We’re shaping a more ResponsibleSteel industry.

Interoperability: Building a bridge between global standards

ResponsibleSteel's quest for a coherent market for decarbonised steel in 2026 got off to a constructive start this month. Following the announcement of our landmark agreements with the Chinese Iron and Steel Association (CISA) and the Low Emission Steel Standard (LESS) at COP30, ResponsibleSteel was in China in January to kick off our work on interoperability with CISA. This work in China complements our parallel project with Brussels-based LESS.

The goal? To build trusted data and claims on decarbonisation.

During our trip, our Director of Programmes, Amy Jackson, our Decarbonisation Lead, Alli Devlin, and myself had the opportunity to:

• Present to the Chinese steel value chain our C2F (China's low-carbon emission steel standard) interoperability MoU at CISA's annual LCA conference.
• Connect with our Chinese members, including SKF, World Resources Institute (WRI), Climate Group, VAMA (Valin ArcelorMittal Automotive JV), Penglai Dajin, and some of our certification bodies working in China, including Afnor and China Quality Certification Centre (CQC).
• Get to work on our C2F-ResponsibleSteel Interoperability Project, structuring the discussions around our Framework for Credible Interoperability.
• Visit the 15mtpa Zhanjiang steel plant, where a new DRI-EAF line was launched in Dec 2025. This has involved the production to date of iron reduced with hydrogen in a 1mtpa DRI plant. Whilst this is currently produced from refined coke oven gas, the project is a hugely significant demonstration of the potential to produce hydrogen-based DRI at an industrial scale.

What do ResponsibleSteel's interoperability projects look like in practice?

In short, interoperability means measuring emissions using rules that are as aligned as possible, and recognising the differences, to enable comparison on a like-for-like basis. Imagine the benefit this would bring for anyone wanting to distinguish what good looks like, for example, procurement teams, investors, and policymakers.

But making interoperability work in practice requires a lot more if we want a reliable, credible and sustainable system that generates high-quality, comparable data.

We've outlined the key components of this in our Framework for Credible Interoperability, which will inform both our work with LESS and CISA:

• Aligned GHG accounting rules
• A reliable calculation tool
• A robust assurance mechanism
• Credible claims protocols
• Good governance, oversight and resourcing
• Appropriate data management
• Strong operations management systems

This is how markets are built: first with innovation, then with the necessary rules and systems that enable good information to flow – so that steel buyers can understand, investors can evaluate, and steelmakers can compete, based on emissions performance that everyone can trust.

The ResponsibleSteel International Production Standard is the global benchmark for sustainable steelmaking, but a benchmark only matters if it keeps pace with change. Steelmakers face evolving challenges, including increasingly ambitious climate targets, shifting regulations, and rising expectations on social and environmental responsibility.

That’s why ResponsibleSteel is committed to continuous improvement, ensuring our Production Standard remains relevant and effective in driving progress towards the responsible production of near-zero steel.

What is the ResponsibleSteel International Production Standard?

The ResponsibleSteel International Production Standard consists of 13 Principles containing over 500 requirements for the responsible sourcing and production of steel, including some of the most challenging areas of sustainability for steelmakers, such as decarbonisation. However, responsible steelmaking goes beyond climate change mitigation. That’s why the Production Standard also lays out requirements on labour, human rights, water, biodiversity, and more.

How was the Production Standard developed?

The Production Standard was developed through a process that uses the ISEAL Code of Good Practice for standard-setting as a reference. The first Standard was developed over two years with input from over 70 organisations and 180 individuals. Since then, the Standard has continued to evolve with the needs of the industry. Read more about the evolution of ResponsibleSteel and the development of the Standard here.

Collaboration and transparency sit at the heart of our Standard. Our extensive multi-stakeholder development process involving the steel industry, upstream and downstream stakeholders, and civil society is what makes the ResponsibleSteel International Production Standard the most trusted standard for steel globally.

