A landmark year for ResponsibleSteel: Reflections from our CEO
Dear Members, Partners and Friends,
Just under a decade ago, ResponsibleSteel began with a bold vision: to unite the steel industry around a shared commitment to sustainability. As we stand on the threshold of our tenth year, that vision matters more than ever.
You, our members, have championed ResponsibleSteel and its evolution over the years, and driven real progress across the steel industry. I thank you for your continued commitment, even amid complex global challenges.
Mounting pressure to stay competitive while delivering on climate commitments underscores why credible, coherent standards and collaboration across the steel value chain must remain a priority. They are essential to ensure that policy, finance and demand side dynamics shape the future of the industry in a fair and effective way.
Leading the way: Thought leadership and interoperability
This year, ResponsibleSteel took a decisive step forward in shaping the future of low-emission steel. Our leading work on interoperability moved from concept to reality, sending powerful signals to governments, markets, civil society, and investors that global alignment on steel decarbonisation is not only possible, but already underway.
At COP30, we announced landmark agreements with the China Iron and Steel Association (CISA) and the Low Emission Steel Standard (LESS), to develop conversion tools for stakeholders to claim equivalency of their decarbonisation progress under the different schemes. Together, membership of the three organisations represents around 60% of the world’s steel production.
These agreements show that pragmatic, plurilateral solutions can deliver real progress, even when global consensus is challenging. By enabling comparability across standards, these agreements provide a foundation for trade, procurement and investment in cleaner steel. It has clearly bolstered stakeholders’ resolve to build further solutions for the transition to low-emission steel.
In a further significant announcement in December, ResponsibleSteel worked with CARES, CISA, GSCC, LESS, RMI and Worldsteel to jointly commit to the Steel Standards Principles (SSPs) Transparency Criteria for GHG reporting. These criteria outline the key measurement rules behind any carbon intensity disclosure, and their disclosure will enable stakeholders to understand the data they are given and drive standards initiatives closer to achieving clarity, transparency and interoperability. These milestones towards comparable, transparent emissions reporting build on the technical groundwork we have laid, including the publication of our Fundamentals for GHG Emissions Accounting and Classification and verified greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions data from ResponsibleSteel Certified Sites.
They represent important steps towards transparent and consistent emissions accounting and data disclosure across the steel industry and mark a real turning point in how standards can support action at scale.
Policy: Engaging government and policymakers to support the transition
Policy is undeniably one of the most powerful levers for driving sustainability, which is why policy engagement has been another cornerstone of our work in 2025.
We began by publishing The Steel Decarbonisation Scale, a joint policy briefing with LESS, urging European policymakers to adopt a realistic approach to steel decarbonisation - recognising scrap supply limits and incentivising genuine emissions reductions across all production routes.
We convened stakeholders in Brussels and Delhi to explore how standards can inform policy mechanisms such as lead market labels, carbon pricing schemes, including cross-border mechanisms, green procurement frameworks and national decarbonisation pathways. I want to thank all our contributors; your insights will shape our global policy paper, which will be published in early 2026.
Progress on our programmes: Standards, certification and member impact
Despite setbacks to wider industry progress, ResponsibleSteel has strengthened its role as the leading global standard for responsible steelmaking. Our Standard Revision process is well underway, ensuring the ResponsibleSteel International Production Standard remains effective, relevant and fit for purpose. Alongside this, our Just Transition project continues to explore how standards can support a fair and inclusive shift to low-emission practices across steel and mining.
Certification remains at the heart of our mission, allowing steelmakers to demonstrate measurable progress across key social and environmental issues. In 2025, major certification milestones included thyssenkrupp Steel’s Duisburg site, the largest in Europe, and EMSTEEL, the first site in the MENA region, bringing the total to 90 Core Site Certifications covering 142.436 Mtpa capacity.
Certifications and recertifications this year spanned eight countries and five regions: Europe, South America, Oceania, Asia and the Middle East. Over 80% of sites due for renewal chose to recertify, with additional recertifications already underway for next year. These certifications prove that, even in a complex global environment, organisations continue to step up in order to build a more responsible steel value chain.
Another compelling example of the practical progress certified steelmakers are making is our case study with SIJ Group, whose SIJ Acroni and SIJ Metal Ravne sites achieved ResponsibleSteel Core Site Certification in 2024. SIJ outlines why they undertook certification and how it has enhanced their credibility within the market and laid the foundation for continuous improvement across their operations.
Finance and demand: Driving investment and the right market signals
The key to the success of any certification scheme is the value it delivers to the certificate holder. Our Certified Steel Campaign helped demonstrate the credibility of ResponsibleSteel certification to investors and customer networks, showing how it can support procurement and investment decisions, mitigate supply chain risk, and strengthen their market position. By engaging finance, automotive, construction, infrastructure, and beyond, we worked to drive stronger market signals for Certified Steel and showcase the progress certified steelmakers are making towards responsible, near-zero steel.
We have convened lenders and investors both in New York in May and via our online Finance Working Group, bringing together finance sector representatives with steelmakers and civil society to explore how certification can inform investment decisions and be seen as an indicator of risk readiness.
With steel company testimonies, these sessions highlighted the benefits of ResponsibleSteel certification and prompted discussion of how credible standards can mobilise capital toward low-emission steel.
Moving forward: Accelerating the responsible steel transition
The urgency of our mission cannot be overstated. Scientists now expect the world to reach 1.5°C warming by 2030, not 2050. There is growing recognition that credible, transparent, comparable standards must sit at the heart of policy, finance and demand mechanisms if we are to deliver real progress on climate and social issues affecting workers and their communities.
ResponsibleSteel will continue to lead this work, but success depends on all of you, steelmakers, buyers, material suppliers, civil society, investors, and policymakers, working together to urge and support steelmakers to use the ResponsibleSteel system as their reference.
In the upcoming year, we will revise our strategy and focus on our Value Activation Plan, including revisions to our Claims guidance to enable greater market access for those actively driving responsible, low-emission practices. Our goal is to ensure that you, our members and supporters, clearly see the value of your continued commitment to ResponsibleSteel and the tangible impacts we are having across the sector.
Thank you once again for your contribution and dedication throughout this year.
With best wishes for the year ahead,
Annie Heaton
CEO, ResponsibleSteel
Shaping India’s steel transition: Reflections from ResponsibleSteel’s Policy Convening in Delhi
As India’s steel industry navigates the twin imperatives of growth and sustainability, ResponsibleSteel hosted a policy convening in Delhi earlier this year to explore pathways for steel decarbonisation in India.
