Decarbonising steel production is crucial for reducing greenhouse gas emissions aligning with EU climate goals, and helping customers to achieve in an economically efficient way their sustainability targets. A clear, reliable definition that distinguishes between low carbon steel, near-zero steel, and emission-intensive steel is essential for establishing in the coming years CO2-reduced products in the market.
A European Standard for a Low-Carbon Steel Industry
The vision of LESS is becoming the European standard that supports the EU Member States in driving their transformation of the steel sector towards near-zero emission steel production, hereby enabling Europe to align with its climate targets.
Join LESS: Driving Demand for Low-Emission and Near-Zero Steel
The Low Emission Steel Standard (LESS) is managed globally by the international non-profit LESS aisbl, based in Brussels. The organisation ensures the credibility, integrity, and continuous advancement of the standard. LESS aisbl in particular approves certification bodies and provides transparency on LESS-verified steel. All steel producers are invited to become members of LESS aisbl and to verify their production processes against LESS. Actors along the steel value chain, including associations and other industry stakeholders can join as associate members to contribute to the development of a more sustainable steel industry.
Our purpose and mission
The steel industry plays a crucial role in the EU’s climate goals, contributing around 5% of EU CO2 emissions. All members of LESS share the conviction that it is the responsibility of the steel industry to take decisive steps against climate change, to achieve the target of producing net-zero steel in 2050 and to take the first steps of bringing low-emission steel into the market as soon as possible.
Our Guiding Principles
High Ambition
LESS entails a clear cut definition of near-zero emission steel as the ultimate decarbonisation goal.
Market-friendly
LESS recognises stepwise transformation, allowing different categories of low-carbon steel production.
Driving change
LESS incentivises and rewards efforts toward near-zero steel production
Internationally compatible
LESS aligns with global norms and leading standards like the International Energy Agency (IEA).
Circular Economy
LESS ensures comparability across production routes, preventing distortions in global scrap markets.
Credibility
Certification based on consistent rules and established ISO standards. Accounting only if technically necessary and under clearly defined rules.
LESS Insights
LESS aisbl: Board appoints new Secretary General
Brussels, 24th June 2025 – The board of LESS aisbl is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Carmen Ostwald as its new Secretary General. With extensive experience in the European steel industry and a strong professional network, Ostwald brings a dynamic leadership style and in-depth expertise to managing the organisation behind the Low Emission Steel Standard (LESS).
Tata Steel Nederland joins LESS aisbl: Marking a Major Milestone in the Europeanisation of the Low Emission Steel Standard
Brussels, 11th June 2025 – LESS aisbl, the association operating the Low Emission Steel Standard (LESS), is proud to announce that Tata Steel Nederland, one of Europe’s leading steel producers with an annual crude steel production up to 7 million tonnes, has joined as a full member. This significant development brings LESS to a new level of representation, with almost one third of European steel production now participating in the association.
ResponsibleSteel and LESS aisbl Urge Robust, Scrap-Conscious Approach to Effective European Steel Decarbonisation
Brussels/London, 5th June 2025 – ResponsibleSteel and the Low Emission Steel Standard (LESS aisbl) today jointly release a new policy briefing, ‘The Steel Decarbonisation Scale’, urging European policymakers to adopt a more robust and realistic approach to steel decarbonisation – one that recognises the physical limits of scrap supply and incentivises genuine emissions reductions across all steel production routes.
Deja vu at the Hannover Messe: One year of LESS
Hanover, 31st March 2025 - Almost a year ago, we introduced the Low Emission Steel Standard (LESS) at the Hannover Fair together with the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK). Today, one year later, we can look back on its process with pride.
Press Release: Website for the Low Emission Steel Standard (LESS) Now Live
Brussels, 28th February 2025 – The Low Emission Steel Standard (LESS) is now online with a dedicated website. The website provides a comprehensive overview of the standard and its significance for the transformation of the steel industry. With this new platform, LESS aims to reach steel producers, customers, policymakers, and all stakeholders in the steel value chain who are committed to a low-carbon future.