LESS aisbl (Association Internationale Sans But Lucratif) is a non-profit association based in Brussels. LESS is governed by a Board of Directors (BoD) and a General Assembly (GA). A Secretary General (SG) is responsible for the day-to-day management and the representation of the association. Members contribute expertise and drive the continuous development of the standard.
Originally developed by the German steel association (Wirtschaftsvereinigung Stahl), LESS is now expanding across Europe. The standard was shaped through a public stakeholder dialogue led by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK). LESS aisbl currently represents European steel producers covering nearly 25% of EU crude steel production. Membership includes primary and secondary steel producers, with 21 founding members leading the transition toward near-zero steel
What Does LESS aisbl Do?
Who can become a member of LESS AISBL?
Full membership Open to steel-producing companies that have applied for LESS certification. Full members actively contribute to the development of the standard.
Associate membership Includes steel users, distributors, associations and other stakeholders across the steel value chain, from input material manufacturers to steel trade and processing companies.
HOW TO BECOME MEMBER OF LESS AISBL?
LESS aisbl welcomes new members.
Interested companies can start the application process by contacting info@less-aisbl.org
Membership Process
- Submit the required documents, including the application form.
- Sign the membership agreement.
- The Board of Directors reviews and approves the application.
- Approved members are listed as active members of LESS aisbl after payment of the application fee.
Membership Details
- Full members participate in committees and have voting rights in the General Assembly.
- Membership fees follow regulations approved by the General Assembly.
Members
Benefits of Being a Member of LESS aisbl?
Commitment: Driving Steel Decarbonisation
Memberships demonstrates leadership in developing standards and demand for low-emission and near-zero steel, reinforcing a company´s active role in decarbonising the industry.
Opportunity: Label Low-Emission and Near-Zero Steel
Steel producers can verify their production processes against LESS. Full members avoid licence fees and gain access to key committees, including voting rights.
Visibility: Use of the LESS Label
Full members can use the LESS logo for communication and verified product claims. Certificates are publicly listed, increasing visibility among customers.
Influence: Shape the Standard
Members contribute to the development of the LESS standards, ensuring it remains practical and market-relevant through open consultation process.