Which aspect is emphasized by ISO 14001:2015 in environmental management?

ISO 14001:2015 emphasizes the integration of environmental management into an organization's strategic planning processes. This standard encourages organizations to adopt a proactive approach to environmental challenges by considering environmental factors as part of their overall business decisions and strategies. By embedding environmental considerations into their core activities, organizations can ensure that their operations are sustainable and aligned with their wider objectives, fostering a culture of continuous improvement towards environmental performance.

This strategic approach also facilitates the identification of risks and opportunities related to environmental impacts early in the planning process, leading to more informed decision-making and resource allocation. Consequently, it encourages organizations to take a more holistic view of their impact on the environment, rather than merely reacting to issues as they arise.

The other options, although relevant to environmental management, do not represent the core emphasis of ISO 14001:2015. For instance, simply focusing on reactive measures would not align with the standard's proactive and integrated approach. Similarly, a focus on minimizing regulatory requirements does not support the goal of continuous improvement in environmental performance. Establishing a centralized control department may create silos instead of promoting an integrated organizational culture where all levels understand and engage with environmental management practices.