Held under the theme “Decarbonisation of India’s steel sector: Dynamics of the energy transition and the role of standards,” the event brought together leaders from government, industry, and civil society to discuss how credible standards, collaboration, and innovation can accelerate India’s transition to low-emission steel. Participants included Tata Steel, JSW Steel, Tata Motors, the Indian Steel Association, WWF, Climate Group, and the Council on Energy, Environment and Water, as well as representatives from the Hydrogen Mission India, the Ministry of Cooperation and the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.
The convening was opened by the Hon’ble Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Shri Shripad Yesso Naik, whose keynote address framed the energy transition as both an environmental necessity and a moral responsibility. Reaffirming India’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, he described the transition as “a gift we must leave behind—a legacy of ethical industry.”
He encouraged India’s industry to lead through innovation, highlighting green hydrogen as the cornerstone of the transformation and urging investment in carbon capture, smart furnaces, and Direct Reduced Iron (DRI).
Industry perspectives: Progress and challenges
Senior industry leaders shared insights on their progress, highlighting several areas of development:
- Hydrogen-based pilots are underway with positive results, marking a shift in the future of steel production in India.
- There is increasing integration of renewable energy into steel operations, particularly solar and wind, enabling greater energy autonomy.
- A growing focus on circularity and scrap-based production is emerging to reduce lifecycle emissions.
At the same time, industry participants acknowledged significant barriers to the transition, above all, the high cost of green hydrogen, limited access to clean energy, land availability and grid challenges, and gaps in hydrogen infrastructure.
Policy, incentives, and the role of standards
Discussions also touched upon a clear, globally aligned national framework to support policy, finance, and trade. Shivakumar K., ResponsibleSteel’s Director of Development and Innovation, emphasised the role standards can play as strategic tools that build trust, guide policy and investment, and support industry transformation. By adopting, integrating, or aligning with international standards, national policy frameworks can demonstrate leadership and maintain competitiveness in the global market.
Clear priorities emerged in the discussions, including the need to:
- Ensure interoperability between India’s taxonomy and international standards and policy mechanisms to support trade and global compliance.
- Establish robust certification frameworks to build investor confidence.
- Embed standards within policy narratives linking industry decarbonisation with employment, equity, and regional development.
The convening also discussed policy incentives to accelerate the transition, with representatives from MNRE highlighting ongoing initiatives such as the National Green Hydrogen Mission, which plans to allocate ₹19,744 crore (around $2.2 million) to produce five million tonnes of green hydrogen by 2030.
However, participants stressed that more targeted support is needed, such as tax credits to encourage early adoption of low-carbon technologies.
Toward a responsible, low-emission future
The Delhi convening reaffirmed the growing momentum behind India’s steel transition. It also underscored the essential role of international standards in shaping national policy frameworks and unlocking sustainable finance.
ResponsibleSteel’s engagement with industry stakeholders in India will continue to build on the momentum created in Delhi, laying the groundwork for a responsible, near-zero industry, built on cross-border collaboration.
Learn more about the ResponsibleSteel International Production Standard.
Certification as a catalyst: ResponsibleSteel leads EU dialogue on industrial transformation
Earlier this year, ResponsibleSteel brought together senior representatives from European government institutions, industry, standards bodies, civil society, and finance for a high-level policy roundtable in Brussels to discuss certification as a catalyst for industrial decarbonisation.
Europe is entering a decisive phase of industrial and climate policymaking. With the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS), Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), and a forthcoming low-carbon steel label, the stakes are high.
The challenge is clear: how can independent, voluntary certification accelerate the transformation of Europe’s steel industry? And just as importantly, how do we ensure these standards work seamlessly with government policies and regulations, aligning climate ambition, safeguarding competitiveness, and building trust across the value chain?
Three key takeaways
Three priorities stood out during the Brussels discussions:
1. Achieving coherence and interoperability
Aligning the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS), Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), and product labels is critical to avoid policy fragmentation. This ensures that climate performance and market access work hand in hand, rather than pulling in different directions.
2. Building trust through robust assurance and traceability
Strong assurance systems are essential to give businesses and consumers confidence in sustainability data. This helps prevent greenwashing and ensures that claims about low-carbon steel are credible and transparent.
3. Embedding integrity beyond carbon
Europe’s industrial transformation must go further than emissions. It should integrate environmental and social responsibility—from labour rights and biodiversity protection to circularity and resource efficiency—creating a truly sustainable steel sector.
A call for coherence and clarity
The outcome of the discussions was clear. As one participant observed, "Europe doesn't need more bureaucracy—it needs coherence, trust, and credible evidence." This means having a trusted data backbone linking policy instruments rather than multiplying accounting systems. Global certification and assurance frameworks like ResponsibleSteel can provide that backbone, reducing complexity and ensuring comparability across borders.
Recent EU policy developments, such as the expected steel trade defence measure, are prime examples of how trade and climate instruments must evolve coherently. Europe’s policy architecture must be designed to reward verified low-emission steel, ensuring that trade and climate policy pull in the same direction. Certification can serve as the "connective tissue" of industrial policy, translating ambition into verifiable data and helping policymakers and businesses meet the integrity test of Europe's Green Deal.
Going beyond carbon
Another key point made was that Europe must progressively move beyond carbon-only metrics towards integrating environmental and social integrity more broadly. Climate metrics alone aren’t enough. ResponsibleSteel remains the only globally recognised standard that integrates emissions, labour, biodiversity, and governance into one assurance model. A holistic approach ensures Europe’s industrial transition is not just green, but fair.
Certification: Turning intent into impact
"Certification is no longer a technical afterthought—it's what turns climate intent into credible, measurable impact," said ResponsibleSteel CEO Annie Heaton. "The roundtable confirmed that credible, interoperable standards are now essential for Europe’s industrial transition. ResponsibleSteel's agreement with the Brussels-based Low Emission Steel Standard (LESS), announced at COP30, was a major milestone on the road to greater alignment.”
With new trade-defence measures on the horizon, ResponsibleSteel will continue working with policymakers, industry, and civil society to make certification a cornerstone of Europe’s climate-industrial architecture.
Because only when integrity and ambition move together—through coherence, credibility, and verified performance—can Europe’s industrial transition truly succeed.
