Global Recycling Day: Analysing the role of scrap in steelmaking through the years
To mark Global Recycling Day, Matthew Wenban-Smith reflects on the history of steel recycling and what it tells us about the transition to a net-zero steel economy in the future.
When it comes to recycling, it is worth taking the long view. For the first few thousand years, iron and steel recycling meant reworking rather than re-melting. The development of the blast furnace around one thousand years ago made it possible to convert steel scrap into liquid metal. And the first commercial Electric Arc Furnace (EAF), capable of using 100% scrap, was built in 1906.
Smaller, less costly to build, and more flexible to operate than blast furnaces, the spread of EAFs through the 20th century was limited only by the availability of scrap and electricity.
In the US, as demand for new steel approached saturation and as the steel in infrastructure and buildings constructed 40 or 50 years previously became available for recovery and recycling, scrap-based EAF production began to replace blast furnace steelmaking, even as the blast furnaces themselves used more scrap. Blast furnace production peaked in 1969, and no new blast furnace has been built in the US since 1980 (Construction Physics, 2023). Today, around 70% of steel in the US is made in EAFs (American Iron and Steel Institute, 2021).
The same pattern of increasing demand, met initially from primary production and then later through a growing reliance on scrap, is now playing itself out in Europe and China, is set to take off in south Asia, and it is to be hoped will roll out across Africa. Steel production globally is projected to peak in the second half of the 21st century, with scrap supply following 30 or 40 years after that.
The growth of scrap-based production has been driven by economics, of course, rather than by any concerns about the climate or greenhouse gas emissions – but that doesn’t make it any less welcome. A tonne of steel made entirely from scrap has around one-fifth of the greenhouse gas emissions of a tonne of steel made from iron ore.
Does that mean we can all relax, and recycle our way out of the climate crisis? Sadly not.
The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) estimates that the USA now recycles between 70% and 80% of all of its potentially available scrap (AISI, 2021). The World Steel Association (worldsteel) puts the global recycling rate even higher than that, at around 85% for end-of-life scrap.
Then why, despite these impressive recycling rates, is there currently only enough scrap to meet around one-third of the global demand for steel? The main reason is that scrap availability reflects the level of steel production a generation ago, rather than today. Steel production in 1985 was around 720 million tonnes. Today it is around two billion tonnes. Even without taking account of end-of-life recovery and furnace yield losses there is no way to make those numbers add up.
As demand for steel levels off in the future, a higher proportion of that demand will be met from scrap. In its ‘Sustainable Development Scenario’, in which the end-of-life recycling rate rises to 90%, the IEA estimates that there would be enough scrap to meet 45% of the demand for steel in 2050 (IEA, 2020). That is something to celebrate. But to put it the other way around, it would mean that 55% of the world’s steel – perhaps 1.2 billion tonnes of it – would still be made directly from iron ore.
To have any chance of limiting climate change to ‘well below 2 degrees’ and at the same time respecting the aspirations of 9 to 10 billion people, two things therefore need to happen. Firstly, the vast majority of primary steel will need to be made using ‘near zero’ emission sources of iron – using hydrogen-based direct reduction iron (DRI), direct electrolysis, biofuels, carbon capture or other new processes. And secondly, the electricity used in steelmaking will need to be generated with near zero emissions, whether it is used to power electric arc furnaces, hydrogen production, or direct electrolysis.
Those are the twin challenges for policy makers, steelmakers and steel users, and they apply across the whole sector.
To meet those challenges, they, and we, need to be able to compare the GHG emissions performance of all steelmaking on a like-for-like basis, whether steel is made from 100% scrap, 100% primary iron, or from any ratio of inputs in between – an approach pioneered in the ResponsibleSteel Production Standard, and recommended by the IEA, German Steel Association and others.
So let’s hear it for the recyclers, but also for the ‘near zero’ power generators, and the ‘near zero’ iron innovators.
And for a successful transition to a net-zero steel economy.
By Matthew Wenban-Smith
International Women's Day: Celebrating women working across the steel supply chain
In the second half of the twentieth century, women's participation in the global workforce grew remarkably. In the United States, female participation in the workforce surged from around 33% in 1948 to over 50% by the late 1970s (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). Similarly in Europe, countries like France and Germany saw a rise from around 45% in the 1960s to over 60% by the 1980s (OECD, 2021). And in South America, Brazil also witnessed significant progress, with participation growing from approximately 18% in 1960 to 40% in 1980 (World Bank, 2020).
Despite these advancements, industries like steel, mining, and metals remained predominantly male-dominated. A 2019 broad analysis of 66 global steel, metals, and mining companies revealed that women made up between just 3% and 29% of the workforce (S&P Global). Within the steel industry specifically, women account for only about 15% of the workforce, a figure that has remained largely unchanged over the past decade (World Steel Association, 2020). These figures illustrate the persistent challenges to achieving gender diversity within the steel and metals sectors, underscoring the need for continued progress.
As workplaces evolve and diversity initiatives gain momentum, more women are entering and excelling in traditionally male-dominated sectors. Their contributions are driving innovation, improving workplace culture, and challenging longstanding societal barriers.
