ResponsibleSteel updates emissions standard

Steelmakers’ organization says its V2.0 can help lead toward sector decarbonization.

arecelormittal steel bucket
ArcelorMittal is among the steelmakers endorsing the ResponsibleSteel standard to move toward decarbonization.
Photo courtesy of ArcelorMittal

The Australia-based ResponsibleSteel organization says its new International Standard V2.0 “will play a pivotal role in driving down greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and driving up standards in the steel supply chain, helping steel companies transition to a responsible, decarbonized future.”

The organization, whose members include ArcelorMittal, Tata Steel, United States Steel, Thyssenkrupp, Posco, BlueScope and Voestalpine, says the V2.0 standard launched in mid-September “focuses more deeply than ever before on reducing GHG emissions and now enables buyers of steel for the first time to specify what green procurement means in a credible way.”

In the news release announcing the launch, impacts of mining, water use, labor rights, air pollution and diversity are referred to while recycling is not directly mentioned. ResponsibleSteel refers to the GHG-related aspects of “the sourcing of input materials.” A 19-page RepsonsibleSteel glossary, however, does not provide a definition for input materials or for recycling in the steel industry context.

“The ResponsibleSteel Standard and certification program is an important example of multi-stakeholder collaboration for sustainable change across the steel value chain,” says Tim Rodsted, head of sustainability at Australia-based BlueScope, which operates a scrap-fed steel mill in Ohio.

Continues Rodsted, “BlueScope is pleased to have contributed to the development of the ResponsibleSteel Standard and the additional requirements.”

“ResponsibleSteel’s new International Standard comes at a critical time, with the unfolding energy crisis alongside the climate challenge only magnifying the need for a global scale transition to a decarbonized economy,” ResponsibleSteel CEO Annie Heaton says. “The Standard enables anyone that’s either buying or making steel to demonstrate they are not only driving down emissions, but also thinking responsibly about impacts on people and nature right across the value chain.”