LESS Certification – Verifying Low-Emission Steel Production

LESS verification allows steel producers to position their low-emission steel in the market and showcase their decarbonisation efforts. A certificate is issued upon successful audit.

Strict Approval Process: Certification bodies must meet rigorous criteria to ensure the integrity of the standard and issued certificates. Approved certification bodies and verified steel producers are listed on the LESS website.
Two-Stage Verification: Includes the initial verification followed - by a mandatory follow-up within 12 months. A certificate is issued after the first verification.
Further Details: Verification procedures are outlined in the LESS rulebook and supporting guidelines, available for certification bodies and operators on the LESS website under downloads.

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LESS Certification Procedure

Important Note: The LESS label provides information on the Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) and Global Warming Potential (GWP) according to Environmental Product Declarations (EPD). However, LESS verification does not certify PCF or GWP values. Certification bodies may confirm the existence of a valid PCF certificate or EPD declaration, but companies remain responsible for accurate reporting.

#1

Initiating the Process

To begin the certification process, companies must contact an approved certification body, agree on contractual details, and submit the required information.

#2

Initial Verification

The certification body validates the determination model using historical data and ensures the correct application of the LESS label, including its use on future delivery notes.

#3

Follow-up Verification

Within 12 months of the initial verification, a certification body reviews the accuracy of classifications, the correct application of the determination model, and the declared scrap share.

#4

Certificate Issuance

Upon successful verification, a LESS certificate is issued, specifying the verified product groups and classifications.

The LESS label

The transparent labelling of GHG emissions from steel production, along with the scrap share, empowers companies and policymakers to effectively manage and implement their sustainability strategies.

By providing all the necessary information to document and track GHG reduction targets, LESS ensures clarity and accountability.

A certification label for the Low Emission Steel Standard (LESS), showing "Classification" with certification details, "Scrap share" with a placeholder percentage (XXX%), and "GWP-total according to EPD" with a placeholder for CO₂ emissions per ton of pro

The label consists of three key elements:

Classification - this highlights a steel producer´s decarbonization efforts, with classifications ranging from low-emission (A-D) to near-zero, tailored for different product groups at a specific plant site.
Scrap Share - this indicates the proportion of secondary material used in the steel production process.
Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) or Global Warming Potential (GWP) verified according to the Environmental Product Declaration (EPD).

How to Apply for LESS Certification

Understand the LESS Rulebook

The LESS rulebook outlines the methodology and calculation rules of the standard. Familiarizing yourself with it is essential before applying for certification.

Become a Member (Optional)

LESS memberships offers advantages, including the opportunity to actively contribute to the association´s activities and the development of the standard.

Initiate the Verification Process

Steel producers seeking LESS certification must contact an approved certification body and prepare for the audit.

Pay the Logo Usage Fee (If Not Being Full Member)

Companies that are not full member of LESS aisbl must pay a logo usage fee after a successful audit. This fee is already included in the full membership package.

Approved Certification Bodies

LESS Certificates

Coming soon

The LESS Certification System