In recognition of International Women’s Day, ResponsibleSteel is spotlighting a few of the women who are driving change across the steel supply chain – celebrating their impact, resilience, and leadership and emphasising the need for greater diversity and inclusion in the metals sector.
Above image courtesy of Borçelik
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Elle Gatto
Assistant Team Leader - Finished Product Shipping, ArcelorMittal Dofasco
Elle has been with ArcelorMittal Dofasco for just over five years. As an Assistant Team Leader in Finished Product Shipping, she's passionate about working on the floor and ensuring steel moves efficiently. Her department is the last line of defense - she takes great pride in knowing that her role contributes to guaranteeing that only the highest-quality steel reaches customers. For Elle, being part of a team that keeps production running smoothly is rewarding and motivating, and she's looking forward to continuing to grow in the industry.
What is it like to be a woman in the steel industry?
"Being a woman in the steel industry has its challenges, but also presents unique opportunities for growth and leadership. It's empowering to contribute to an industry that is traditionally male-dominated, proving that diversity leads to stronger teams and more creative solutions. While there may be moments of being one of the few women in the room, I see it as a chance to break barriers and inspire the next generation of women in manufacturing and engineering fields."
Stefania Bonaiuti
Supplier Carbon Neutral, SKF
Stefania began her 28-year journey at SKF working in bearing product lines and later serving as the marketing manager for steel-related offerings. Currently, she focuses on Supplier Carbon Neutral deployment. Her career spans sustainability projects aimed at achieving net zero carbon emissions. Her experience in the steel industry and commitment to promoting sustainable practices continue to play an important part in advancing SKF's sustainability initiatives. She values the diverse perspectives women bring to the industry and actively supports gender balance and leadership development programmes at SKF.
What are your hopes for the future of the steel industry?
"Over the years, I have encountered many women in this field who brought diverse perspectives and innovative solutions, which are valuable in an evolving industry. Therefore, ensuring gender diversity remains crucial.
The future of the steel industry holds immense potential, rooted in sustainability, innovation, and inclusivity. Embracing cutting-edge technologies will enhance efficiency and reduce environmental impact. At SKF, we drive innovation with steel products that support our customers' sustainability goals. Collaboration within the industry and with other sectors is essential for sustainable change. We are proud to be part of initiatives like ResponsibleSteel, SteelZero, and RE100. By sharing knowledge and leveraging each other's strengths, we can tackle challenges effectively and drive the industry towards a more sustainable and prosperous future."
It's empowering to contribute to an industry that is traditionally male-dominated, proving that diversity leads to stronger teams and more creative solutions. - Elle Gatto, ArcelorMittal Dofasco
Tuana Çabuk
Production Engineer - Continuous Galvanizing Line, Borçelik
Tuana graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. She has been working as a Production Engineer in the Continuous Galvanizing Line at Borçelik for two years. As a production engineer, she takes part in projects related to occupational safety, production processes, and quality performance of the lines she is responsible for.
What is it like to work in the steel industry?
"The steel industry is highly competitive and involves production processes that require advanced technology. As a result, it demands strong expertise in both engineering and production. Being actively involved in production processes and participating in various projects helps me to develop myself to be a better engineer. Since the steel industry is dynamic and requires technical proficiency, I believe that taking an active role in the manufacturing field, especially as a production engineer, provides a significant advantage.
Although the workforce is predominantly male, I take pride in contributing to the industry and promoting diversity as a female engineer. Gender diversity is a crucial issue, but I believe it should not be measured by having an equal number of men and women in every setting. Instead, it should be achieved by ensuring equal opportunities and a fair working environment for everyone. I feel fortunate to work in an organisation that supports this principle."
Dr. Ankita Gangotra
Senior Manager, World Resources Institute US
Ankita leads WRI's efforts to decarbonise the industrial sector through technology and policy innovation. Her work focuses on decarbonising the cement and steel industries, climate-oriented trade policies, green procurement standards, and fostering international cooperation. Ankita’s work includes advising U.S. policymakers and supporting industrial decarbonisation efforts in countries like India. Previously, she was a postdoctoral research fellow at Georgetown University, where she researched technology and policy options for industrial decarbonisation in the U.S.
What is it like to be a woman working on steel and heavy industry?
"I was apprehensive when starting work on the steel and industrial sector more broadly due to its male-dominated nature, but I’ve been inspired by the incredible women working on steel decarbonisation and their fierce advocacy. It’s been empowering to be surrounded by such passionate colleagues who are driving meaningful change. I hope we can accelerate the pace of steel decarbonisation while ensuring a just and equitable transition that benefits both communities and workers in the sector."
It's been very nice being a mentor and a point of call for other women. I like to think I've made other women in the industry proud. - Ashlea Muscat, BlueScope
Ashlea Muscat
Operations Manager Painting and Finishing Department, BlueScope
Ashlea joined the industry as a cadet in 2014 straight from university. After eleven years in the industry, she now runs the coil painting and finishing department at BlueScope’s Port Kembla Steelworks, looking after 126 people across 3 units and leading on day-to-day management, development, and process improvement across the department. Women now make up over 22% of BlueScope's site operators, a significant increase from 3% in 2017.
How did you get started in the steel industry?
