A common language of assessment
Certification against the ResponsibleSteel International Production Standard covers the full range of sustainability issues from biodiversity and decarbonisation to labour rights and local communities. It provides a common language of assessment that steel's customers, communities, investors, and workforce can all get behind.
ResponsibleSteel’s certification scheme is designed to drive progress across the industry, beginning with Core Site Certification. And now, steel sites are encouraged to take the next step, Steel Certification, beginning at Progress Level 1 and working towards Progress Level 4: near-zero steel with the highest standards for traceability.
How does it work?
To be certified, steelmaking sites undergo rigorous audits conducted by independent certification bodies recognised by ResponsibleSteel. The audit report is reviewed by ResponsibleSteel and an independent Assurance Panel before a certification decision is taken. Certificates are valid for three years, but certified sites must undergo a surveillance audit around 18 months in, demonstrating progress on any non-conformities identified during the initial audit.
Sites that achieve Core Site Certification are permitted to use ResponsibleSteel’s ‘Certified Site’ mark to promote the achievement while sites that have undergone certification against the Progress Levels can use ResponsibleSteel’s 'Certified Steel' mark to market and sell their products.
Useful resources
Want more information on ResponsibleSteel's Progress Levels or the difference between Steel and Core Site Certification? Download one of our explainers to learn more.
