Experts from around the world met to improve environmental standards.
The ISO Environmental Management Plenary 2025 took place in Toronto from Oct. 25 to Nov. 1. It was co-hosted by the Standards Council of Canada (SCC).
This year’s theme was Innovation. Integration. Impact.
The committee develops standards to support environmental management, climate action, and adaptation. It focuses on helping all types of organizations public, private, large, and small plan and implement net zero strategies effectively.
“This is important because through the work of this committee, we create relevant standard to support environmental management the ISO 14001, to support fighting against climate change, and to create the right measures to adapt ourselves to adjust to this new reality. And why the city of Toronto? Because this is a very vibrant city with a lot of leadership, but also with very specific commitments towards climate change. It’s been committed by this city that by 2040 it will be a net zero city. That is very relevant,” said Sergio Mujica, secretary general with ISO.
The plenary allows open discussion and collaboration. Experts share knowledge and close the gap between standard development and real-world use.
Zakiah Kassam chair of environmental management said “ISO gives countries the tools to implement policies and tackle issues like climate change and pollution. The event also focuses on youth engagement and digital technologies to create practical, science-based solutions for a sustainable future.
ISO’s strategic goal is to address real-world challenges globally. Standards are designed based on the needs of people and communities.
UN reports note 17 per cent of environmental agreements are fully implemented, showing the urgent need for standards, tools, and collaboration.
Standards are only powerful if used. Even the best standards are meaningless without practical implementation. It is important to actively promote the value and importance of applying ISO standards.
Equally important is putting standard users at the center, ensuring they have the tools, guidance, and support to make meaningful changes.
A major challenge is the funding gap. Implementing global standards will require $200-billion next year, but current investment covers only about 25 per cent. More financial support and data-driven planning are needed to make standards work in the real world.
ISO standards cannot be created by a small group of rich countries. Participation from developing countries is essential to make solutions globally relevant and usable.
For more information www.isotc207.org/plenary-2025
