We’re shaping a more responsible steel industry.
We have the opportunity to do things differently
ResponsibleSteel is a global, not-for-profit organisation created to maximise steel’s contribution to a sustainable world. Working collaboratively with our members, we have developed an independent standards and certification programme for steel via a process that uses the ISEAL Codes of Good Practice as a reference. Together, we are setting the global standard for responsibly produced net-zero steel.
We’re at a pivotal moment in the steel industry
According to ResponsibleSteel's calculations using data from RMI and the International Energy Agency (IEA), the steelmaking process, from the extraction of raw materials to the production of steel, accounts for 10% of global GHG emissions. We face a collective challenge to transform the industry, reducing global emissions while ensuring a just transition for workers and local communities.
We have over 160 members working to deliver on our mission to drive responsible steel production.
According to the IEA's Net Zero Emissions Scenario, we need to reduce steel industry emissions by at least 90% by 2050, compared to 2022.
We have over 80 ResponsibleSteel certified sites globally.
Over 230,000 workers are covered by ResponsibleSteel certification.
Over 30% of furnaces covered by ResponsibleSteel certification are EAFs.
This is the future of steel
Our members are at the heart of our work
ResponsibleSteel’s membership consists of representatives from across the steel value chain, including businesses, NGOs, trade associations, and other organisations with an interest in our mission. This means our standards are uniquely shaped by multiple perspectives, and their adoption requires the support of both business and civil society members. We encourage organisations globally to join us to create lasting impact for people and the planet.
Certified sites around the world
Latest news & events
October 2025 Newsletter
ResponsibleSteel has had a busy month, with important progress across our standards, policy, and membership activities. Earlier this month, ResponsibleSteel convened steelmakers, customers, NGOs, EU policymakers, standards bodies, and auditors in Brussels to exchange perspectives on how to accelerate low-emission steel production and strengthen responsible practices across the sector. The discussions were highly constructive and will inform our forthcoming policy paper – thank you to all who took part.
A reminder that nominations are still open for a Business Board Director, offering our members the chance to play an active role in shaping ResponsibleSteel’s strategic direction and ensuring diverse perspectives are represented.
In this month’s newsletter, you’ll find:
• Insights from our Brussels policy convening
• Details on the open Business Board Director position and how to nominate
• Updates on the ResponsibleSteel Standard Revision
• A new blog explaining the certification process
• A call for member-authored blogs
• A warm welcome to PDI Tanzania, our newest member
• An opinion piece by Policy Advisor Yana Popkostova on the role of standards in the green transition
…and more.
Read the full newsletter here.
Update on the Standard Revision
Since the launch of the first Standard in 2019, ResponsibleSteel has established itself as a leader in steel sustainability. As the global industry landscape continues to evolve, driven by shifting regulations and reporting requirements, technological innovation, and a growing need to address social and climate issues, the Production Standard must also evolve.
In 2024, ResponsibleSteel began the standard revision process for the ResponsibleSteel International Production Standard (V2.1.1) in accordance with ResponsibleSteel’s Standards Development Procedures. So far, discussions have commenced on aspects of Principle 10: Climate Change and GHG Emissions, Principle 6: Labour Rights, and Just Transition. The revision will also incorporate urgent revisions and provisional interpretations.
The most recent working group meeting on Principle 10 was held on 21 October, followed by a Technical Advisory Group (TAG) meeting a week later. Discussions focused on corporate alignment with the Paris Agreement and corporate-level climate transition plans (10.1), corporate climate-related financial disclosure (10.2), site-level GHG emissions reduction targets and planning (10.5) and GHG emissions disclosure and reporting (10.7). A survey was also recently sent to ResponsibleSteel business members to collect data on how they currently measure and disclose climate-related information to inform the discussions.
In the coming weeks, the Secretariat will consolidate the outcomes from these meetings into a proposal for changes to the Production Standard to be reviewed by the working group and TAG.
The Just Transition working group has been exploring the drivers for inclusion and is considering whether integration of this topic into the Production Standard (as part of Principle 4) is appropriate. The TAG for social topics has also begun reviewing the outcomes of last year's working group on annual leave (related to Principle 6).
Take a look at a few of our key resources to find out more about the revision process:
ResponsibleSteel members are invited to join working group meetings, even if they haven’t participated previously. Meeting minutes and presentations from previous discussions can be found under Resources.
We are always seeking broader engagement, particularly from those with experience/expertise surrounding social topics. By contributing to the revision process, members have a unique opportunity to contribute to a global standard that is shaping the future of the industry, not just for steelmakers, but for the entire value chain.
If you would like to be involved or have any questions, please contact standards@responsiblesteel.org. Stay tuned for further standard development updates on our Standards Development page.
Nominations open for a new ResponsibleSteel Board Director
Who do you see shaping the future of sustainable steel? ResponsibleSteel is currently seeking nominations from our members for a position on our Board of Directors in the Business category.
The Board plays a vital role in ensuring ResponsibleSteel delivers impact, maintains the integrity of our Production Standard, and serves the needs of our global membership. This is a valuable opportunity for a representative of one of ResponsibleSteel’s business members to contribute to the strategic leadership of our organisation and help shape the future of the steel industry.
Our Board brings together expertise from across the steel industry, environmental and social issues, governance, and standard-setting, and upholds best practice in multi-stakeholder decision-making. It is composed of four Business, four Civil Society, and three Independent Directors. Key decisions on our standards and assurance programme, finances, policies, and procedures are made by our Board of Directors.
We strongly encourage nominations not only from steel-making companies, but our multi-stakeholder governance is one of the core strengths of ResponsibleSteel. All ResponsibleSteel members (including Associates and Civil Society Members) are invited to submit nominations, provided the nominee would sit within the Business Membership category. We particularly encourage nominations of representatives from steel customers and materials suppliers.
Take a look at the candidate pack, role description, and nomination form below to find out more about the position and to nominate a representative:
We look forward to receiving your nominations!
The deadline for nominations is Friday, 7th November 23:59 GMT.
