According to ISO 14001, what must be defined under clause 6?

Under clause 6 of ISO 14001, organizations are required to define their company's environmental aspects and regulations. This clause focuses on the planning aspect of an environmental management system (EMS). Specifically, it emphasizes the need for organizations to identify the environmental impacts that their activities, products, or services may have on the environment.

Identifying environmental aspects enables organizations to prioritize their actions based on potential impacts and compliance obligations. By understanding these aspects, companies can set objectives and targets that align with their environmental policy, leading to improved environmental performance.

Moreover, recognizing regulations applicable to these aspects ensures that the organization remains compliant with legal and other requirements, which is critical for managing environmental risks effectively. Defining environmental aspects is a foundational step that informs subsequent processes outlined in the ISO 14001 standard, such as monitoring and measurement, which are addressed in later clauses, but the emphasis of clause 6 is on establishing a thorough understanding of relevant environmental aspects and compliance.