International non-profit climate action organization The Climate Group announced the launch of SteelZero, a new initiative promoting the transition to a net zero steel industry, in partnership with industry standard and certification organization ResponsibleSteel.

According to The Climate Group, steelmaking is one of the biggest emitters of CO2 globally, with total greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) from the sector accounting for 7% – 9% of direct emissions from the global use of fossil fuels.

Jenny Chu, Head of Energy Productivity Initiatives at The Climate Group, said:

“The steel industry is one of the largest contributors to climate change. We need to see much greater investment and progress to cutting emissions, but steelmakers also need to know their customers will buy new, cleaner products. By harnessing the collective purchasing power and influence of major steel-using organisations, SteelZero will send a critical demand signal that can shift global markets and policies towards sustainable production and sourcing of steel.”

The new initiative is designed to promote net zero steel investment, policy, manufacturing and production, taking a unique demand-driven approach demand for net zero steel. The organizations announced that it has signed eight major steel users to the initiative, including steel fabrication and construction company BHC, multinational construction, property and infrastructure company LendLease, global consultancy and construction firm Mace Group, and renewable energy company Ørsted. Signatories to SteelZero agree to make a public commitment to transition to procuring, specifying or stocking 100% net zero steel by 2050.

Brian Hewitt, Managing Director at BHC, said:

“BHC are proud to support the Climate Group’s SteelZero initiative by committing to procuring 100% net zero steel by 2050. As a leading UK Steel Fabricator, capable of producing over 800 tonnes per week, we recognise the importance of reducing carbon emissions. Over the past five years, BHC have invested heavily in sustainability. At present we generate our own power and heat using a 500kW wind turbine and biomass systems. BHC are 72% self-sufficient allowing us to fabricate steelwork with up to 49% less associated carbon emissions in comparison to a similar sized structural steel fabricator.”

Alison Lucas, Executive Director at ResponsibleSteel, said:

“Corporate and public sector demand for responsible, zero emissions steel has a critical role to play in reducing global emissions, encouraging decarbonisation technologies and driving lower emissions from recycled steel and the re-use of steel-based products. SteelZero will help us to get there.”