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Overview

What Is ResponsibleSteel Certification?

ResponsibleSteel is a global multi‑stakeholder standard and certification program dedicated to responsible and low‑carbon steel production. It defines rigorous environmental, social, and governance (ESG) requirements for steelmaking and related sites, covering issues such as climate change, human rights, labour practices, community engagement, and responsible sourcing.

Through independent third‑party audits, ResponsibleSteel certification verifies that steel sites meet these requirements and demonstrate continuous improvement. Certification enables producers to substantiate sustainability claims, support green procurement and financing, and contribute to decarbonisation pathways and global climate and human‑rights goals.

Key Features

Comprehensive, independently audited ESG and decarbonisation framework for steelmaking and related sites.

Site-Level ESG Standard

Integrated ESG assessment covering climate, environment, labour, human rights, communities, and governance.

Certified Steel & Progress Levels

Defined progress levels for decarbonisation and responsible sourcing, enabling Certified Steel claims.

Comprehensive ESG Scope

Covers 13 ESG principles across environment, people, and governance in one certification.

Independent Third-Party Audits by IRQS

IRQS verifies conformity through document review, site audits, and stakeholder interviews.

Ongoing Surveillance and Support

Periodic audits to maintain compliance and demonstrate continual improvement.

Recognised Market Signal

A trusted certification demonstrating credible ESG and climate performance.

Why ResponsibleSteel Certification Is Crucial for Steel Producers

ResponsibleSteel certification strengthens credibility, reduces ESG risk, supports decarbonisation, and positions steelmakers as leaders in the transition to sustainable steel.

Strengthen Market and Stakeholder Confidence

Demonstrated commitment to responsible and low‑carbon steel production
Credible, independently assured ESG performance at steelmaking sites
Enhanced access to sustainability‑linked finance and green procurement
Better preparedness for evolving climate, human‑rights, and supply‑chain regulations
Stronger trust with customers, workers, communities, and investors
Clear framework for continuous improvement and transition planning

WHY CHOOSE RESPONSIBLESTEEL?

ResponsibleSteel Certification

Differentiate your steel in global markets, de‑risk ESG performance, and accelerate decarbonisation.

Join a recognised international sustainability standard for steel, enhancing competitiveness with buyers, OEMs, and construction, automotive, and infrastructure customers that require responsible sourcing.
Provide independently audited, site‑level information on climate, environment, labour, and community practices, enabling reliable ESG disclosures and customer communication.
Respond to customer demands for responsible and low‑carbon steel, support green product lines, and strengthen positioning in tenders and long‑term supply agreements.
Align with emerging expectations under climate policies, supply‑chain due‑diligence rules, and public procurement criteria that prioritise responsible and low‑emission materials.
Use the standard and its progress levels as a practical roadmap for decarbonisation investments, operational improvements, and long‑term transition strategies.

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DOWNLOAD OUR RESPONSIBLESTEEL ASSURANCE BROCHURE

ResponsibleSteel Certification Services

IRQS provides independent third-party audits and assurance for ResponsibleSteel certification, verifying steelmaking and related sites against the full scope of ESG and decarbonisation requirements. Our accredited auditors conduct Stage 1 document reviews, Stage 2 on-site assessments, and surveillance audits to confirm conformity with over 300 criteria covering climate emissions, environment, labour rights, human rights, communities, and governance. This independent verification delivers the formal audit reports and recommendations required by ResponsibleSteel and its Assurance Panel, enabling eligible sites to achieve certification and market Certified Steel to sustainability-focused customers and investors.

OUR APPROACH

Steps Towards ResponsibleSteel Certification

Step 1: Application and Site Scoping

Define the sites, processes, and activities in scope and clarify boundaries, products, and key ESG focus areas. This establishes a clear basis for the ResponsibleSteel assessment and certification journey.

Step 2: Gap Assessment and Preparation

Review existing policies, procedures, data, and practices against the ResponsibleSteel requirements. Identify gaps and improvement priorities related to climate, environment, labour, human rights, governance, and supply chain.

Step 3: Independent Audit and Evaluation

Accredited auditors conduct Stage 1 (document review) and Stage 2 (on‑site) assessments to verify implementation, interview personnel and stakeholders, and test evidence across all applicable criteria.

