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.
Board of Directors (BoD)
Secretary General
Members
Associated Members
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 and ResponsibleSteel Join Forces to Develop Interoperability Tool for Transparent Steel Decarbonisation
Brussels, 14 November 2025 – In a major step toward aligning global steel decarbonisation efforts, the Low Emission Steel Standard (LESS) and ResponsibleSteel have announced their intention to develop an interoperability tool designed to enhance transparency and comparability of greenhouse gas emissions in steel production. This initiative builds on the Steel Standard Principles launched at COP28 and endorsed by over 60 organisations, addressing the urgent need for harmonised standards to accelerate the industry’s transition to net zero.
LESS: Driving Trust in Europe’s Clean Steel Markets
Brussels, 15 October 2025 – Europe’s steel decarbonisation is underway, but success hinges on strong policies and credible standards. LESS can build trust and unlock investment, creating lead markets that make low-emission steel the industry norm. At a high-level event in Brussels, co-hosted by LESS and Euractiv, industry leaders, policymakers, and civil society explored how standards, transparency, and market incentives can accelerate the shift to low-emission steel.
Public Consultation Open – LESS Rulebook Expansion
Brussels, 18 September 2025 – The public consultation on the proposed expansion of the Low Emission Steel Standard (LESS) Rulebook is now open. We invite all interested stakeholders to participate and provide feedback on the draft proposal.
LESS AISBL Awards First Certifications to Six Companies – A Step Toward Decarbonised Steel
Brussels, 17 September 2025 – LESS AISBL is proud to announce the issuance of its first six certifications to steel companies Georgsmarienhütte, thyssenkrupp Steel Europe, Salzgitter Flachstahl, Peiner Träger, Salzgitter Mannesmann Grobblech, and Ilsenburger Grobblech. These companies are now officially authorized to label their certified products with the LESS label, a symbol of transparency and commitment to climate-conscious steel production.
Stegra Commits to LESS aisbl as the Standard for Transparent Low-Emission Steel Labelling in the EU
Brussels, 08 September 2025 – Swedish steel innovator Stegra, renowned for its commitment to sustainable steel production and cutting-edge technologies, has officially joined LESS aisbl (Low Emission Steel Standard).
LESS welcomes new members – now representing nearly 45% of EU steel production
Brussels, 28th July 2025 – The Low Emission Steel Standard (LESS) has significantly broadened its European representation: Following ArcelorMittal Germany, ArcelorMittal’s entities in Belgium, Luxembourg, France and Spain have now joined the LESS aisbl. In addition, the German Steel Association (Wirtschaftsvereinigung Stahl, WV Stahl) has joined LESS as an associated member.
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.