"I first began in the industry as a cadet and I love all of the problem solving and challenging roles that I've held. It's been very nice being a mentor and a point of call for other women. I like to think I've made other women in the industry proud."
Aimee Boulanger
Executive Director, Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance
Aimee has worked on mining issues for over 25 years, with substantial experience in directly affected communities. She has served IRMA’s leadership since 2011 and her role is to guide an organisation which is fully accountable to multi-stakeholder leadership, creating market value for more responsible business practices while ensuring credibility and accountability to all stakeholders.
What are your hopes for the future of the steel and mining sectors?
"I hope for a future where companies that create the products we rely on every day are valued not just for what they make, but for how they make it, ensuring that people, their lands, and their wellbeing are respected at every step. This means greater transparency in industries like mining and steel, so we acknowledge our shared impact and work together to reduce harm. And as we do, I hope we centre the voices of women—whose leadership, labour, and lives are so often overlooked—so that the benefits of industry are shared more equitably by all."
I hope for a future where companies that create the products we rely on every day are valued not just for what they make, but for how they make it... And as we do, I hope we centre the voices of women—whose leadership, labour, and lives are so often overlooked—so that the benefits of industry are shared more equitably by all. - Aimee Boulanger, IRMA
Angelica Olsson
Manager - Safety and Sustainability, Outokumpu
Angelica has worked her whole career in different types of industries. Before joining Outokumpu, she worked for several years in the paper industry as well as in the sawmill industry. She's held various positions, but she has the most experience in Supply Chain Management. She joined Outokumpu in 2018 and her first role was as a Safety Engineer for fire and security issues. Since 2022, she has worked as a Safety & Sustainability Manager.
What is it like to work in the steel industry?
"The steel industry has been by far the most interesting and challenging industry that I’ve worked in. The products we produce are fascinating and we all need to work every day to ensure that the way we produce steel is safe and sustainable. In my role as a Safety & Sustainability Manager, I’m fortunate to work with a great team of safety and sustainability engineers, and together we work hard every day, enabling our mills to produce safe and sustainable stainless steel. I really feel that the work we do makes a difference."
Marnie Bammert
Independent Consultant to ResponsibleSteel
Marnie is an independent consultant with 20 years of experience in developing, implementing and communicating sustainability certification and verification programmes. She has worked with ResponsibleSteel since early 2018. Marnie started her journey in the field of sustainability with oekom Research AG, a rating agency specialised in sustainable and ethical investments. She then moved to the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), holding various positions including Deputy Director Europe. Since then, Marnie has worked as a consultant on projects ranging from protected areas to infrastructure, mining and nature-based solutions.
Why did you first begin working on the steel industry?
"People tend to focus on GHG emissions when discussing sustainability challenges of the steel sector. But the climate crisis cannot be solved in isolation. Working with ResponsibleSteel, I wanted to raise awareness for other important issues that the sector faces - human and labour rights, biodiversity, water stewardship, to name just a few. They are all connected to the climate question. I am proud to have played an instrumental part in creating the ResponsibleSteel Standard since it brings all of those issues together."
I envision a future for steel where much greater systems thinking, as well as intra- and inter- sector collaboration, drives progress - all enriched by the leadership of women. - Jen Carson, Climate Group
Jen Carson
Head of Heavy Industry, Climate Group
Jen Carson leads the strategy and growth of Climate Group's SteelZero and ConcreteZero. With a decade's worth experience working in the sustainability sector, she works to accelerate heavy industry decarbonisation. Jen joined Climate Group in 2021 after leading energy market research as an Associate at Delta-EE in Australia. Previously, she held various roles at Delta-EE, including creating its first cross-technology research service, as well as at The Carbon Trust, Dunelm Energy, and Kier Group.
What are your hopes for the future of the steel industry?
"I envision a future for steel where much greater systems thinking, as well as intra- and inter- sector collaboration, drives progress - all enriched by the leadership of women. By elevating the contribution of the demand side, and championing a competitive, decarbonised future, we will build a resilient steel industry that sets new standards for what is and isn't acceptable."
In conversation with IRMA and ResponsibleSteel: Exploring the role of standards in driving a responsible transition in steel and mining
ResponsibleSteel and the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA) are collaborating on a joint project to better understand the social impacts of the net-zero transition for the steel and mining sectors and how standards can help guide good practice. This project is possible thanks to a grant from the ISEAL Innovations Fund, which is supported by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs SECO.
We have asked the two project leads, Haruko Horii, Standards Manager at ResponsibleSteel, and Davidzo Muchawaya, Africa Regional Lead at IRMA, to answer a short Q&A for readers to better understand the project itself.
Q: Haruko, what is the vision for the project?
With this project, we want to understand the social impacts of the transition to net zero and what role standards can play in guiding good practice.
The term ‘just transition’ is used by different people in different ways. We need to determine what this looks like for the mining and steel sectors. What exactly is a just transition? Whose transition are we discussing? Workers, local communities or supply chains? What is the scope of transition? These are some of the questions we need to consider.
Decarbonisation could have adverse social impacts such as job losses or displacement and significant effects on weakening the economic viability of affected communities. Initial research has shown that communities are facing significant social impacts caused by the transition to low-carbon practices. For instance, thousands of people have lost their jobs as a result of shifting from blast furnace technology to electric arc furnaces. These job losses have in turn impacted the wider community’s economic stability, community identity, and overall well-being.
