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 standard 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 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
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ResponsibleSteel publishes first-ever Annual Progress Report
Over the last eight years, ResponsibleSteel has gone from strength to strength. During that time, ResponsibleSteel has built up a thriving community of over 150 members and created the first-ever International Standard to drive the responsible production of net-zero steel, globally.
We’re driving industry progress
We now have certified sites in 14 countries employing over 220,000 workers and producing over 120 million tonnes of steel. In this first annual Progress Report, we take stock of the enormous strides ResponsibleSteel and our members have made to deliver on our shared mission and celebrate our collective achievements.
We also look forward as we build momentum toward some exciting announcements coming up this year. Version 2.1 of the ResponsibleSteel International Standard will be published this month and a new Downstream Chain of Custody Standard later this year. Most significantly, we expect the first steelmaking sites to achieve ResponsibleSteel certified steel this year, a global first for the industry.
We’re recognised globally
ResponsibleSteel continues to be recognised as a leader amongst sustainability initiatives, most notably by the IEA in their second report to the G7 on ‘Emissions Measurement and Data Collection for a Net Zero Steel Industry’ and more recently, Lead the Charge in their ‘Assessment of Third-Party Assurance and Accreditation Schemes in the Minerals, Steel and Aluminium Sectors’. And as more initiatives focusing on steel sustainability emerge, we’re playing a critical role in convening the sector and driving industry alignment to accelerate a net-zero future.
Come with us
This is only the beginning. We have a long journey ahead of us, but with the support of our members and stakeholders, we will continue to work to drive industry progress.
Read our full 2024 Progress Report here.
BlueScope Vietnam earns first ResponsibleSteel certification in Southeast Asia
The NS BlueScope Vietnam Phu My site is the company’s third site certification following BlueScope Port Kembla in 2022 and Western Port last year.
The site began construction in 2002 and opened its doors two years later in 2004. At the time, it was the first metal coating line in Vietnam to apply zinc and aluminium technology to its products. Now, the site produces 187,000 tons of coated and uncoated cold-rolled coil annually and employs over 200 workers and contractors.
Annie Heaton, CEO of ResponsibleSteel commented, “What singles the certification of BlueScope Vietnam out is that it is the first certification in the country, the first in Southeast Asia. This demonstrates real leadership.”
Obtaining ResponsibleSteel site certification is the latest step in NS BlueScope Vietnam’s broader plan to implement responsible practices and urge its partners and suppliers to do likewise in order to build a more sustainable steel community. In 2022, NS BlueScope Vietnam was also the first coated steel manufacturer in Vietnam to earn the Singapore Green Building Council’s ‘Green Label’ certification.
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Mr. Vo Minh Nhut, President of NS BlueScope Vietnam, stated, “This is a proud milestone in our sustainable development journey aligned with NS BlueScope's ESG standards, further affirming that we are not only a technology leader in the pre-painted steel industry but also a pioneering business in ESG practices. We sincerely appreciate the support and companionship of our esteemed partners during this time, which has motivated us to continue growing and increasingly contribute towards building a sustainable and thriving business community.”
Extensive interviews with the site’s workers also emphasised the site’s focus on risk management, health and safety, and employee engagement including issue resolution and grievance, feedback and support mechanisms, training and development opportunities, reward and recognition mechanisms, and support with flexible working arrangements. Notably, at the time of the audit, 41% of the site’s workers and contractors were female and the importance placed on promoting diversity and fostering an inclusive workplace was clear.
The BSI audit team commended the site’s commitment to becoming ResponsibleSteel certified, noting the effort made to align with the ResponsibleSteel International Standard including expanding and revising some of the site’s existing policies and procedures. The auditors particularly highlighted the strength of the site’s water stewardship and stakeholder engagement programmes. NS BlueScope Vietnam has also set a target to reduce GHG emissions (scope 1 and 2) by 30% by 2030 against a 2018 baseline.
Click here to view BlueScope Vietnam's certificate and audit summary.
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April 2024 Newsletter
This month has been busy for our certification programme. SIJ earned the first certification in Slovenia and three years on from the first certifications back in 2021, sites are now beginning to undergo re-certification against the Standard. And we have a lot more coming up in May, kicking off with a joint webinar with SteelZero and culminating in our AGM and the launch of Version 2.1 of the Standard.
In this newsletter, you will find updates on:
- Standards developments
- New certifications
- Upcoming audits and events
- Public consultation reminder
Click here to view ResponsibleSteel's April 2024 newsletter.