Why are we revising the Production Standard?

Since the launch of the first Standard in 2019, ResponsibleSteel has established itself as a leader on steel sustainability. As the global industry landscape continues to evolve, driven by shifting regulations, emerging ESG reporting requirements, technological innovation, and growing expectations to address social and climate issues, the Production Standard must also evolve.

As part of our commitment to continuous improvement, ResponsibleSteel reviews the Production Standard to assess whether revision is needed at least once every five years. This way, we ensure the Production Standard remains effective in supporting ResponsibleSteel’s mission to drive the responsible production of near-zero steel.

What is the standard revision process?

The revision process is outlined as part of ResponsibleSteel’s Standards Development Procedures. The process consists of five overarching stages:

1. The ResponsibleSteel Secretariat reviews the Standard and holds a public consultation to determine topics for revision. Based on these inputs, the Secretariat makes a recommendation to the ResponsibleSteel Board of Directors, which decides whether or not to revise the Standard.
2. Terms of Reference are developed, then approved by the Board of Directors, defining the scope of the revision and outlining the revision process.
3. Topic-based Working Groups provide input on revision areas, and Technical Advisory  Groups are convened to review and oversee Working Group outcomes.
4. A draft of the revised Standard undergoes public consultation to get stakeholder feedback. If there is substantially new content, or extensive changes or feedback, there is a second round of public consultation. Once the revised Standard is finalised, it is reviewed and approved by the Board of Directors before being voted on by ResponsibleSteel’s membership.
5. The revised Standard is published, and a transition period is determined (usually lasting 6 to 12 months) before the new Standard comes into effect for existing certificate holders, however, it could be used earlier for new sites or if preferred by existing certified sites.

Currently, the revision process is in stage three.

What is being revised in the Production Standard?

The revision process focuses on ensuring the Production Standard reflects the latest sustainability priorities and realities of steel production. So far, discussions have commenced on aspects of Principle 10: Climate Change and GHG Emissions, Principle 6: Labour Rights, ensuring a just transition, and increasing alignment with emerging regulations and other standards (e.g. CRSD, ISSB).

Additionally, the revision will include the incorporation of urgent revisions, interpretations and clarifications previously issued, and necessary amendments identified during the review process (e.g. typos).

Who can get involved?

Driving the socially and environmentally responsible production of near-zero steel is a challenge that no single organisation can achieve on its own. Over 180 voices contributed to the development of the first ResponsibleSteel Standard, and this spirit of multi-stakeholder collaboration continues to be the backbone of our standards development process.

ResponsibleSteel members have a unique opportunity to contribute to the revision of the Production Standard and are invited to join our Working Groups to discuss topics for revision. Please get in touch with us to learn more.

Members and wider stakeholders are also encouraged to contribute feedback during public consultations in 2026. Keep an eye on our website, LinkedIn, and our monthly newsletter to find out about upcoming public consultations.

Learn more about the revision process and get involved here.

The December edition of the ResponsibleSteel Newsletter is out!

As 2025 draws to a close, we reflect on a year of both challenge and progress for the global steel sector. Amid a rapidly evolving policy and market landscape, ResponsibleSteel has continued to work alongside its members and partners to advance credible, internationally aligned pathways for responsible and low-emission steel. We would like to thank our members, stakeholders, and supporters for their continued commitment and engagement throughout the year.

To mark the end of the year, our CEO Annie Heaton has shared a reflection on ResponsibleSteel’s progress in 2025 and the momentum building across interoperability, standards, policy, collaboration and more. You can read Annie’s end-of-year letter here.

In this month’s newsletter, you’ll also find:

- An introduction to our new Business Board Director

- Updates on recent and upcoming audits, alongside new training opportunities

- A round-up of policy convenings in Europe and India, with insights feeding into our forthcoming policy paper

- A welcome to our newest ResponsibleSteel member

- Key developments from the ResponsibleSteel Standard Revision process

Read the full December update here.