Requirement 5.2 of ISO 14001:2015 standard specifies the requirements for developing and communicating an environmental policy. The environmental policy is a statement that outlines an organization's commitments and intentions regarding its environmental performance. It is a key document that sets the direction for the organization's environmental management system (EMS).
 
The environmental policy must be:
 
Documented: The environmental policy should be documented and communicated to all relevant stakeholders, including employees, suppliers, customers, and the public.
 
Aligned with the organization's strategic direction: The environmental policy should be consistent with the organization's overall mission, vision, values, and goals.
 
Relevant to the organization: The environmental policy should address the significant environmental aspects and impacts of the organization's activities, products, and services.
 
Committed to continual improvement: The environmental policy should include a commitment to continually improving the organization's environmental performance, including pollution prevention, resource conservation, and sustainable practices.
 
Committed to compliance: The environmental policy should include a commitment to comply with applicable environmental laws, regulations, and other requirements.
Available to the public: The environmental policy should be available to the public upon request.
 
The environmental policy should be reviewed and updated periodically to ensure its continued relevance and effectiveness. The top management of the organization should ensure that the environmental policy is communicated to all employees and stakeholders and that it is understood and implemented throughout the organization.