Public Statement: The EU Label for Steel Should Build on the Sliding Scale Approach
As announced in the Clean Industrial Deal, the European Commission is expected to put forward an EU label for steel on 10 December as part of the Industrial Accelerator Act. This label aims to incentivise and reward investments in the decarbonisation of steel production. To succeed, the EU must establish a clear, credible, and uniform framework that incentivises genuine and additional greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions across all production routes while preserving industrial competitiveness. The concept of the ‘Sliding Scale’, also known as ‘Steel Decarbonisation Scale‘, initially proposed by the International Energy Agency (IEA) and adopted by ResponsibleSteel, LESS, and CISA, offers a robust, technology-neutral, and globally inclusive approach which aligns with the WTO TBT Principles. This paper argues for the adoption of the Sliding Scale as the basis for the European Label for Steel, ensuring a fair and effective transition of the steel industry to near-zero emissions steel.
The Sliding Scale: A Fair and Effective Framework for Europe
The Sliding Scale evaluates steel production based on both GHG intensity and the share of scrap used. This dual approach ensures that decarbonisation progress is recognised and rewarded, independently of the production route or scrap input.
By contrast, a purely footprint-based approach fails to guide the industry toward near-zero emissions. Footprint-based specifications are designed to reduce emissions at the product level, but this won’t lead to global GHG reduction if achieved by higher recycled content alone as doing so would simply shift scrap and emissions from one product, project or region to another (see report “The role of scrap in steel decarbonisation” by the Institution of Structural Engineers and the ”Civil Society Response to GSCC Steel Standard” signed by 12 NGOs which outline this in a compelling way). In other words, a footprint-based approach would merely outsource the decarbonisation of primary production to third countries and make the EU steel industry more vulnerable and less resilient.
Why the Sliding Scale Works
The Sliding Scale encourages all producers, primary (ore-based) and secondary (scrap-based), to decarbonise. For secondary producers using the Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) route, it incentivises measures such as increasing the use of green electricity and decarbonising hot-forming processes. These improvements are less capital-intensive than decarbonising ore-based primary steelmaking, allowing EAF producers to achieve better performance classes faster. This is clearly demonstrated by the first certificates awarded under LESS, where secondary steel routes achieved substantially better classifications than primary steel routes, and by the first steel certification by ResponsibleSteel, which was awarded to an EAF facility with 57% scrap inputs.
The EU label should include upstream scope 3 emissions (raw materials) from the start, thereby ensuring that "near-zero steel" is truly decarbonised across the entire value chain. This prevents carbon leakage and ensures that decarbonisation efforts are not undermined by shifting emissions from one part of the value chain to the other.
The Need for Decarbonised Primary Steel in Europe
Europe cannot rely on scrap-based production alone. The availability of high-quality scrap is limited, and this will become even more of an issue as demand rises. When EAF operators cannot source enough high-quality scrap due to qualitative constraints (e.g. the level of trace elements present), they require primary iron inputs (e.g. direct reduced iron). Consequently, the distinction between primary and secondary steel production will be increasingly blurred going forward. The Sliding Scale approach takes this into account by attributing suitable emission thresholds depending on the scrap content.
If Europe fails to decarbonise its primary steel production, it risks increasing its dependency on imports, which are often from regions with higher average emissions, while undermining its own climate commitments.
A European Label for Steel
In order to increase demand for low-emission steel, Europe needs a Steel Label that provides buyers with clear, comparable and actionable information. The Sliding Scale offers the ideal foundation for such a label:
- It incentivises all producers – primary and secondary – to decarbonise.*
- It preserves Europe's industrial competitiveness by ensuring that primary and secondary steel production decarbonise and remain viable in Europe.
- It supports the EU’s and global climate goals by driving real emissions reductions, not just scrap redistribution.
- It provides transparency on both emissions intensity and scrap share, enabling informed purchasing decisions.
International Perspective
The Sliding Scale approach was developed by IEA when proposing low-carbon steel and cement definitions for policies to support decarbonisation. These principles have since been endorsed and further refined by G7 members and the Climate Club, who affirmed the need for globally harmonised, yet flexible, emissions standards to accelerate industrial decarbonisation.
Building on this foundation, the Sliding Scale was adopted by ResponsibleSteel, the Low Emissions Steel Standard (LESS), and the China Iron and Steel Association (CISA), which together represent around 60% of global steel production. These are all part of the Steel Standard Principles-Initiative, which aims to align steel standards and create transparency in the market. ResponsibleSteel is actively working on interoperability and potential equivalency mechanisms with LESS and CISA to enable efficient low emissions steel markets. This enables public and private buyers to make informed, sustainable procurement decisions based on reliable and comparable data.
Demand-Side Measures and Policy Alignment
A Steel Label is only effective if paired with strong demand-side policies. Europe must actively foster lead markets that position low-emission steel as the standard choice for both public and private procurement. This requires aligning climate and industrial policies to drive demand in key sectors, such as construction, infrastructure, defence, and automotive, where steel plays a critical role. By embedding the Sliding Scale into sector-specific regulations, incentives, and public procurement criteria, Europe can create a stable, predictable market for clean steel, ensuring that its industry remains resilient and future-proof in a decarbonised global economy.
Conclusion: A Strategic Path Forward
The Sliding Scale provides a technology-neutral framework for incentivising genuine GHG emission reductions in steel production. LESS and ResponsibleSteel serve as prime examples of its successful implementation - transparent, operational standards that classifies steel based on emissions intensity and scrap share. Both systems account for upstream scope 3 emissions and are working together to ensure interoperability. By incorporating the Sliding Scale approach into the Industrial Accelerator Act and future steel policies, Europe can establish a coherent, equitable, and efficient framework for transitioning to a climate-neutral steel industry. This will accelerate decarbonisation while safeguarding jobs, strengthening industrial resilience, and upholding climate integrity.
*Includes primary producers (<25% scrap), secondary producers (>70% scrap), and producers which aren't currently classified as either (25-70% scrap).
Download the statement here.
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Nominations open for a new ResponsibleSteel Board Director
Who do you see shaping the future of sustainable steel? ResponsibleSteel is currently seeking nominations from our members for a position on our Board of Directors in the Business category.
The Board plays a vital role in ensuring ResponsibleSteel delivers impact, maintains the integrity of our Production Standard, and serves the needs of our global membership. This is a valuable opportunity for a representative of one of ResponsibleSteel’s business members to contribute to the strategic leadership of our organisation and help shape the future of the steel industry.
