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ISO 14001 Lead Environmental Auditor

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Gain recognition as a certified environmental auditor through practical, expert-led training.

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Introduction

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ISO 14001:2015 has recently been replaced by ISO 14001:2026 (April 2026). This course is based on ISO 14001:2026 and will address the changes to the standard.
This revision was a moderate evolution of ISO 14001, rather than a fundamental redesign.
Organisations will have three years from the publication of ISO 14001:2026 to transition their environmental management systems to the revised standard.
SQT can provide detailed guidance and training on transition to this new version.

Environmental challenges continue to dominate the global risk landscape. The World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report 2024 identifies environmental issues as four of the top ten most severe risks facing the world over the next decade, including extreme weather events, biodiversity loss and natural resource shortages. These urgent challenges place organisations under increasing pressure to manage environmental risks, drive sustainability and ensure regulatory compliance. 

Implementing and auditing effective Environmental Management Systems (EMS) such as ISO 14001 and/or the associated EU Eco Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) Regulation is essential for those aiming to make a measurable impact and contribute to global sustainability. 

This Lead Environmental Auditor course equips learners with the knowledge, skills and practical tools to plan, conduct and lead audits to the highest international standards. It builds auditing capability in line with ISO 19011:2018 guidelines, enabling learners to make a measurable contribution to sustainability performance and organisational excellence. 

The course should also prepare learners for the role of environmental auditors/assessors of EMS to standards acceptable to third party certification bodies. 

What's covered?

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This five-day course blends technical EMS knowledge with auditing practice. Learners engage in tutor-led sessions, case studies and simulated audit activities to reinforce learning. 

Day 1 

  • Global sustainability challenges and risk context 
  • Introduction to EMS and audit frameworks (ISO 14001, EMAS, ISO 19011) 
  • Environmental aspects, impacts and significance 

Day 2 

  • Air pollution sources 
  • Risk assessment techniques 
  • Environmental legislation (European and Irish) 
  • ISO 14031: Environmental performance indicators 
  • Setting objectives and targets 

Day 3 

  • Emergency preparedness and response 
  • Audit processes and best practice techniques 
  • Internal reviews and certification bodies 
  • Life cycle assessment 

Day 4 

  • Comprehensive audit case study and exercises 
  • Simulated audit role-play exercises 
  • Reporting and reviewing audit findings 
  • Requirements of certification bodies 

Day 5 

  • Closing meetings 
  • Integrated management systems 
  • Course review and written examination 

All content is aligned with ISO 19011:2018 best practice, with the flexibility to tailor In-Company programmes. 

Who should participate?

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This course is ideal for sustainability, environmental and quality professionals who already have a sound understanding of environmental management systems and wish to enhance their auditing expertise. It is particularly suited to those seeking to refresh their knowledge of current environmental issues and best-practice audit methods: 

  • Environmental and Sustainability Managers 
  • Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) Professionals 
  • Quality Assurance and Compliance Auditors 
  • Environmental Consultants and Advisors 

Learners should already be familiar with EMS principles and ISO 14001 requirements. 

What will I learn?

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On successful completion of this course, learners will be able to: 

  • Conduct EMS audits in accordance with ISO 19011:2018 best practices 
  • Identify and assess environmental aspects and impacts 
  • Evaluate environmental objectives, targets and performance indicators 
  • Understand legal and regulatory frameworks relevant to EMS auditing 
  • Compare and distinguish key audit types 
  • Plan, lead and report on environmental audits confidently 
  • Apply sustainability principles in the context of environmental audits 
  • Describe the responsibilities of the auditor, audit team and related stakeholders. 
  • Lead audit teams and collaborate effectively during audit exercises 

This course builds practical auditing capability that supports environmental compliance and sustainability excellence. 

Who are the tutors?

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What are the entry requirements?

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Learners must have prior knowledge of ISO 14001 and EMS terminology. Familiarity with EMAS is also beneficial but not essential. 

  • Knowledge of environmental management principles 
  • Awareness of environmental legislation and concepts 

English Language Competency
A good standard of written and spoken English is important to engage effectively with this programme.

How will I be assessed?

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Learners are assessed through continuous evaluation of their participation and practical exercises throughout the course, along with a formal written examination on the final day. 

  • Continuous assessment includes audit planning, role-play and team exercises 
  • Final written exam on Day 5 (open book) 

How do we train and support you?

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Our training approach is practical, highly interactive and discussion-based, with flexibility to meet organisational needs: 

  • Emphasis on real-world application through practical exercises, case studies and group activities that reinforce key concepts and encourage active participation. 
  • Accredited training aligned to certification standards, with structured assessments and recognised best practices. 
  • Pre-training consultation for In-Company courses to tailor content to organisational needs 
  • Access to comprehensive course material that is regularly reviewed and updated to reflect the latest industry standards and guidance. 
  • Flexible delivery options to suit different needs: 
  • Onsite or live virtual sessions tailored for teams 
  • Scheduled virtual public courses for individual learners 
  • Support through SQT's online learning platform  
  • Real-time support from expert Tutors 

Class sizes are generally limited to 12 participants to support personalized learning and individual support. 

How can you progress?

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Learners can continue their professional development through further training:

  • Advanced EMS auditing and integrated system training 
  • Sustainability Skills Development Courses 

Achieving this qualification is a stepping stone to leading audit functions or progressing within sustainability leadership roles. 

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Course Code
EE010
Duration
5 training days
Public Price
Virtual Training: €1165

(includes course documentation)

Delivery Mode
This programme is delivered by Virtual Training, or In-Company training 
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            [0] => environment-energy-management
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What Our Learner's SayWhat Our Learner's Say


A very good course — clear, structured, and packed with lots of information. The core requirements were covered thoroughly, while supplementary topics were touched on just enough to add context without overwhelming the main focus. The materials were well‑organised, the instructor very knowledgeable, and the practical examples made the content easy to apply. The practical examples were interactive- lots of break out room team activities and role plays (not as painful as it sounds!). Overall, a strong, confidence‑building learning experience.
Oonagh M May 20, 2026
A very useful course which ensured that learning stays well embedded by allowing us to repeatedly practice audit methods - which were all well demonstrated and explained from the conceptual to application level by a knowledgeable tutor.
George D May 20, 2026
Excellent course, very information for multiple different disciplines whether the purpose is to be a lead auditor specifically or whether it would just benefit your own organisation from an environmental management system point of view, or just to help you be more organised in your own management systems.
Laura M May 20, 2026
The teacher is truly outstanding — both personally and technically. An exceptional combination of deep knowledge, passion, and a genuinely inspiring personality.
Merve B October 15, 2025
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ISO 14001 Lead Environmental Auditor

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ISO 14001 Lead Environmental Auditor

Duration: 5 days
Virtual Training: €1,165
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