Clause 5.1New requirementMedium impact typical effort 2-4 hours
Supporting leadership in non-management roles
What changed in the 2026 revision
Top management must now support leadership within non-management roles, extending personal involvement, responsibility and accountability beyond the management tier.
What auditors will look for
Demonstrate that environmental leadership extends beyond management. This could include environmental champions at operational level, empowering employees to raise environmental concerns, or integrating environmental responsibility into all job roles.
How to close the gap
- 1Identify how non-management staff can demonstrate environmental leadership
- 2Consider environmental champions or coordinators at operational level
- 3Update role descriptions to include environmental responsibilities
- 4Ensure communication processes empower all staff to contribute
Does your documentation meet this requirement?
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More changes in Clause 5
5.1 — Top management accountability — personal and …5.2 — Environmental policy — broader commitments an…5.1 — Environmental champions and employee engageme…5.3 — Roles, responsibilities and authorities — ass…
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