These are the types of issues we aim to identify through this project, assessing how voluntary sustainability standards (VSS) can address them, identifying gaps, and outlining steps for future, more detailed work that could lead to larger-scale initiatives. We’ll test our findings by engaging with workers, unions, business leaders, community organisations, and other relevant stakeholders to identify an agreed approach and create practical guidance for players in the mining and steel industry.
Q: Davidzo, what do ResponsibleSteel and IRMA have in common, and why are they collaborating on a just transition?
We believe in the power of collaboration and mutual recognition. This project is just one of many examples of how different voluntary sustainability standards can complement and leverage each other's work. Specifically, ResponsibleSteel leverages the assurance system of standards such as IRMA’s at mine site level, while focusing on the steel production aspects. Importantly, both ResponsibleSteel and IRMA were founded on a multi-stakeholder governance system, which has been recognised as a leading practice both by industry and NGOs. This model is recognised as best practice to ensure transparency, accountability, and inclusivity.
The collaboration specific to a just transition is born out of the necessity to ensure two hard-to-abate sectors, steel and mining, address the realities workers and communities are facing in our changing world as many existing mine and steelmaking sites face adaptation or closure. Given the varying impacts of decarbonisation across regions, IRMA and ResponsibleSteel are uniquely positioned to provide frameworks that apply across these different contexts since they are both standard-setting organisations operating globally. What is more, they are able to consider both decarbonisation and the potential social impacts of the transition at the same time.
Q: How do each of you respectively integrate just transition into your standards?
Haruko: Standards are going to play a critical role in promoting accountability during the transition ensuring they are fair and equitable. Although there is no explicit reference to a just transition in the current ResponsibleSteel International Production Standard, there are some elements to address the transition under Principle 4: Decommissioning and Closure, which requires consultation with key stakeholders to minimise any adverse impacts of site closures. In future, the scope of this principle could be expanded to address issues related to site closures, or the Production Standard could adopt a different approach by providing a just transition framework giving steel producers guidelines and tools to navigate an equitable transition with workers and affected communities. We plan to discuss these approaches with stakeholders in the next phases of the project. Integrating practices into the Production Standard will help ensure the industry’s transition is both environmentally and socially just.
Davidzo: As for the IRMA Standard for Responsible Mining, multiple chapters and requirements articulate what best practices could and should be for mining operations wishing to ensure a just transition for workers and affected communities. A prominent example is the requirement to involve affected communities and stakeholders in the development, design, and implementation of the mine rehabilitation and closure plan. Going beyond minimum transparency, the IRMA Standard outlines a series of requirements dedicated to the adequate estimation and financing of mine closure and post-closure. Research shows that mining operations often leave behind environmental and social liabilities, without taking charge of costs associated with the rehabilitation or appropriate closure of the sites thereby foregoing an adequate transition.
Crucially, the role played by both ResponsibleSteel and IRMA would not be the same without their multi-stakeholder governance systems. Thanks to the decision making process that takes into account private sector players as well as rights holders and labour unions, they can ensure that the voices of all parties are heard and taken into account in an equal way - hopefully adding the “just” element to “transition”.
Q: Davidzo, who is the main audience for this project?
The main audience for this project is workers and labour unions, as workers are most directly affected by the transition. Operators, from mining companies to steelmakers, are also key since, as employers, their actions and decisions will be critical to the social impacts of the transition, alongside national and subnational governments. Local communities impacted by the transition, NGOs that aim to act in their interests and standard-setting organisations are also key stakeholders.
Q: Haruko, is there a specific geographic focus for the project?
While just transition challenges and opportunities vary from country to country and even from site to site, the project is truly global as it strives to bring the complexities of these different realities to light. We aim to engage with stakeholders across different regions during the project to hear about the realities of the transition in different contexts. More information on this to come!
To find out more about IRMA, visit responsiblemining.net. To find out more about the project background, visit this page on the ISEAL website.
Davidzo Muchawaya is the Regional Lead for Africa at the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA), where she leverages her extensive 15-plus years of experience in responsible sourcing and sustainability to further IRMA's vision. This vision aims to create a world where the mining industry respects the human rights and aspirations of affected communities, provides safe, healthy and supportive workplaces, minimizes environmental harm, and leaves positive legacies. Davidzo's responsibilities include leading the development and implementation of strategies for regional outreach to extend and deepen engagement with a broad spectrum of stakeholders, such as civil society organizations, labour unions, and communities impacted by mining activities. Davidzo plays a role in facilitating the dissemination of IRMA's audit reports and implementing awareness initiatives to enhance understanding of the IRMA system among stakeholders.
Davidzo is currently co-leading an ISEAL-funded project that explores how voluntary sustainability standards can drive a responsible transition in the steel and mining sectors. The project aims to understand the social impacts of the industry's shift toward a low-carbon economy and the role of multi-stakeholder systems initiatives in ensuring a socially responsible transition.
