 - Documented Information.