Alternative approach with the same goal

The 13 principles of the ‘Responsible Steel International Production Standard’ form the basis for responsible steel production. They cover the key environmental, social and corporate governance aspects that have been identified and agreed by the members of the network. Work is currently underway to develop standards for the downstream supply chain.

The decarbonisation progress stages are based on the key certification requirements of Principle 10 of the production standard. Furthermore, a decarbonisation target must be set at site level in accordance with the company's long-term plans, which must be in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement. This implies measuring the GHG emissions from crude steel embodied at the site. The emissions intensity of production is calculated in accordance with detailed accounting rules that enable global and consistent comparisons.

A scrap-variable approach is crucial to prevent carbon leakage through redistribution of scrap and to achieve both a just transition and a net gain for the climate.

Currently, at least half of global steel production is certifiable to at least Progress Level 1. To achieve progress level 1, a site using 20% scrap must have an emissions intensity equal to or less than 2.34 tonnes CO_(2e)/tonne of crude steel. Emissions from Scope 1, Scope 2 and upstream Scope 3 emissions are included in this calculation. In contrast, a site with a scrap input of 80% must comply with a lower threshold for emissions intensity, namely 0.96 tonnes of CO_(2e)/tonne of crude steel.

Comparability approach of ResponsibleSteel

A comprehensive approach to reduce emissions

The ‘Responsible Steel’ standard provides a transparent and comparable tool for measuring and promoting progress towards low-carbon steel. The decarbonisation progress levels of the standard serve as a consistent, fair and comparable benchmark for tracking and rewarding progress. This allows customers and investors to be confident that a steel mill is meeting its decarbonisation commitments.

ResponsibleSteels Label for decarbonisation progress

The organisation works with over 150 members, including companies, NGOs and other stakeholders, to promote the highest standards in steel production. Responsible Steel certifies steel production facilities that meet its stringent requirements and supports the industry in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting labour and human rights.

Source: www.responsiblesteel.org