Revision of the ResponsibleSteel International Production Standard
The ResponsibleSteel International Production Standard sets the global benchmark for steel sustainability. A benchmark is only powerful if it evolves with the world it serves. That’s why ResponsibleSteel is committed to continuous improvement, ensuring our Standard stays relevant and effective in a rapidly changing industry.
To this end, we are currently revising key social and environmental requirements through an open, collaborative and transparent process in consultation with ResponsibleSteel’s multi-stakeholder membership and wider industry stakeholders.
What does this look like?
What does revising the Production Standard mean in practice? Take a look below at some of our most frequently asked questions to find out exactly what this revision entails and how you can contribute.
Revision timeline
The process to review and revise the Production Standard began in 2024 and will run until 2027. Take a look at the key dates to watch out for:
Please note, this timeline is subject to change.
Standard revision working groups
Our Working Groups provide a forum for ResponsibleSteel members to discuss and share expertise that informs the revision. Find out how you can get involved in the working groups below, and if you're not yet a member, learn how you can become a member today.
Minutes and presentations from these Working Groups are publicly available on our Resources Page under Standards Development.
This working group was formed to discuss revisions related to climate change and greenhouse gas emissions. This was divided into three workstreams:
1. Climate transition plans, including emissions reduction target setting and related disclosures. The working group aims to provide clarity and cohesion between Principle 10 criterions 10.1, 10.2, 10.5, and 10.7, and forge links between site-level planning and corporate-level planning. In addition, the working group discussed how the Production Standard can reference relevant frameworks to support increased interoperability between global frameworks.
2. Harmonisation of site-level emissions accounting methodologies pertaining to criterions 10.3 & 10.4. The aim was to ensure comparability between all sites’ emissions intensity declarations (including Core Certified sites). In addition, the working group discussed the product-level requirements defined in requirement 10.6.4 for Certified Steel.
3. Inclusion of process routes emission boundaries in Decarbonisation Progress Level (DPL) determination. ResponsibleSteel’s Decarbonisation Progress Levels (DPLs) are based on a site-level average assessment of the emissions intensity up to crude steel cut-off. At present the average site emission intensity of crude steel is reported, which does not reward progress during the transition period when processes on a site are partially exchanged from traditional processes to new technologies and reduction agents.
Please contact our Standards team for more information.
This working group aims to assess whether and how the Production Standard should be revised based on the results of the recently completed ISEAL Innovation Fund Just Transition Project. The Working Group will provide recommendations on how the ResponsibleSteel Secretariat should take this topic forward.
Please contact our Standards team for more information.
Now closed, this working group aimed to review and address the implementation challenges related to the current Minimum Annual Leave Requirement (6.9.1 d). The working group discussed and proposed potential solutions that accommodate regional challenges while maintaining the integrity and rigour of the ResponsibleSteel International Production Standard V2.1.1. The working group's feedback was discussed by the Technical Advisory Group, and prospective changes were drafted. Given the significance of the proposed changes and their potential implications, this topic will be subject to public consultation as part of the ongoing standard revision.
Get in touch to find out how you can get involved
Your insights and expertise can help us ensure the Production Standard continues to reflect the needs of the industry, as well as people and the planet. Members and wider industry stakeholders have a unique opportunity to contribute to a global standard that is shaping the future of the industry, not just for steelmakers, but for the entire value chain.