Haruko Horii has 9 years of experience in the sustainability sector, including work with NGOs and a social auditing consultancy firm. In her previous roles with standard-setting organisations, she has worked on various social topics such as living wage, social impact assessment, and gender equality, while ensuring the team’s compliance with standard-setting best practices. Haruko is trained in social auditing (SA8000) and social impact assessment (IAIA). She has worked as a social auditor and consultant, assisting global companies in promoting human rights by developing social responsibility policies and strategies, and establishing assurance mechanisms through capacity-building activities, social audits, and assessments.
Haruko holds a Master’s degree in International Development from Wageningen University in the Netherlands.
Auditor training dates announced
The next ResponsibleSteel auditor training will take place from 03 to 06 May 2021. It will take place online from 09:00 CET to 13:00 CET each day.
Participation in a training is one of the prerequisites for becoming a ResponsibleSteel-approved auditor. Only auditors that are affiliated with a certification body who is an Associate Member of ResponsibleSteel and has been approved by ResponsibleSteel may carry out audits against the ResponsibleSteel Standard.
Auditors who want to register for this online training should:
- Review the auditor approval and qualification requirements in the ResponsibleSteel Assurance Manual to see if they meet our requirements (1.5 and Annex 3)
- Complete the auditor application form in the Annex of the Assurance Manual (Annex 2)
- Send the completed application form, a full and up to date CV and all the mentioned documentation to mbammert (at) responsiblesteel.org by 15 April
Prior to the training, participants must have studied the ResponsibleSteel Standard and Assurance Manual.
The training participation fee is 300 USD per auditor. All the documentation listed above can be accessed here.
Note that our trainings are also open to employees of steel companies who are ResponsibleSteel members. Steel company participation is covered by their ResponsibleSteel membership fee. No documentation is needed, but steel company representatives have to confirm their participation to ResponsibleSteel by email.
CSR Europe Joins ResponsibleSteel
CSR Europe, on the behalf of Drive Sustainability, has joined ResponsibleSteel as Associate Member.
CSR Europe is the leading European business network for Corporate Sustainability and Responsibility and facilitator of Drive Sustainability, the partnership of 11 leading automotive companies. Together, they have the vision to lead the shift towards a more circular and sustainable automotive value chain by leveraging a common voice and engage with suppliers, stakeholders, and other sectors. As steel is one of the most relevant materials for the products in the automotive sector, joining forces with Responsible Steel represents a milestone in Drive Sustainability’s approach.
“Drive Sustainability, representing some of the major global car producers with a collaborative agenda towards a circular and sustainable automotive supply chain will be a great asset in helping ResponsibleSteel and our members to develop applicable approaches and tools” said Ali Lucas, Executive Director of ResponsibleSteel. “We are delighted to welcome CSR Europe as an Associate member and benefiting from their insight and experience”, continued Ali Lucas.
Stefan Crets, Executive Director at CSR Europe, said: “Steel plays a very important role when it comes to reducing carbon emissions in the supply chain or striving towards circular production and sustainable business models. ResponsibleSteel, as a standard and certification initiative has an important role to play within this context. A sustainable steel supply chain is crucial for the companies involved in Drive Sustainability, as it contributes to reach the strategic ambitions of the partnership from a social and environmental perspective. CSR Europe is looking forward working with ResponsibleSteel to help the ecosystem of the steel supply chain, especially producers and their upstream supply network, to move towards more responsibly sourced and produced steel.”
ABOUT CSR EUROPE
CSR Europe is the leading European business network for Corporate Sustainability and Responsibility. With our corporate members, National Partner Organisations (NPOs), and Associated Partners, we unite, inspire & support over 10,000 enterprises at local, European, and global level. We support businesses & industry sectors in their transformation and collaboration towards practical solutions and sustainable growth. We are for systemic change. Following the SDGs, we want to co-build with the European leaders and stakeholders an overarching strategy for a Sustainable Europe 2030.
PeoplePlanetProfit become an Associate member of ResponsibleSteel
PeoplePlanetProfit (PPP) is a small company from Germany providing consulting services and software solutions to clients worldwide. PPP has specialized in all areas of sustainability. The principles of sustainability are the foundations of what this concept represents. Therefore, sustainability is made up of three pillars: economy, society, and the environment. These principles are also informally used as profit, people and planet, hence the name of the company.
PPP offers services in the areas of environment, energy, CSR, CCF, LCA, but also compliance. All services are supplemented by innovative cloud systems, which PPP develops exclusively itself. For example, PPP offers a BI system for all CSR key figures. IT security comes first, which is also important for the customers.
PPP has now carried out several projects in the Aluminum sector related to Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) and employs two people who are Registered Specialists since 2017.
A holistic approach (environment, social and governance) is important to PPP, but PPP has a keen eye on details, too. A long-term and successful cooperation with our customers has top priority.
Patrick Wortner, CEO of PeoplePlanetProfit said: “At PPP, we believe that progress is always possible and in people who pursue it in a responsible way. We support changemakers – people and companies that ignite, lead and advocate for a sustainable change in the world. We are therefore looking forward to a successful cooperation as a member of ResponsibleSteel.”
“ResponsibleSteel warmly welcomes PeoplePlanetProfit as an Associate member.” Said Ali Lucas, Executive Director – ResponsibleSteel. “The whole digital arena for the industry is one of critical importance, and it is hugely exciting to have an organisation as part of our membership who has such a wealth of relevant knowledge and expertise in this area.”
