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 aims to align with the ISEAL Codes of Good Practice. 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 150 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, producing over 130 million tonnes of steel annually.
Over 230,000 workers are covered by ResponsibleSteel site certification.
Around 40% of ResponsibleSteel certified sites producing crude steel use 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
ResponsibleSteel recognises the Copper Mark as an input material programme for Progress Levels 1 to 3 of the International Production Standard
The steel sector relies heavily on mined and processed minerals as an input to production processes. To help ensure that steel companies can increasingly source minerals from responsible suppliers, ResponsibleSteel recognises input material programmes that are well placed to credibly verify the ESG performance of suppliers.
The Copper Mark is the leading assurance framework for the responsible production of Copper, Molybdenum, Nickel, and Zinc, with the latter three being important contributors to the steel value chain.
The Copper Mark submitted a self-assessment of their Risk Readiness Assessment (RRA 3.0) in December 2023 for recognition against the ResponsibleSteel International Production Standard. Following a public consultation and additional improvements, the Copper Mark is now a recognised programme for Progress Levels 1, 2 and 3 of Principle 3’s responsible sourcing requirements. It is the fourth programme to achieve recognition by ResponsibleSteel.
Annie Heaton, CEO of ResponsibleSteel commented, “A product’s sustainability goes far beyond the boundary of the site where it is produced. It’s imperative not only that steelmakers are operating responsibly but that they are also able to source input materials responsibly. That means seeking credible verification that the metals and ores they are buying come from mines subject to the same principles as they demonstrate with ResponsibleSteel. Recognising the Copper Mark as the fourth input programme under Principle 3 of our Production Standard will go a long way in supporting steelmakers looking to source zinc, molybdenum and nickel from suppliers complying with rigorous ESG standards, and we’re delighted to welcome them into the ResponsibleSteel ecosystem.”
“We welcome this recognition as it will help buyers of zinc, molybdenum and nickel materials on the journey towards Certified Steel. It marks another step in making the standards and assurance landscape collaborative and supporting continuous improvement across the supply chain”, said Michèle Brülhart, Executive Director at the Copper Mark.
Find out more about the Copper Mark here or learn more about ResponsibleSteel’s recognition process here.
October 2024 Newsletter
It's been another busy month for ResponsibleSteel! The consultation on the Production Standard is still open - and we really encourage anyone who has any feedback on this important document to take part. Our latest opinion piece with Reuters explored the crucial role of credible certification in the steel industry’s journey to responsible net zero. Dr Alli Devlin, our Senior Decarbonisation Advisor, represented us at the ICDA ESG Technical Summit in Brussels, where she shared some valuable insights on decarbonisation.
We are also happy to welcome four new members to ResponsibleSteel representing a diverse set of interests. Looking ahead, we are calling on members to join a working group on our approach to science-based target setting, and will also be working on a membership survey and interviews in the coming weeks.
In this month's newsletter, you will find key updates including:
- Our newest members
- Upcoming trainings
- Opportunities to join the team and get involved in our work
- And more!
Click here to view ResponsibleSteel's October 2024 newsletter.
Updates to the 2025 membership fee structure
ResponsibleSteel recently updated our membership fee structure to allow for a fairer reflection of company size and ensure our administrative costs are covered.
These changes were approved by the ResponsibleSteel Board of Directors in September 2024 and will take effect on January 1st, 2025
Key changes to the 2025 membership fees:
1. Revised fees for smaller members: To cover the administrative costs of collecting our membership fees, we have made revisions to the lower tier fees.
2. Introduction of new revenue tier: The lower end of the current fee structure has a steep jump-up in fees. As a result, we will introduce an additional revenue tier (from $1m to $10m).
3. ‘Non-profit’ category changes to ‘Civil Society’: The ‘Non-profit’ classification will be renamed as ‘Civil Society’ to better reflect our membership categories. Civil society membership will continue to be free of charge.
4. Trade Associations: From 2025, trade associations will be charged fees as per other Associate members, regardless of non-profit status, in keeping with other membership associations in our industry.
Members will see these changes reflected in their 2025 membership invoices that will be issued towards the end of the year. We believe these updates will ensure continued inclusivity while maintaining the financial sustainability of our programme.
View a full breakdown of ResponsibleSteel's 2025 membership fees here.