our standards

Defining responsibly-produced steel

The ResponsibleSteel International Production Standard has been developed over the course of seven years to recognise, encourage and reward steel sites operating in an environmentally and socially responsible manner. The Standard’s 13 Principles cover a full range of ESG issues, identified and agreed upon with our members.

We are currently working with our members and stakeholders on developing a Downstream Chain of Custody Standard to be published later this year.

The ResponsibleSteel International Production Standard V2.1

Launched in May 2024, Version 2.1 incudes revisions to ResponsibleSteel's requirements for GHG emissions and sourcing input materials. These requirements are designed to drive down emissions and drive up standards in the supply chain, helping steelmakers transition to a responsible, decarbonised future.

‍Additional guidance and annexes to Version 2.1 of the Production Standard can be downloaded here.

Download Version 2.1

Standards development

ResponsibleSteel standards are developed in consultation with our stakeholders and members. Standards are reviewed and updated periodically to incorporate necessary revisions and additional requirements.

Learn more about the development of our standards

Download our International Standards Development Procedures

Recognising other programmes

The ResponsibleSteel International Production Standard applies to steel production, processing and finishing, and includes requirements for the responsible sourcing of input materials. To improve standards in industries upstream of steel, ResponsibleSteel recognises and encourages alignment with other credible multi-stakeholder programmes that verify good practices by input materials suppliers.

Learn why we recognise other programmes

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ResponsibleSteel’s 13 Principles

Download Version 2.1

1. Corporate Leadership

ResponsibleSteel certified sites are led responsibly.

2. Social, Environmental and Governance Management Systems

ResponsibleSteel certified sites have an effective management system in place to achieve the social, environmental and governance objectives to which they are committed.

3. Responsible Sourcing

ResponsibleSteel certified sites increasingly source input materials from suppliers that are working to improve their environmental, social and governance performance and address ESG risks.

4. Decommissioning and Closure

ResponsibleSteel certified sites minimise the adverse social, economic and environmental impacts of full or partial site decommissioning and closure.

5. Occupational Health and Safety

ResponsibleSteel certified sites protect the health and safety of workers.

6. Labour Rights

ResponsibleSteel certified sites respect the rights of workers and support worker well-being.

7. Human Rights

ResponsibleSteel certified sites respect human rights wherever they operate, irrespective of their size or structure.

8. Stakeholder Engagement and Communication

ResponsibleSteel certified sites engage effectively with stakeholders, report openly on issues of importance to stakeholders, and remediate adverse impacts they have caused or contributed to.

9. Local Communities

ResponsibleSteel certified sites respect the rights and interests of local communities, avoid and minimise adverse impact and support community well-being.

10. Climate Change and Greenhouse Gas Emissions

The corporate owners of ResponsibleSteel certified sites are committed to the global goals of the Paris Agreement, and both certified sites and their corporate owners are taking the actions needed to demonstrate this commitment.

11. Noise, Emissions, Effluents and Waste

ResponsibleSteel certified sites prevent and reduce emissions and effluents that have adverse effects on communities or the environment, manage waste according to the waste management hierarchy and take account of the full life cycle impacts of waste management options.

12. Water Stewardship

ResponsibleSteel certified sites demonstrate good water stewardship.

13. Biodiversity

ResponsibleSteel certified sites protect and conserve biodiversity.