Step 4: Certification and Ongoing Performance

Once requirements are met, a ResponsibleSteel certificate is issued for the site, typically for a defined cycle with surveillance or follow‑up assessments. Ongoing monitoring and improvements help maintain certification and progress toward higher performance and decarbonisation levels.

Our Approach

Steps Towards ResponsibleSteel Certification

Step 1: Application and Site Scoping

Define the sites, processes, and activities in scope and clarify boundaries, products, and key ESG focus areas. This establishes a clear basis for the ResponsibleSteel assessment and certification journey.

Step 2: Stage 1 – Gap Assessment and Preparation

Review existing policies, procedures, data, and practices against the ResponsibleSteel requirements. Identify gaps and improvement priorities related to climate, environment, labour, human rights, governance, and supply chain.

Step 3: Stage 2 – Independent Audit and Evaluation

Accredited auditors conduct Stage 1 (document review) and Stage 2 (on‑site) assessments to verify implementation, interview personnel and stakeholders, and test evidence across all applicable criteria.

Step 4: Certification and Ongoing Performance

Once requirements are met, a ResponsibleSteel certificate is issued for the site, typically for a defined cycle with surveillance or follow‑up assessments. Ongoing monitoring and improvements help maintain certification and progress toward higher performance and decarbonisation levels.

JOIN THE MOVEMENT

ResponsibleSteel Certification with IRQS

Partner with an experienced assurance and certification team to demonstrate responsible steel production and transition toward low‑carbon and near‑zero steel. IRQS supports steelmakers and processing sites in interpreting ResponsibleSteel requirements, strengthening ESG systems, and preparing for independent assessments. The engagement is tailored to your operations and value chain, from initial gap assessment through audit preparation, third‑party certification, and surveillance, so your sustainability claims can withstand customer and stakeholder scrutiny. ResponsibleSteel‑certified sites signal leadership in climate action, responsible sourcing, and social performance, reinforcing your position in a decarbonising global steel market.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your ResponsibleSteel Certification Questions - Answered

ISO 14067:2018 is an international standard that specifies principles, requirements and guidelines for quantifying and reporting the carbon footprint of a product (CFP), consistent with life-cycle assessment (LCA) norms. (ISO)

ISO 14067 certification helps your organisation to:

Credibly quantify the greenhouse-gas (GHG) emissions associated with a product’s full life cycle.
Demonstrate transparency and robustness in your environmental footprint claims.
Meet stakeholder expectations, supply-chain demands, and regulatory pressures for carbon-footprint disclosures.

Any organisation producing goods or services can benefit. ISO 14067 applies across sectors and industries where product carbon emissions matter—manufacturing, packaging, electronics, consumer goods, and beyond.

Typical steps include:

Defining the product, functional unit and system boundary.
Collecting data and performing life-cycle inventory (LCI) and impact assessment (LCA).
Identifying GHG emissions and removals, calculating CO₂-equivalent figures.
Verifying results against ISO 14067 requirements.
Issuing an independent certification statement confirming compliance.

You will typically receive:

A formal certificate or statement confirming that your product carbon-footprint study conforms to ISO 14067.
A detailed report summarising goal/scope, methodology, data sources, results, assumptions and improvement opportunities.
Communication materials suitable for internal use, supply-chain disclosure or stakeholder reporting.

Duration depends on product complexity, number of supply-chain facilities, data maturity, and scope breadth. Generally, once data is ready, the process ranges from 4 to 10 weeks.

You will need:

Product definition and functional unit.
System boundary (cradle-to-gate, cradle-to-grave, etc.).
Inventory data: raw materials, energy use, transport, manufacturing, use phase, end-of-life.
Emission factors, assumptions, allocation methods.
Evidence of data quality, data sources and uncertainties.
If applicable, previous footprint studies or baseline data.

No. ISO 14067 quantifies the carbon footprint; it does not inherently certify “zero” or “net-zero” footprint. Reduction and offset strategies are separate actions and must be clearly distinguished from the carbon-footprint claim.

Yes. ISO 14067 integrates with life-cycle assessment standards (such as ISO 14040/14044) and supports broader environmental management or sustainability strategies (e.g., eco-design, EPDs, supply-chain carbon reduction).

Submit your organisation’s details including product/scope, number of product variants, supply-chain data readiness, and life-cycle boundary. We will review, define audit scope and timeline, and provide a customised proposal.

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Responsible Steel Certification

What Is ResponsibleSteel Certification?