Our Board brings together expertise from across the steel industry, environmental and social issues, governance, and standard-setting, and upholds best practice in multi-stakeholder decision-making. It is composed of four Business, four Civil Society, and three Independent Directors. Key decisions on our standards and assurance programme, finances, policies, and procedures are made by our Board of Directors.
We strongly encourage nominations not only from steel-making companies, but our multi-stakeholder governance is one of the core strengths of ResponsibleSteel. All ResponsibleSteel members (including Associates and Civil Society Members) are invited to submit nominations, provided the nominee would sit within the Business Membership category. We particularly encourage nominations of representatives from steel customers and materials suppliers.
Take a look at the candidate pack, role description, and nomination form below to find out more about the position and to nominate a representative:
We look forward to receiving your nominations!
The deadline for nominations is Friday, 7th November 23:59 GMT.
Building trust in steel: Understanding the ResponsibleSteel certification process
Steel production is one of the most emissions-intensive industries in the world. As the market shifts toward more sustainable, low-emission practices, steelmakers need a reliable way to demonstrate their performance, while steel buyers and investors need confidence in their investment and procurement decisions.
ResponsibleSteel’s independent, multi-stakeholder standard and certification programme sets the benchmark for responsible steel production worldwide. But how does it work in practice?
1. The ResponsibleSteel International Production Standard
Certification is based on the ResponsibleSteel International Production Standard, built on 13 Principles covering the full ESG spectrum from decarbonisation, water and biodiversity to labour rights, community engagement, human rights, and more.
This ensures that sustainability in steel is measured holistically, not just by emissions, giving buyers, investors, and other stakeholders a clear view of a steelmaker’s overall ESG performance.
2. Independent, third-party audits
To achieve certification, a steel site undergoes a rigorous audit by trained, independent auditors from one of ResponsibleSteel’s approved certification bodies.
Auditors assess conformity with the Principles, reviewing documentation, interviewing workers and stakeholders, and visiting the site. This ensures the process is robust, credible, and impartial, giving stakeholders full confidence in the results.
3. Major and minor non-conformities
During the process, auditors may identify opportunities for improvement, as well as non-conformities. These can be either major or minor non-conformities.
A minor non-conformity is typically a one-off or minor issue that doesn’t affect the site's capability to meet the overall objective of the relevant criterion or principle. It might be an isolated incident or something with only a limited impact on the site’s ability to operate responsibly. A site can be certified with minor non-conformities but must take steps to amend these non-conformities and demonstrate improvement during future audits.
A major non-conformity, on the other hand, is a serious issue, meaning that a site is not meeting the overall objectives of the Production Standard. This could be a single major incident or a series of smaller problems that demonstrate a systemic issue. A site with a major non-conformity cannot be certified until the issue has been properly addressed. Should a major non-conformity arise after certification, the certificate could be suspended depending on the severity of the issue.
4. Certification decisions
Audit reports are reviewed by the ResponsibleSteel team and/or an independent Assurance Panel to check whether they meet our reporting expectations and that the certification body/auditors followed the procedures outlined in the ResponsibleSteel Assurance manual.
With experience across steel, social and environmental issues, and auditing and certification, the Assurance Panel provides independent oversight. It plays a vital role in ensuring the rigour of certification decisions made by certification bodies.
Once sites are certified, their certificates are publicly listed on ResponsibleSteel’s website alongside a summary of the audit findings, providing transparency for industry stakeholders.
5. Continuous improvement
Certification is not a one-off achievement. Certificates are valid for three years, during which time sites must undergo a surveillance audit and complete the recertification process to maintain their status. Issues and complaints against the site can also be raised by stakeholders in between audits via ResponsibleSteel’s Issues Resolution Process. Depending on the severity of the problem, a special audit may be conducted by auditors.
Confidence for stakeholders
For steel buyers, investors, and other stakeholders, certification provides assurance that a steelmaker is operating at some of the highest standards in the industry across social and environmental issues. Certification helps to:
- Mitigate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) risks
- Support compliance with regulatory and reporting requirements
- Improve transparency and accountability across the supply chain
Driving progress and future-proofing business
ResponsibleSteel certification is more than a label – it’s a framework to help reduce risk and accelerate change across the value chain. By asking steelmakers about certification, buyers and investors send a clear signal that drives progress towards responsible, low-emission, and near-zero steel.
Learn more about ResponsibleSteel certification here.
Are you a steelmaker? Find out how you can begin the certification journey here.
Are you a steel buyer or investor? Learn more about how Certified Steel can support you here.
September 2025 Newsletter
The September edition of the ResponsibleSteel™ newsletter is here.
India is an essential part of the global journey towards a responsible, low-emissions steel sector. Our recent event in New Delhi, Accelerating Decarbonisation of the Steel Sector in India, marked an important milestone in our work in the region. The discussions and insights shared were invaluable, and we thank all who contributed.
We are also calling for nominations for a Board Director in the Business category, an important opportunity to help shape ResponsibleSteel’s future direction.
In this month’s newsletter, you can read about:
- Highlights from our New Delhi event
- A call for Board Director nominations
- Welcoming Instant Steel Solutions as a new member
- A member blog from Karmanterra on biocarbon in steelmaking
- Updates on the ResponsibleSteel Standard revision
- Reflections from our latest Just Transition webinar
…and more.
Read the full newsletter here.
Biocarbon in steelmaking: A natural path to decarbonisation with real challenges - Karmanterra
In this blog, authored by Karmanterra, the opportunities and challenges of using biocarbon in steelmaking are explored. Biocarbon offers a natural pathway to reduce emissions and support compliance under frameworks such as the EU ETS, but scaling its use requires reliable biomass supply chains, investment in infrastructure, and careful technical integration. Drawing on developments in regions like the American Southeast, Karmanterra highlights how nature-based solutions can play an important role in the steel industry’s journey to net zero.
As global pressure mounts on industries to decarbonise, the steel sector, one of the world’s largest industrial carbon emitters, faces growing scrutiny. In Europe, regulatory frameworks like the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) are intensifying incentives for companies to find lower-carbon pathways. One promising solution gaining momentum is biogenic carbon, commonly known as biochar or biocarbon, as a substitute for fossil-based coal and coke in steelmaking.
Why biocarbon?
Biocarbon is produced by pyrolyzing or gasifying biomass such as forestry residues, agricultural waste, or other organic matter in the absence of oxygen. The resulting material is rich in carbon and can replicate many of the properties of coal or coke in metallurgical processes. From an environmental standpoint, the carbon in biocarbon is considered biogenic—originating from recently living organisms—rather than geologic sources like coal that release fossil carbon when burned. This distinction is critical under the EU ETS, where biogenic emissions are generally exempt from compliance costs.