SRI Quality System Registrar joins ResponsibleSteel™ as a new Associate Member
SRI Quality System Registrar, an international assessment body headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA, with services accredited by ANAB, RvA, IATF, AA1000, GBCI and IWBI, assesses and assists in conformance to quality, environmental, health and safety, social responsibility, information security, green building rating systems, and other international standards.
SRI was founded in 1991 as Steel Related Industries Quality System Registrar, a part of the Steel Industry Supplier Audit Program (SISAP). SRI quickly became an industry leader and one of the world’s largest registrars to metals and materials companies. Over the last 30 years, SRI participated in writing standards and introduced the value of third-party assurance to many industries. SRI’s roots remain in quality and sustainability within the steel industry.
Steel companies are major suppliers to, and customers of, other leading industrial sectors. As a committed member of the global supply chain, SRI offers metal and materials clients the assessment services they need to improve, compete, and succeed responsibly in the marketplace today. This includes a dedicated sustainability practice focusing on CSR/ESG performance.
“Part of SRI’s own evolution has been to update its sustainability goals to better reflect the business market of today and the future. Working to achieve goals such as Net-Zero by 2030 and joining ResponsibleSteel, allows SRI to learn, share, and help advance sustainability in the steel industry and beyond,” remarks SRI President, Christopher Lake. “We hope to contribute by lending three decades of sustainability and assessment expertise in our collaboration with ResponsibleSteel and stakeholders from every part of the steel supply chain, as we all work towards advancing steel’s contribution to a sustainable society.”
“ResponsibleSteel is excited to welcome SRI as an Associate member.” said Ali Lucas, Executive Director – ResponsibleSteel. “SRI’s deep knowledge and expertise in the field of international standards will be a powerful addition to many of the projects and programmes that ResponsibleSteel is currently developing and working on, and we are really looking forward to sharing ideas, knowledge and experience over the coming months and years.”
Bioregional has joined ResponsibleSteel as its newest Civil Society Member
Bioregional has been a leader in driving the transition towards more sustainable homes and communities, businesses and lifestyles for over 25 years. This is put into practice through the One Planet Living framework, which was created from experiences of planning and working with partners to develop the multi-award-winning BedZED, the UK’s first large-scale eco-village in South London.
High sustainability standards in materials has been embedded in Bioregional’s wide portfolio of projects. BedZED’s construction made use of a range of locally sourced and recycled materials. Bioregional also co-wrote the sustainability strategy for the London 2012 Olympics, which saw ambitious targets met for recycling and re-use of demolition materials, and extensive repurposing of steel structures.
As a long-time partner of Kingfisher, Europe’s largest home improvement retailer, Bioregional has provided consultancy and action plans to help Kingfisher improve the sustainability of its range of products and materials. This has been through setting standards across the product range, as part of Kingfisher’s Sustainable Home Products guidelines, as well as more concentrated efforts in areas such as cement and compost. In 2020, Bioregional was appointed by the UN Environment Program to develop a supplement on sustainable building materials, as part of its Eco-Innovation toolkit for SMEs. Bioregional aims to draw on these experiences of assessing impacts of building materials, helping to develop alternatives, and engaging the supply chain as a Civil Society member of Responsible Steel.
Stewart Muir, Sustainable Products Project Manager said: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to contribute to the efforts of Responsible Steel in setting improved sustainability standards for steel. We see this as a valuable platform for encouraging real action by our partners and clients to drive forward decarbonisation of steel and help address a range of sustainability challenges, as well as tackling the climate emergency.”
“We are absolutely delighted to welcome Bioregional as a civil society member. “ said Ali Lucas, Executive Director, ResponsibleSteel. “ Bioregional has a long and impressive track record in working across many projects, issues and sectors in the sustainability field, and I know that ResponsibleSteel, and our other members will benefit greatly from their deep knowledge and expertise.”
ResponsibleSteel in 2020
2020 marks a year of growth for ResponsibleSteel
At the end of 2020 ResponsibleSteel Members came together virtually to celebrate the immense growth and progress the organisation has made in the last year.
Despite an uncertain year our membership has grown by 30%. Since June we have welcomed 13 new members: Tata Steel, Cobalt Institute, Hyundai Steel, Bilecik demir çelik, Bio Regional, ERM, Grimshaw Global, Hatch UK, People Planet Profit UG, Russian Green Building Council, SRI Quality Systems, The Australian Supply Chain Sustainability School and The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI).
Excitingly, membership continues to strengthen globally – with new members from Asia, Australia, the Americas, and Europe.
Since June, ResponsibleSteel’s small team has been committed to delivering our core business of Standards, Assurance and Oversight for our Certification Programme. In 2020 we held our first audits against the ResponsibleSteel Standard and we have approved four certification bodies. Alongside this we have approved 20 auditors and held training for a similar number.
During our Members Meeting, we were delighted to be joined by Mr T.V. Narendran, Managing Director of Tata Steel. In a keynote speech, Mr Narendran gave an excellent and passionate overview of how steel industry and Tata Steel are engaging in the sustainable steel debate.
Mr Narendran commented, “I think it’s increasingly important for this industry to keep engaging with stakeholders, not only in the value chain but also outside of the value chain.”
