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
Nominations open for a new ResponsibleSteel Board Director
Who do you see shaping the future of sustainable steel? ResponsibleSteel is inviting nominations from our members for a vacancy on our Board of Directors (Business category).
Our Board plays a pivotal role in guiding ResponsibleSteel’s strategy, ensuring the integrity of our Production Standard, and delivering impact across the global steel value chain. This is a unique opportunity for a representative of one of our 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.
Our multi-stakeholder governance is one of the core strengths of ResponsibleSteel. We welcome nominations from all business members, but we particularly encourage applications from steel customers and materials suppliers. Civil society members are also invited to submit nominations on behalf of our business members.
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.
Building trust in steel: Understanding the ResponsibleSteel certification process
Steel production is one of the most emissions-intensive industries in the world. As the market shifts toward more sustainable, low-emission practices, steelmakers need a reliable way to demonstrate their performance, while steel buyers and investors need confidence in their investment and procurement decisions.
ResponsibleSteel’s independent, multi-stakeholder standard and certification programme sets the benchmark for responsible steel production worldwide. But how does it work in practice?
1. The ResponsibleSteel International Production Standard
Certification is based on the ResponsibleSteel International Production Standard, built on 13 Principles covering the full ESG spectrum from decarbonisation, water and biodiversity to labour rights, community engagement, human rights, and more.
This ensures that sustainability in steel is measured holistically, not just by emissions, giving buyers, investors, and other stakeholders a clear view of a steelmaker’s overall ESG performance.
2. Independent, third-party audits
To achieve certification, a steel site undergoes a rigorous audit by trained, independent auditors from one of ResponsibleSteel’s approved certification bodies.
Auditors assess conformity with the Principles, reviewing documentation, interviewing workers and stakeholders, and visiting the site. This ensures the process is robust, credible, and impartial, giving stakeholders full confidence in the results.
3. Major and minor non-conformities
During the process, auditors may identify opportunities for improvement, as well as non-conformities. These can be either major or minor non-conformities.
A minor non-conformity is typically a one-off or minor issue that doesn’t affect the site's capability to meet the overall objective of the relevant criterion or principle. It might be an isolated incident or something with only a limited impact on the site’s ability to operate responsibly. A site can be certified with minor non-conformities but must take steps to amend these non-conformities and demonstrate improvement during future audits.
A major non-conformity, on the other hand, is a serious issue, meaning that a site is not meeting the overall objectives of the Production Standard. This could be a single major incident or a series of smaller problems that demonstrate a systemic issue. A site with a major non-conformity cannot be certified until the issue has been properly addressed. Should a major non-conformity arise after certification, the certificate could be suspended depending on the severity of the issue.
4. Certification decisions
Audit reports are reviewed by the ResponsibleSteel team and/or an independent Assurance Panel to check whether they meet our reporting expectations and that the certification body/auditors followed the procedures outlined in the ResponsibleSteel Assurance manual.
With experience across steel, social and environmental issues, and auditing and certification, the Assurance Panel provides independent oversight. It plays a vital role in ensuring the rigour of certification decisions made by certification bodies.
Once sites are certified, their certificates are publicly listed on ResponsibleSteel’s website alongside a summary of the audit findings, providing transparency for industry stakeholders.
5. Continuous improvement
Certification is not a one-off achievement. Certificates are valid for three years, during which time sites must undergo a surveillance audit and complete the recertification process to maintain their status. Issues and complaints against the site can also be raised by stakeholders in between audits via ResponsibleSteel’s Issues Resolution Process. Depending on the severity of the problem, a special audit may be conducted by auditors.
Confidence for stakeholders
For steel buyers, investors, and other stakeholders, certification provides assurance that a steelmaker is operating at some of the highest standards in the industry across social and environmental issues. Certification helps to:
- Mitigate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) risks
- Support compliance with regulatory and reporting requirements
- Improve transparency and accountability across the supply chain
Driving progress and future-proofing business
ResponsibleSteel certification is more than a label – it’s a framework to help reduce risk and accelerate change across the value chain. By asking steelmakers about certification, buyers and investors send a clear signal that drives progress towards responsible, low-emission, and near-zero steel.
Learn more about ResponsibleSteel certification here.
Are you a steelmaker? Find out how you can begin the certification journey here.
Are you a steel buyer or investor? Learn more about how Certified Steel can support you here.
September 2025 Newsletter
The September edition of the ResponsibleSteel™ newsletter is here.
India is an essential part of the global journey towards a responsible, low-emissions steel sector. Our recent event in New Delhi, Accelerating Decarbonisation of the Steel Sector in India, marked an important milestone in our work in the region. The discussions and insights shared were invaluable, and we thank all who contributed.
We are also calling for nominations for a Board Director in the Business category, an important opportunity to help shape ResponsibleSteel’s future direction.
In this month’s newsletter, you can read about:
- Highlights from our New Delhi event
- A call for Board Director nominations
- Welcoming Instant Steel Solutions as a new member
- A member blog from Karmanterra on biocarbon in steelmaking
- Updates on the ResponsibleSteel Standard revision
- Reflections from our latest Just Transition webinar
…and more.
Read the full newsletter here.