By replacing fossil-based reductants with biocarbon, steelmakers can lower their reported emissions and reduce liabilities under carbon pricing mechanisms. This could transform steel’s traditionally high-carbon footprint into a more circular, nature-aligned process.
The challenges of scaling a nature-based solution
Despite its promise, the integration of biocarbon into steelmaking faces significant challenges. The steel industry consumes tens of millions of tonnes of coal and coke annually. Replacing even a fraction of this with biocarbon requires a consistent, large-scale biomass supply chain, which is both a logistical and environmental hurdle.
Forestry residues, agricultural byproducts, and energy crops may seem abundant, but sourcing sustainable biomass on an industrial scale demands a sophisticated supply chain close to pyrolysis sites to limit logistical costs and carbon emissions. Proximity to rail or ports is also essential for delivery to steel mills.
Pyrolysis facilities capable of producing metallurgical-grade biocarbon are still limited in number and capacity. The capital expenditure required to build out this infrastructure is significant, and without long-term offtake agreements, financing remains difficult.
Technical differences also exist between biocarbon and traditional coke. Biocarbon generally has lower mechanical strength, different combustion characteristics, and higher reactivity, affecting furnace operation, energy efficiency, and product quality. Naturally derived biogenic materials often contain higher levels of trace minerals such as silicone, boron, and phosphorus, which can be particularly challenging for stainless steel production. As a result, integrating biocarbon into blast furnace and EAF operations requires careful adjustment of feedstocks and may not be feasible in all plant configurations and furnace types.
The American Southeast as a supply source
The American Southeast offers ample opportunity for global biocarbon development. Often called the American wood basket, the region is dominated by fast-growing Southern yellow loblolly pine. Timber inventories remain high, notably in Mississippi, Alabama, Virginia, and Arkansas, where sawtimber volumes are projected to rise by about 17% over the next 10 years.
This abundance of resources could provide the steel industry with the capacity and cost structure to scale up biocarbon adoption. We at Karmanterra have received accreditation from the Sustainable Biomass Program (SBP) to verify and account for the sustainable nature of our biomass to meet the needs of the EU ETS and other cap and trade programs.
Regulatory incentives and the path forward
Policy support is strengthening. The EU ETS continues to tighten, making low-carbon alternatives more economically attractive. Several countries now offer subsidies or tax incentives for industrial decarbonisation, improving the investment climate for biocarbon.
Hybrid steelmaking routes—such as direct reduced iron (DRI) using hydrogen—could work alongside biocarbon, creating flexible, multi-pathway decarbonisation strategies.
Still, for biocarbon to become a viable solution, it will require cross-sector collaboration: from biomass suppliers and pyrolysis operators to steel producers and policymakers. It will need investment in infrastructure, standardised quality specifications, and robust sustainability criteria to ensure that biocarbon use doesn’t create new problems.
Conclusion
Biocarbon offers a real opportunity to reduce steelmaking’s climate impact while offering a pathway to regulatory relief under cap-and-trade systems like the EU ETS. Realising this potential will mean overcoming a complex mix of scale, supply, and technical challenges. As industries and governments accelerate toward net zero, nature-based solutions like biocarbon must be embraced—not as silver bullets, but as integral components of a diversified decarbonisation strategy.
Click here to learn more about Karmanterra.
Note: All opinions expressed within guest blogs are of the author alone, and do not reflect the views of ResponsibleSteel. If you are one of our members/partners and would like to submit a guest blog, please read the editorial guidelines on our website for more information.
The future of steel sustainability: In conversation with Philippe Aubron, Head of Global Automotive at ArcelorMittal
Philippe Aubron, ArcelorMittal’s Head of Global Automotive, joined ResponsibleSteel’s Board of Directors earlier this year. We asked him a few questions on the industry’s most promising developments, growing demand for sustainable, low-emission steel, and the value of ResponsibleSteel in supporting the shift towards sustainable practices.
1. You’ve witnessed the steel industry evolve significantly over the past three decades. What do you think are the most important changes shaping the sector today?
Over the past 30 years, the steel industry has undergone a profound transformation. Today, the most significant change is the shift toward sustainability and decarbonisation. This is driven by both regulatory pressure and customer demand, particularly in sectors like automotive. Digitalisation and advanced manufacturing technologies are also reshaping how we produce and use steel, enabling greater efficiency, traceability, and innovation. The industry is no longer just about volume and cost—it’s about value, responsibility, and long-term impact.
2. What role do you see ResponsibleSteel playing in helping the industry deliver on its sustainability commitments?
ResponsibleSteel provides a credible, independent multistakeholder standard that supports transparency and continuous improvement across a broad range of ESG criteria. It helps steelmakers demonstrate responsible practices and gives customers confidence in the sustainability of their supply chains. Importantly, ResponsibleSteel is also working to align with other standards, such as the Low Emission Steel Standard (LESS) and the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance, to ensure interoperability and reduce complexity for producers and customers alike. This harmonisation is essential to building trust and accelerating the transition across the industry.
3. What value does ArcelorMittal see from being part of ResponsibleSteel?
The ResponsibleSteel International Production Standard is not just about emissions—it encompasses over 500 ESG criteria, from biodiversity to human rights. As the industry evolves, ResponsibleSteel will be instrumental in setting credible benchmarks and enabling customers to make informed choices. The Production Standard has been warmly received by all ArcelorMittal sites that have undertaken the certification process, which proved valuable in helping to identify opportunities to further improve ESG practices and performance. It has served to strengthen our management systems, ensuring we continue to embed robust ESG standards across our operations.
4. Where (regionally or technologically) do you see the most promising developments in sustainable steel production emerging?
ArcelorMittal is already producing low carbon emission steel in various locations around the world, although Europe remains a frontrunner due to its regulatory ambition. However, the technological path is complex and requires strong policies to address global steel overcapacity, unfair trade, carbon leakage, clean energy cost and availability, and prioritising scrap for circularity and decarbonisation within the EU. A framework to address these issues and more was set out by the European Commission in its Steel and Metals Action Plan which was published earlier this year. However, what is lacking is speed of implementation—the framework outlined in the Steel and Metals Action Plan needs to be converted into effective legislation. We remain hopeful that this can be achieved as soon as possible.