He went on to say, “We, as an industry, need to reach out to many stakeholders. Which is where a multi-stakeholder platform like ResponsibleSteel plays a role and I expect for this reason we will be able to have a more objective discussion. Tata Steel felt like ResponsibleSteel is a good platform for us to be part of as we are constantly looking to improve the way we work and to be more responsible.”
Watch Mr Narendran’s speech here
After his remarks Gerry Tidd, Responsible Steel’s co-chair for business unofficially awarded Mr Narendran quote of the day: “If complexity excites you, this is the industry to be in.”
An even bigger year on the horizon
In 2021, ResponsibleSteel will build on these great foundations as we scale up operations. In March we will welcome our first CEO Anne-Claire Howard to help us drive the organisation forward into our next stage of growth.
Alongside this we will scale up our proactive membership drive focusing on steelmakers, producers and civil society. We will be deliberate about raising our profile via external communications and stakeholder engagement.
New projects
Internally, our team are focused on the delivery of new projects to expand our offering. One of the most exciting projects on the horizon is SteelZero; launched in early December in partnership with The Climate Group, SteelZero is a global initiative to bring together leading organisations to speed up the transition to a net zero steel industry.
Companies who join SteelZero make a public commitment to transition to 100% Net Zero Steel by 2050 at the latest. Collectively members show a demand signal to steel makers and producers in the move towards producing responsible zero carbon steel.
Watch the SteelZero video here
Next year we will be working with the Climate Group to grow the membership of SteelZero and build working groups from multiple sectors to demonstrate the wide market demand. We would love as many RsponsibleSteel members to join us as possible.
The Secretariat team and the Board at ResponsibleSteel thank our members for their commitment, engagement and support during a challenging year. We are now gearing up for another exciting year of growth and collaboration and look forward to working with members new and old.
From everyone here at ResponsibleSteel, have a great holiday period and we look forward to seeing you all next year!
DNV GL becomes an approved ResponsibleSteel certification body
We are delighted to announce that our fourth audit firm DNV GL has recently joined AFNOR Certification, ERM CVS and GUTcert as an approved certification body.
“We are delighted to be recognised as a key partner in the journey towards a more responsible steel industry by becoming approved by ResponsibleSteel™ to certify steel makers globally. As a purpose driven organisation, deeply committed to SDG 13 climate action, we are proud to contribute to reducing the climate impacts of one of the world’s most fundamental industries,” says Paul McNellis, Head of Assessment and Advisory in DNV GL-Business Assurance.
While Alison Lucas, Executive Director of ResponsibleSteel says “DNV GL was one of the first organisations to join ResponsibleSteel™ as an associate member and has provided much needed technical support to ResponsibleSteel™ during our early set-up phase. We are very pleased that they remain committed to our Vision and Mission and have now become approved as a ResponsibleSteel™ certification body”.
With our first audits due to be completed within the next 6 months and an uptick in membership in 2020, there will be a need for organisations such as DNV GL to help ResponsibleSteel meet its goals. To find out more about their ResponsibleSteel business offerings please click here.
Only auditors that are affiliated with a certification body who is an Associate Member of ResponsibleSteel and has been approved by ResponsibleSteel may carry out audits against the ResponsibleSteel Standard.
If you would like to know more about how your organisation can join our four current certification bodies please get in contact with us.
Hyundai Steel joins ResponsibleSteel
Steel producer Hyundai Steel has joined ResponsibleSteel as its newest Business Member, based in South Korea Hyundai Steel is a major player in the steel industry.
“ResponsibleSteel is delighted to welcome Hyundai Steel into membership. Having such a major international business join us from the steel making sector is a huge step forward towards us strengthening our depth and global reach within our membership. We very much look forward to working with Hyundai Steel as they work towards their aim to become a ‘sustainable steel company’ said Ali Lucas, Executive Director – ResponsibleSteel.
“Hyundai Steel is the first Korean company to join ResponsibleSteel and actively respond to ESG issues by establishing a network with global advanced companies,” a company spokesman said.
Hyundai Steel is expected to establish a leading position in terms of strengthening its own ESG management while securing confidence in the ESG field from the market and society through joining. The spokesman added, “As ESG plays an important role in the business environment, it is time to internalize ESG’s requirements through a mid- to long-term sustainable management strategy.”
ResponsibleSteel™ welcomes Green Building Council Russia (GBC Russia) as an Associate Member
Green Building Council Russia (GBC Russia) was formed at the end of 2008, followed by a founding event which resulted in the official registration of the Council as an independent non-government and non-profit partnership. It’s first members joined at the end of 2009.
The founding members of the organization set out with the following goals in mind:
- To promote the awareness for Green building within the community of professionals in the industry, as well as in adjacent economic sectors and among the public.
- To act as a catalyst in the transformation of the Russian construction sector towards sustainable development and circularity.
- Development of the Russian Green Building standard.
GBC Russia has since been accepted as a first stage member of the World Green Building Council. In 2020 GBC Russia is aiming to intensify its collaboration with the World GBC and become a worthy addition to the network of professionals for the benefit of the shared common cause – to transform the building and construction sector.
