FAQs | ResponsibleSteel

ResponsibleSteel is a global not-for-profit standard and certification initiative with a mission to be a driving force in the production of socially and environmentally responsible net-zero steel, globally. In an increasingly busy landscape, we believe collaboration and mutual commitment are key to driving faster, deeper decarbonisation. ResponsibleSteel provides the forum for this multi-stakeholder approach. Our members span the entire steel value chain and civil society and we encourage organisations globally to join us.

Why do we need ResponsibleSteel?

Steel is everywhere – in our cars, buildings, infrastructure, and household appliances to name a few. The industry has substantial environmental, social and economic impacts, both positive and negative. And according to the International Energy Agency, the steelmaking process from the extraction of raw materials to the production of steel accounts for around 10% of global emissions.

Compliance with local legal obligations alone is not sufficient to meet the expectations of customers, stakeholders and civil society and there is a need for responsible producers of steel to respond to these developments. The ResponsibleSteel programme is designed to be a key element of this response.

How was ResponsibleSteel developed?

ResponsibleSteel was developed initially by the Australian Steel Stewardship Forum. It was incorporated as the Steel Stewardship Council in 2016 and the first draft of the ResponsibleSteel International Production Standard was published in 2017. Over 70 stakeholders and 180 individuals worked to develop the first Standard.

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 Standard also lays out requirements on labour, human rights, water, biodiversity, and more. We review the Standard at least every five years with the support and input of our members and stakeholders to ensure we continue to drive progress and promote the highest levels of responsibility for steelmaking.

How was the Standard developed?

The ResponsibleSteel International Production Standard has been developed through a process that aims to comply with the ISEAL Code of Good Practice for standard-setting and we aim to go through an independent evaluation for ISEAL Code Compliant Status towards the end of 2024. Collaboration and transparency sit at the heart of our Standard. Our extensive multistakeholder 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.

What is ResponsibleSteel certification?

ResponsibleSteel certification applies to steelmaking sites, and to related sites that process raw materials for steelmaking, or that produce steel products. All ResponsibleSteel certified sites must meet the International Production Standard’s core requirements to achieve site certification. But we believe moving towards responsible steel production is a continuous journey. That’s why in addition to the core requirements, sites can also be audited against four Progress Levels assessing progress on decarbonisation and responsible materials sourcing. Sites which obtain at least Level 1 for both decarbonisation and materials sourcing can market their steel products as certified steel.

How do ResponsibleSteel audits work?

Steel sites must first contract a recognised certification body and conduct a self-assessment to determine whether they are ready to proceed with certification. Stage 1 of the audit process then involves a review of this self-assessment, site documentation, and a media and stakeholder analysis by the certification body. Stage 2 involves an onsite visit and extensive stakeholder interviews conducted by the auditors.

Once the audits are complete, the auditors prepare the audit report and provide a certification recommendation. Our team and the ResponsibleSteel Assurance Panel review the report and the recommendation and suggest any amendments or clarifications needed. If approved, a certificate and public audit summary will be published on the ResponsibleSteel website. Certificates are valid for three years during which time sites must also pass a surveillance audit to ensure the site is making progress on any non-conformities found in the initial audit.

What are the benefits of certification?

Independent research commissioned by ISEAL found that sustainability standards improve market access, profitability and production for certified businesses, and enhance reputation while reducing risk for manufacturers and retailers. Early business benefits related to sales and marketing were most frequently mentioned, followed by benefits on operations, procurement, stakeholder engagement, and sector-wide change.

Our independent third-party certification programme is designed to provide businesses and consumers worldwide with confidence that the steel they use has been sourced and produced responsibly at all levels of the steel supply chain.

What do ResponsibleSteel members commit to?

On joining, our members agree to support the ResponsibleSteel programme in different ways. For example, steelmakers commit to starting the certification process for at least one site within one year of joining. Downstream businesses agree to specify and/or communicate interest in sourcing ResponsibleSteel certified steel. Mining companies commit to beginning an independent audit for at least one mine against an upstream programme recognised by ResponsibleSteel. The full details of commitments are available in the Membership Commitments by-law.

How is ResponsibleSteel funded?

ResponsibleSteel is funded through membership fees, additional financial contributions by some of its members, grants from philanthropic foundations and in-kind contributions from its civil society and business participants.

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