Brussels, 21 March 2013 – The World Steel Association (worldsteel) welcomes the publication of an ISO standard that defines a calculation method of carbon dioxide emission intensity from iron and steel production. The standard is based on the CO2 data collection methodology that has been used for the past five years in the steel industry.
Launched in 2007, worldsteel’s CO2 data collection aims to provide steel producers with a reliable benchmark for their CO2 emissions. The number of participating organisations has steadily increased since the launch, from 38 companies in 2007 to 51 in 2011, representing more than 200 steel plants worldwide. Of these, 33 steel organisations have reported their CO2 emissions data using this methodology for five consecutive years as part of worldsteel’s Climate Action programme.
Edwin Basson, Director General of worldsteel, said: “We are very pleased with the published standard as it confirms the validity and relevance of our methodology. This globally developed and supported standard will drive the continued uptake of this methodology by the industry. Steel is essential to the modern world and the use of steel is critical in enabling man to move towards a sustainable future. As steel plants actively monitor CO2 emissions, focus is sharpened onto those activities that ensure the role of steel in a sustainable modern society.
The standard is available for two categories of steel-making processes; Part 1 (ISO 14404-1) for steel plants with blast furnaces and Part 2 (ISO 14404-2) for steel plants with electric arc furnaces. They are now available for purchase at the ISO website: http://www.iso.org
• International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is the world’s largest developer of voluntary International Standards. International Standards give state of the art specifications for products, services and good practice, helping to make industry more efficient and effective. Developed through global consensus, they help to break down barriers to international trade.
• The World Steel Association (worldsteel) is one of the largest and most dynamic industry associations in the world. worldsteel represents approximately 170 steel producers (including 16 of the world’s 20 largest steel companies), national and regional steel industry associations, and steel research institutes. worldsteel members represent around 85% of world steel production.