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.

A Shared Commitment to Transparency and Accountability

The collaboration between LESS and ResponsibleSteel is grounded in a shared vision for credible, science-based decarbonisation. Both organisations support the Steel Decarbonisation Scale, which incentivises emissions reductions across all steel production routes, including both primary and secondary methods. In June 2025, they jointly published a policy paper outlining this approach, emphasising the importance of verified data and comprehensive emissions accounting that includes upstream supply chain impacts.

To further strengthen this alignment, LESS and ResponsibleSteel will develop a conversion tool to enable equivalency claims, providing the platform for companies to leverage existing certifications under one standard to meet the requirements of the other. This effort will ensure greater transparency about decarbonisation progress, fostering trust among producers, buyers, and policymakers.

Why Interoperability Matters

Harmonised standards are essential for creating a level playing field in global steel markets. They enable fair benchmarking of steel products based on verified emissions data, accelerate innovation in sustainable steelmaking by reducing barriers to certification, and help prevent carbon leakage. By ensuring that progress in one region supports rather than undermines global decarbonisation efforts, this initiative will strengthen the integrity of low-emission steel standards worldwide.

Industry Leaders Endorse the Initiative

Frederik Van de Velde, CEO of ArcelorMittal Belgium and a member of both LESS and ResponsibleSteel, stated: "This partnership is a game-changer for our industry. By aligning our standards, we are not only strengthening LESS and ResponsibleSteel but also shaping a global consensus on what defines low-emission steel. ArcelorMittal is proud to support this initiative, which will accelerate our collective journey toward a sustainable steel industry."

Gunnar Groebler, CEO of Salzgitter AG and Chairman of the Board of LESS, added: "Harmonised standards are the backbone of meaningful change in steel production. This tool will empower companies to adopt sustainable practices with confidence while giving customers the transparency they need to make informed decisions. Mutual recognition between standards is key to building trust in the marketplace."

Annie Heaton, CEO of ResponsibleSteel, highlighted the global impact of the collaboration: "The markets urgently need a global framework to enable comparability in low-emission steel, and so facilitate policy and trade. ResponsibleSteel’s partnership with LESS paves the way to real interoperability between high quality climate standards – signalling strong alignment and consensus - a breakthrough development which will provide clarity for steel producers, buyers, investors and policymakers.”

A Pathway to Near-Zero Steel

The interoperability tool reflects the core values of LESS and ResponsibleSteel: transparency, accountability, and environmental stewardship. By streamlining the certification process, the project removes barriers for companies committed to reducing their carbon footprint, supporting the global transition to near-zero steel production.

 

About LESS: The Low Emission Steel Standard (LESS) provides a structured framework for assessing, classifying, and verifying low-emission steel. As a Brussels-based non-profit, LESS represents European steel producers covering 45% of EU crude steel production, including both primary and secondary producers.

About ResponsibleSteel: ResponsibleSteel is a global multi-stakeholder standards and certification initiative for the steel industry, committed to being a driving force in the socially and environmentally responsible production of net-zero steel. The ResponsibleSteel International Production Standard is designed to support the responsible sourcing and production of steel through an international system of certification and classification.