5. As Head of Global Automotive for ArcelorMittal, how is demand for low-emission and sustainable steel evolving among automotive customers? What are going to be the industry’s biggest challenges in meeting this demand?
Automotive OEMs are increasingly integrating sustainability into procurement, driven by Scope 3 emissions targets and consumer expectations. Demand for low-carbon steel is gradually increasing, but the real challenge lies in scaling supply to meet demand at a competitive cost. While some customers are already securing volumes for upcoming vehicle launches, the majority remain hesitant to absorb the higher cost associated with the 'green premium'—despite clear signals that the shift is underway. The industry must overcome high production and energy costs, limited availability of green inputs, and the need for harmonised standards. Also, more work can be done to increase circularity—for example, scrap steel buybacks—and recycling, and therefore create closed loops.
6. What drew you to join the ResponsibleSteel Board at this moment in the industry’s transition?
This is a pivotal moment for the steel industry. The decisions we make now will shape the sector’s impact on climate, communities, and the economy for decades to come. I joined the ResponsibleSteel Board to help ensure that the transition is ambitious, credible, and inclusive. With my background in automotive and global operations, I hope to bring a practical perspective to the table and help bridge the gap between producers and end-users.
August 2025 Newsletter
This month marks a major milestone: EMSTEEL Group is the first site in the MENA region to achieve ResponsibleSteel™ Certification – a benchmark in a region set to play a vital role in the industry’s transition.
We invite members to share feedback on potential updates to ResponsibleSteel's GHG claims through our survey. Your input will inform the Board’s next meeting, so please make sure your voice is heard.
Our new case study, with SIJ - Slovenian Steel Group, highlights how certification provides a clear sustainability roadmap, delivering benefits such as stronger worker wellbeing and community trust. You can also explore our latest member blog from Maxion Wheels, a Reuters opinion piece from our CEO, Annie Heaton, and our upcoming Just Transition webinar in partnership with Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA).
Finally, we’re delighted to welcome Titan Wind Energy as our newest member and share information on upcoming events and opportunities to get involved.
In this edition, read about:
- EMSTEEL's first certification
- ResponsibleSteel's GHG claims survey
- Our first case study with SIJ Group
- Welcoming our newest member
- Take part in our standard revision
Read our latest newsletter here for more.
ResponsibleSteel: A key pillar of Maxion Wheels’ Responsible Sourcing Policy
At Maxion Wheels, our commitment to sustainability is deeply embedded in our business strategy. As a leading global manufacturer of both aluminum and steel wheels, we understand the critical role we play in the automotive industry and the broader societal impact of our operations. Our annual steel requirement amounts to 800,000 tons, covering our operations across North and South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia.
Scope 3 emissions from the steel we purchase make up the largest share of our total emissions at 56%. Reducing these upstream emissions is strategically important to Maxion Wheels’ goal of becoming a net-zero operation by 2040. To this end, we have entered into future partnership agreements with selected steel manufacturers that offer a green vision and a solid decarbonisation strategy. We actively encourage our steel suppliers to offer more sustainable options, enabling Maxion Wheels to develop solutions that fulfil our customers’ expectations.
Strong industry standards and frameworks help unify the supply chain around shared sustainability values. They also make supply chain sustainability governance more efficient and less resource-intensive. The ResponsibleSteel International Production Standard provides a benchmark on sustainable best business practices for the steel industry, and ResponsibleSteel’s Principles align with our own values as well as the expectations we have of our supplier network.
Our responsible sourcing policy reflects this commitment by awarding credit points to steel suppliers in their annual performance rating, if they are members of ResponsibleSteel. We collaborate with steel manufacturers who are committed to reducing their emissions and implementing closed-loop systems. These manufacturers are not only dedicated to minimising their environmental footprint but also to enhancing the overall sustainability of their operations. By targeting these forward-thinking steel producers, we ensure that our supply chain supports our sustainability goals.
Our ResponsibleSteel membership is a testament to our commitment to sustainability and responsible sourcing. With our holistic supply chain risk management, we continuously monitor and evaluate our suppliers, recognising and rewarding those who excel in responsible practices.
At Maxion Wheels, we are proud to be at the forefront of this important movement, leading the way towards a sustainable, net-zero future as a proud member of ResponsibleSteel.
EMSTEEL Achieves ResponsibleSteel Core Site Certification – A First for the MENA Region
Emirates Steel Industries Co. PJSC (EMSTEEL) has earned Core Site Certification under the ResponsibleSteel International Production Standard, introducing ResponsibleSteel certification to the MENA region and establishing a key benchmark for the region’s steel sector.
Located in the Abu Dhabi Industrial City, EMSTEEL operates a fully integrated facility producing 4.2 million tonnes of direct reduced iron annually and over 7 million combined tonnes of steel products such as billets, beam blanks, blooms, and reinforcing bars. The audit, conducted by CARES, assessed performance against more than 300 social, environmental, and governance requirements.
Annie Heaton, CEO of ResponsibleSteel, said,“The certification of EMSTEEL marks the arrival of ResponsibleSteel certification in the MENA region and sets an important benchmark for the region’s steel industry. The site certification recognises EMSTEEL’s established governance systems, as well as transparent engagement with a wide range of stakeholders. As a region that plays a growing role in the global steel supply chain, the MENA region is poised to become an important piece of the puzzle in the industry’s transition. This certification not only shows that sustainability standards can be applied effectively across different regions but also reflects the sustained progress being made by companies like EMSTEEL. We look forward to continuing our work with EMSTEEL and other regional leaders on the journey to a more responsible steel value chain.”
EMSTEEL's decarbonisation strategy aims to cut Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 40% by 2030 from a 2019 baseline, more than double the UAE’s 19% reduction requirement, and to achieve net zero by 2050. The company’s five-pillar plan involves carbon capture, 100% clean electricity by 2030, enhanced energy efficiency, increased scrap use, and the adoption of green hydrogen having launched the region’s first hydrogen-based steel pilot project with Masdar in 2023.
Saeed Ghumran Al Remeithi, Group Chief Executive Officer, EMSTEEL, commented, “Achieving the ResponsibleSteel™ certification is a proud milestone for us and is a testament to our relentless commitment to sustainability, innovation and responsible growth. As the first company in the MENA region to meet this global benchmark, we’re proud to continue driving national advanced manufacturing goals, while setting industry benchmarks for decarbonising the steel value chain.”
