The Standard Revision: What has been achieved so far?

The ResponsibleSteel International Production Standard sets the benchmark for steel sustainability, supporting our mission to be a driving force in the production of responsibly produced steel. At least every five years, ResponsibleSteel reviews the Production Standard to determine whether revision is needed, ensuring it remains relevant and fit for purpose in a changing industry.

We kicked off the review process in October 2024 with a public consultation calling for feedback on the ResponsibleSteel International Production Standard V2.1.1, and, following approval from the ResponsibleSteel Board of Directors, the Secretariat commenced the revision process earlier this year.

Over the course of 2025, the Secretariat conducted topical research and collected background data and information to inform the revision. Through reference group calls, one-on-one meetings, and various other platforms, we engaged with different stakeholder groups to prioritise the topics for revision. This formed the basis for the development of terms of reference for the inclusion of topics in the scope of the standard revision across 2025 and 2026.

Since September, the working groups (WG) and technical advisory groups (TAG) have been continuously meeting to discuss the various topics for revision.

Update on revisions to Principle 10: Climate Change and GHG emissions

One of the topics in Principle 10 (P10) is related to climate transition plans on a corporate and site-level, inclusive of the emission reduction targets, decarbonisation strategy, risk & opportunities assessment, and GHG data for disclosure. 15 members were active in the WG with an almost equal distribution of business and civil society members. As stakeholder engagement continues to finalise the proposal, some of the outcomes with support so far include removing temperature alignment and instead focusing on net zero by 2050 as the long-term corporate-level ambition; adding/modifying definitions of key terminology such as near-term, long-term and portfolio of sites to the glossary and guidance material; and revising the structure of P10 to clarify the requirements.

An upcoming priority revision topic in P10 will be regarding the harmonisation of criteria 10.3 and 10.4 for the measurement of GHG emissions at the site. The intention is to increase the utilisation of ResponsibleSteel’s comprehensive crude steel emissions accounting methodology, thereby driving more transparent and comparable GHG data disclosure across Core Site Certification. In addition to reviewing the harmonisation criteria for steelmakers, the scope of review will especially include considerations for value chain members operating upstream or downstream of the steelmaking site, as well as the review of Annex 5’s default embodied GHG values for imported materials and fuels.

The last P10-related topic is related to high-alloy and stainless steels. Currently, the ResponsibleSteel Decarbonisation Progress Levels (DPLs) account for carbon steels (with <8% alloy inputs). To enable Steel Certification for high alloy and stainless steels, we are in the process of developing specific DPLs for this sub-sector of the steel industry. ResponsibleSteel and SMR Group (Steel & Metals Market Research) have partnered on the development of a stainless steel GHG emissions model at mill level. Recently, the stainless steel emissions model architecture was presented by SMR to the WG for their feedback.

Now, with further robust data and assumptions underpinning the model, it will cover over 80% of global stainless steel production. Subject to funding, next steps include a dynamic material flow analysis assessment and mapping of near-zero stainless steel emissions potential, which will feed into the development of the emissions thresholds.

Update on revisions to social topics: Labour rights and Just Transition

The key areas of focus for Principle 6: Labour Rights relate to the annual leave requirement and policy requirements. The revision was triggered by a stakeholder request to change the Production Standard, followed by further discussion as part of a working group in 2024. Currently, the TAG is discussing the working group’s previous recommendation, evaluating a proposed approach and next steps.

On Just Transition, the working group has been discussing and sharing views on how the concepts should be incorporated into the revision of the Production Standard. These discussions will continue into 2026. The Secretariat is in the process of planning additional meetings in 2026 and is seeking additional members to join the WG to ensure broad perspectives and improved representation.

Get involved

If you are interested in adding your voice to the standard revision in relation to any of the aforementioned topics, or beyond, please get in touch with us here.

Visit our new webpage to find out more about the revision process

We’re also pleased to launch our new webpage for the revision of the Production Standard, where you can now find all information relating to the revision timeline, working groups, topics under revision, and how to get involved.

Visit the Standard Revision webpage here.