The Council has successfully brought together companies, organisations and individuals from Russia’s vast construction-related industries on the basis of a voluntary association of its members. Since its foundation, GBC Russia has received over 500 applications for membership both domestic and international. It is an established and well-recognized brand in the field of green building and sustainable development in Russia and abroad.
Members of the GBC Russia include companies from all parts of the construction supply chain, including architects, building services engineers, facility managers, civil engineers, university professors and academia, green investors, developers, contractors, sustainability consultants and auditors, construction materials manufacturers, product and service providers, suppliers, legal professionals, green community influencers, industrial journalists, non-profit institutions and government bodies.
“At GBC Russia, we feel that joining efforts with organizations that share the same values and whose goals are in alignment with ours is the key to bringing much needed change. The decision to join ResponsibleSteel supports our founding principles and will, no doubt, benefit both our organizations, as Russia is a country with several of the largest metal manufacturers in the world and has a vast market for steel and metal alloys. We are happy to become a part of the initiative! We salute our partners and look forward to doing great things together in years to come!” said Andrey Mokhov – the Chair of the Board.
“We are really delighted to warmly welcome Green Building Council Russia as an Associate member.” said Ali Lucas, Executive Director ResponsibleSteel. “We recognize the huge reputation that the World Green Building Council has globally, and having the Russian office as a member will be hugely beneficial in helping us, and our existing members learn more about the steel industry, and how that relates to the construction sector in that part of the world. We look forward to working together in the coming months.”
Hatch UK joins ResponsibleSteel™ as an Associate Member
Hatch UK is passionately committed to the pursuit of a better world through positive change. As a global multidisciplinary management, engineering, and development consultancy firm for the metals, energy, and infrastructure sectors, our corporate roots extend more than a hundred years. Our exceptional, diverse teams combine vast engineering and business knowledge, working in partnership with our clients to develop market strategies, manage and optimise production, develop innovative technologies, and design and deliver complex capital projects.
“Steel is an essential part of our modern world and an important part of our business and heritage,” said Joe Lombard, Global Managing Director, Metals. “At Hatch, we are focused on the development of innovative solutions to support the responsible sourcing and production of steel, and to maximise steel’s contribution to a sustainable economy. By joining ResponsibleSteel™, we are reinforcing our commitment to collaborating with our clients and partners in the steel industry to work towards a greener, more sustainable future.”
Our Statement on Climate Change summarises our unwavering commitment to designing and building practical solutions that reduce the presence of greenhouse gases in our atmosphere, and to adapt our built environments to minimise climate change-related impacts.
“We are delighted to welcome Hatch as an Associate Member to ResponsibleSteel” said Ali Lucas, Executive Director, ResponsibleSteel. “We are excited to learn more from Hatch about the solutions they are working on which will help achieve the responsible sourcing and production of steel and to share this with our other members.”
Net zero steel – what does it mean and how do we get there?
Steel is the world’s most widely used material. With a turnover of 1 trillion US dollars, the sector currently represents 7% of global CO2 emissions – and this is forecast to grow in line with increasing demand. However, we can reduce these emissions. Steel production can be decarbonised. It is possible to reach Net Zero Steel by 2050.
Join us on 1st December as we launch SteelZero, a new global initiative bringing together leading businesses to drive transformation in the steel sector. This exciting new initiative is a collaboration between The Climate Group and ResponsibleSteel and aims to create market demand for low carbon steel through engagement with downstream steel users (automotive, construction and white goods) and speed up the transition to Net Zero Steel. We believe that decarbonising steel production should be manageable, cost effective and actionable across the supply chain. We want to support businesses to drive the market demand for Net Zero Steel.
Companies that join SteelZero make a public commitment to transition to 100% Net Zero Steel by 2050. On joining, they gain access to networks and knowledge sharing that will help them to achieve this goal. Members of SteelZero will be invited to be part of SteelZero Leaders, a social platform hosted by the Climate Group that brings together the leading thinkers in the decarbonisation of steel to showcase and share best practice.
Please contact Jim Norris, Project Lead on jnorris@theclimategroup.org for more information on how you can get involved.
ResponsibleSteel Seeks Two New Independent Board Members
ResponsibleSteel is seeking qualified candidates for two vacant Board positions. The ResponsibleSteel board consists of up to nine members: three representatives from the Business Member category, three from the Civil Society category, and three ‘Independent’ board members.
The Independent board members must not have a current or recent material association (for example as an employee or paid role) with an organisation that is eligible to join ResponsibleSteel as a Business or Civil Society Member.
Applicants should be able to demonstrate their commitment to ResponsibleSteel’s vision and mission, and bring relevant skills and experience to the board, such as:
- Board or senior management level experience in an area such as conformity assessment, standard setting, social/ environmental impact assessment or grant-making;
- Board or senior management level experience of not-for-profit organisation management;
- Relevant governmental, research or academic experience;
- Legal or other business qualifications or experience that may contribute to the development of ResponsibleSteel.
We are seeking an Australian Resident to fill at least one of the positions, but would also like to increase the regional representation of the board and welcome applications from all regions of the world.
If you are interested in the position, please send a letter of introduction and a short cv to Andrew Marjoribanks andmar92@bigpond.com by 11th December 2020.