With over 2,700 employees and contractors, EMSTEEL plays a key role in the UAE’s industrial landscape and supports a broad network of stakeholders. Representatives from government agencies, academic institutions, and the local community were consulted as part of the audit, reflecting the company’s ongoing commitment to stakeholder engagement and continuous improvement across the steel value chain.
Take a look at the certificates and public audit summaries here.
July 2025 Newsletter
The July edition of the ResponsibleSteel™ newsletter is now live.
This month, we mark a significant milestone: thyssenkrupp Steel’s Duisburg site, the largest steel production site in Europe, is now ResponsibleSteel Core Site Certified. This certification reflects a strong commitment to independently verified, credible progress.
We're also inviting members and stakeholders to get involved in our Certified Steel campaign, which demonstrates how ResponsibleSteel certification supports buyers and investors in making informed, sustainable choices.
Understanding and addressing the social impacts of the net zero transition remains a priority. Together with IRMA Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance ,we’ve published a new blog and will be hosting a webinar exploring how voluntary sustainability standards can contribute to a Just Transition.
Click here to read the full newsletter.
Exploring the role of standards in driving a responsible transition in steel and mining: A collaborative journey between IRMA and ResponsibleSteel
As the global shift toward decarbonisation gains momentum, so too do the questions around how the transition will affect people and communities. While emerging technologies bring a cleaner future, they also bring with them significant disruption, particularly in heavy industries like steel and mining. New technologies, shifting production geographies, and economic restructuring can create unintended social consequences such as job losses, community displacement, and weakened local economies.
In response to this, two Voluntary Sustainability Standards, the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA) and ResponsibleSteel have come together to explore what a just transition looks like for these sectors, and to explore the role of standards in steel and mining to drive a responsible transition. This joint project, supported by the ISEAL Innovations Fund and the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), seeks to understand the social impacts of transitions and how voluntary sustainability standards can help ensure that this transformation is fair, inclusive, and responsible.
This collaboration reflects a growing recognition of the value in shared learning between the steel and mining sectors. By working together, IRMA and ResponsibleSteel are exchanging insights, comparing approaches, and learning from each other’s experiences to strengthen how just transition principles are understood and applied.
A shared vision rooted in multi-stakeholder governance
IRMA and ResponsibleSteel were both founded on the principle of multi-stakeholder governance. Their boards include labour unions, civil society, and industry (Purchasers, Indigenous Rights Holders, Investors-IRMA), as well as affected communities in IRMA’s case, ensuring that decisions are not only transparent but also equitable. This approach forms the foundation of our collaboration on the just transition. Together, we bring complementary strengths: IRMA’s standard addresses upstream mining operations at the site level, while ResponsibleSteel covers the downstream steel production process.
The two initiatives are jointly exploring how standards can help mitigate adverse social impacts of decarbonisation, such as the economic consequences of site closures or workforce displacement. Our goal is to provide a common foundation that recognises diverse regional realities and reflects the voices of workers, Indigenous Rights Holders, communities, and industry actors alike in our voluntary sustainability systems.
Laying the groundwork: Research and stakeholder engagement
The first phase of the project centred on an in-depth literature review of over 200 sources, including international standards, academic and practitioner literature, case studies, and online materials, with a focus on content relevant to the steel and mining sectors. This review explored how voluntary sustainability standards, global frameworks, and national policies approach just transition issues, highlighting areas of alignment as well as gaps. Insights were drawn from 11 standards and frameworks relevant to the steel and mining sectors, along with case examples from seven additional countries. Building on this foundation, the team conducted over 30 stakeholder in-depth interviews with voices across industry, labour, Indigenous rights holders, supply chains, policymakers, academia, and civil society. These conversations were then complemented by two multi-stakeholder workshops in Johannesburg and Brussels, which brought together workers, unions, companies, NGOs, Indigenous representatives, and decision-makers. Each phase has contributed valuable, grounded perspectives that continue to shape the direction and priorities of the project.
Key insights from the project so far
What has become clear and consistent throughout both the literature review and the stakeholders' engagement so far is the contested nature of the term ‘Just Transition’. As we all live in different worlds with different contexts of reality, everyone brings their own understanding and priorities when thinking about a just transition. As voluntary sustainability standards, we must be thoughtful in how we define and interpret this term. We need a flexible framework where local context can be well reflected, and the context and priorities are defined by local stakeholders.
Another key insight that emerged from all activities was the critical importance of an inclusive governance and management system that accommodates a meaningful stakeholders' engagement process and inclusive decision making at every step of the way to achieve a just transition. This also presents a challenge - inherent tension between the urgency of just transition issues and the often time-consuming nature of stakeholders' engagement. It is not just about having a process itself, but it is about recognising and addressing the existing power imbalance between stakeholders, and ensuring that the process facilitates meaningful consultation, which, in essence, means providing equitable access to consultation and decision-making processes.
Moving forward
Drawing on their sectoral expertise, multi-stakeholder governance models, and shared commitment to transparency and accountability, IRMA and ResponsibleSteel are exploring how standards can support a just transition in practice. This project marks an initial step toward building a stronger foundation for future efforts, recognising that meaningful progress will depend on continued collaboration and engagement.
Join the conversation
As this joint project progresses, ResponsibleSteel and IRMA would like to continue the conversation with stakeholders. An important milestone in this journey is an upcoming webinar, which will provide an opportunity to share key findings, share what we heard from those who contributed to the project, and explore how voluntary sustainability standards can play a meaningful role in supporting a responsible transition in the steel and mining sectors.
We invite you to join us for a webinar hosted by IRMA and ResponsibleSteel :
Date: Thursday, 4 September
To make it easier for participants in different time zones to join, the same session will be offered at two different times.
Session 1:
10:00–11:30 CEST / 10:00–11:30 SAST (South Africa)
9:00–10:30 BST (UK)
3:00–4:30 PM Southeast Asia (Jakarta Time)
Click here to register for session 1.
Session 2:
16:00–17:30 CEST / 16:00–17:30 SAST (South Africa))
15:00–16:30 BST (UK)
10:00–11:30 AM US Eastern Time (EDT)
Click here to register for session 2.
Find out more about IRMA here.
SKF: Advancing decarbonisation through ResponsibleSteel
At SKF, we believe that the journey to net zero must be a collective one, built on shared standards, collaboration across the value chain, and a commitment to continuous improvement. As a global industrial technology leader and significant buyer of steel, purchasing more than half a million tons annually, we recognise the important role we play in supporting the transformation of the steel industry.
