ResponsibleSteel and HILT CRC Convene Experts in London to Advance Low-Emission Steel Standards Interoperability
ResponsibleSteel and HILT CRC Convene Experts in London to Advance Low-Emission Steel Standards Interoperability
ResponsibleSteel and HILT CRC Convene Experts in London to Advance Low-Emission Steel Standards Interoperability
ResponsibleSteel and the Heavy Industry Low-carbon Transition Cooperative Research Centre (HILT CRC) brought together industry leaders, standards organisations, policymakers, researchers and civil society representatives for the London Interoperability Roundtable on 7 September at the Australia High Commission in London. The discussion focused on one of the most important challenges facing emerging low-emission steel markets: how different climate and steel standards can work together effectively across jurisdictions.
The roundtable explored how greater interoperability between standards can help reduce complexity, improve comparability and support the development of global markets for low-emission steel. Discussions drew on ResponsibleSteel's ongoing partnerships with the China Iron and Steel Association (CISA) and the Low Emission Steel Standard (LESS), whose combined memberships represent the majority of global steel production.
Opening remarks were provided by Hon Jay Weatherill AO, Australian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, and the programme featured perspectives from Jiang Wei, Secretary General, China Iron and Steel Association (CISA); Dale Seymour, Independent Board Director, ResponsibleSteel; Åsa Ekdahl, Director of Climate Advocacy, worldsteel; Associate Professor Emma Aisbett, Australian National University; Jenny Selway, CEO, HILT CRC; Amy Jackson, Director of Programmes, ResponsibleSteel; Carmen Oswald, Secretary General, Low Emission Steel Standard (LESS); Feng Chao, Deputy Secretary General, CISA and Simon Sharpe, S-Curve Economics. The roundtable was chaired by Annie Heaton, CEO, ResponsibleSteel, and inspired contributions from around the table.
Participants highlighted the growing need for alignment in emissions accounting, measurement and assurance approaches, while recognising that policy thresholds and market requirements may continue to vary between regions.
By the close of the meeting, there was strong agreement that the conversation has evolved beyond whether interoperability is needed to how it can be implemented in practice. Participants identified two key priorities for future collaboration: developing common approaches to emissions accounting and verification, and building greater international alignment around claims, thresholds and definitions of low-emission steel.
The event forms part of ResponsibleSteel's wider work to support credible, transparent and internationally connected markets for responsibly produced, low-emission steel.