Steel is a critical material in our products and represents around 70% of our upstream carbon footprint. In recognition of this, we’ve made the decarbonisation of our steel supply chain a strategic focus. However, we also recognise that genuine progress needs more than internal ambition; it requires industry-wide alignment and credible frameworks to guide action.
That’s why SKF joined ResponsibleSteel. We see ResponsibleSteel as a vital platform for advancing a shared understanding of what responsible steel production looks like - one that integrates environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles with robust standards for emissions and broader sustainability performance. The initiative’s multi-stakeholder governance and assurance frameworks provide the transparency and consistency needed to support informed decision-making and accelerate change.
We are proud to have contributed to the development of ResponsibleSteel’s International Production Standard, which provides a much-needed framework for measuring and improving the climate performance of steel producers. We actively encourage our steel suppliers to engage with the ResponsibleSteel Standard and consider how it can support their own sustainability journeys. Through SKF’s Sustainability Standard for Suppliers, we promote alignment with ResponsibleSteel’s 13 Principles and reporting expectations with steel and steel component suppliers. We believe that by raising awareness and fostering dialogue around ResponsibleSteel’s approach, we can help build momentum for more sustainable practices across the value chain.
In parallel, we are working closely with selected steelmakers to explore and scale low-carbon technologies. This includes partnerships to develop steel made from recycled content and hydrogen-reduced iron (H-DRI), as well as pilot projects that demonstrate the feasibility of greener steel in industrial applications. These collaborations are helping to demonstrate what’s possible and inspire broader adoption across the sector.
We also use our voice to advocate for systemic change. Through our involvement in initiatives such as ResponsibleSteel and SteelZero, we support the development of policy and market mechanisms that can accelerate the transition towards a net-zero steel industry. We believe that demand-side signals from buyers, combined with clear standards and supportive policy, are key to unlocking investment and innovation.
At SKF, we see responsible steel not only as a material choice but as a strategic lever for climate action, resilience, and long-term value creation. We’re proud to stand with ResponsibleSteel and its members in advancing this vision, and we look forward to continuing the journey together.
ResponsibleSteel publishes verified emissions data: The next step towards transparent, consistent emissions accounting and disclosure
ResponsibleSteel has published verified greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions data from Certified Sites as part of its members’ commitment to transparent emissions accounting and data disclosure.
As pressure for credible climate action grows, clear, consistent and comparable emissions data is essential. It enables steel buyers, investors, policy makers and other stakeholders to effectively assess the emissions performance of steel production sites and make informed decisions, helping to drive progress on industry decarbonisation.
Today, we mark an important early milestone on the journey towards transparent and consistent emissions accounting and data disclosure. Following multi-stakeholder agreement on what is necessary for credible data disclosure as part of the development of the Production Standard, we are now publicly disclosing these GHG data points. But this is just the beginning.
Moving forward, we aim to see wider adoption of ResponsibleSteel’s accounting methodology for the globally comparable metric of cradle-to-crude steel GHG emissions intensity at site level, and more sites working toward achieving ResponsibleSteel Certified Steel. With this shift, we will move towards being able to compare data reliably, enabling like-for-like assessments of emissions performance.
Whilst we are already seeing incremental emissions reductions across some steelmaking sites, in the coming years, we hope to celebrate deeper emissions reductions, verified based on robust, comparable data.
What data are sites required to disclose?
Under Principle 10 of the ResponsibleSteel International Production Standard, sites are required to disclose emissions data depending on their level of certification:
Core Site Certification
Sites certified against ResponsibleSteel’s Core requirements must measure, record and verify their total site-level GHG emissions using a regionally or internationally recognised methodology. The site may choose to use the ‘cradle-to-crude’ emissions accounting methodology developed by ResponsibleSteel, but it is not mandatory. Core Site Certification can apply to steelmaking sites as well as upstream or downstream manufacturing sites in the value chain.
Certified Steel
Sites that have achieved certification against ResponsibleSteel’s Progress Level requirements to market and sell products as Certified Steel must use the consistent ‘cradle-to-crude’ emissions accounting methodology developed by ResponsibleSteel. This enables like-for-like comparison of crude steel GHG emissions intensity across sites globally. Only steelmaking sites can be certified to sell Certified Steel. These sites must disclose their:
- Crude steel emissions intensity;
- Proportion of scrap used as metallic input;
- The Decarbonisation Progress Level achieved; and
- Product-level carbon footprint data.
All data published on ResponsibleSteel’s website has been independently verified by third-party auditors to ensure accuracy, which is then also reviewed by ResponsibleSteel’s Assurance Panel and Secretariat.
It’s important to note that while disclosing emissions at site level aids in the comparability of data, the Production Standard also permits the disclosure of a weighted average across a portfolio of sites instead, provided the portfolio meets the requirements for a ‘strategic business unit’ as defined in the ResponsibleSteel Glossary. In some cases, due to the nature of the business unit, a portfolio may consist of both certified and non-certified sites.
Disclosure of portfolio-level data on the ResponsibleSteel website represents a valuable next step and in time, we anticipate more steelmakers will opt to publish site-level data to strengthen transparency, enable clearer insights, and support decarbonisation progress.
Why are there gaps in the data?
It’s important to note that not all data is available yet. This could be because:
- A site is preparing for an upcoming surveillance or re-certification audit, after which the most recent data will be published; or
- A site was certified under an earlier version of the Production Standard. Public disclosure of GHG emissions data became a formal requirement with the publication of Version 2.0 of the Production Standard in September 2022. Sites certified under an earlier version are not obliged to publish this data on ResponsibleSteel’s website until it comes time for re-certification.
Working towards transparent, comparable emissions data measurement and reporting
Comparability of GHG emissions data is only meaningful when consistent measurement methodologies are applied. This includes (but is not limited to) aligning on emissions boundaries, the types of GHGs included, the use of default data, and the allocation methods for scrap and co-products.
For this reason, data from Core Site Certifications, while valuable, is not directly comparable across sites, as each may use different recognised methodologies.
To obtain certification to sell Certified Steel, however, sites must use ResponsibleSteel’s methodology to calculate their data, allowing for clear and consistent comparisons between steelmaking sites worldwide.
To strengthen comparability and accelerate the industry’s transition, ResponsibleSteel encourages all steelmaking sites, whether pursuing Core Site Certification or not, to adopt its emissions accounting methodology and to publish their data.
Learn more about ResponsibleSteel’s emissions accounting methodology here.
To explore the data disclosed by ResponsibleSteel Certified Sites, visit our new webpage.
