The worldsteel Climate Action Data Collection Programme recognises steel producers that have fulfilled their commitment to participate in the worldsteel CO2 emissions data collection programme.
The accredited organisations are recognised as Climate Action Data Providers.
Participation is open exclusively to worldsteel member companies (steel-producing sites or companies). For further details, please contact Felipe Maciel, Manager, Environment and Climate Change (CO2@worldsteel.org).
Background
In 2008, the Climate Action Data Collection Programme was launched, under which companies report data on site- or company-level CO2 emissions. A participating company or site receives a report showing the process route average emission data and the range to which it can compare itself.
The Data Collection Programme is at the core of the steel industry’s global steel sectoral approach to climate change.
Based on a common methodology, definitions and agreed boundaries, the data collection programme enables individual steel plants to compare themselves against both average and best performance and identify their scope for improvement.
Governance
Recognition can be obtained at a corporate level or at a site level as long as data has been received for more than 90% of total crude steel production.
The data must be complete, verifiable and approved for each year of collection. The collection process is overseen by worldsteel staff and verified by a panel of experts who review all submissions against standardised parameters and guidelines.
The data is held in the strictest confidence and will be known only to the company or site itself and worldsteel project staff. A participating company or site will receive a report showing the process route average emission data and the range to which it can compare itself.
The recognition scheme is governed by the worldsteel Board of Members.
The aim of the climate action project is to collect and report CO2 emissions data on a site-by-site basis to give an overall emission intensity for the production of steel at that site, irrespective of the final products that are being made.
Data collection methodology
The methodology for data collection was used as the basis for the now published international standard ISO 14404:2013 – calculation method of carbon dioxide emission intensity from iron and steel production.
This globally consistent methodology allows normalised CO2 emission comparisons to be made between sites (regions or countries are not relevant only business practices have an impact).
The methodology and standard is designed to ensure that sites report emissions use the same boundaries and parameters.
How is the data used
Once data is reported back to the member companies, they can develop their own plan to make reductions in emissions and obtain a level closer to the best in class.
worldsteel can develop a global impact for the industry on the total emissions of both CO2 and GHG.
For more information, scroll down to the section titled: Further information on the data collection’s scope and use.
A secure database for data collection
Involvement in the CO2 data collection initiative is exclusive to worldsteel members. Data is collected in an online tool and is hosted on a Microsoft Azure SQL Database.
worldsteel keeps the data secure and confidential and is only reported to those that contribute, and reports will not be published apart from global averages for the entire industry or processes.
The recognition period is for one year from the time of issue of the certificate. If the company or site no longer submits approved data to the programme, they must cease using the logo in any shape or form.
Data submission opens in February and runs until the last working day of May.
Further information on the data collection’s scope and use
This benchmarking exercise is designed for use by the participating members only. Due to the limited sample and lack of on-site verification, information regarding performance ranking and site comparisons should be considered as indicative only. The resulting information, as included in the CO2 report and analytics panels made available to participating members, should not be utilised for public reporting. Such claims will not be supported by worldsteel.
Limitations to the use and interpretation of the worldsteel CO2 dataset
Since 2007, worldsteel has been collecting CO2 inventory data voluntarily provided by its steel-producing members. This initiative has resulted in a credible and robust dataset covering approximately 200 steel production sites annually. The dataset serves two primary purposes:
- Industry-wide indicators: To calculate annual CO2 emission and energy intensity indicators representing the global steel industry, published in worldsteel’s Sustainability Indicators report.
- Site-level comparisons: To provide site-specific CO2 intensity data, irrespective of the final products produced. This enables anonymised cross-site comparisons.
This dataset is valuable for organisations seeking to assess and manage their emissions. However, worldsteel acknowledges certain limitations that must be considered when interpreting its findings.
Coverage
The Climate Action CO2 data collection is limited to worldsteel members. While membership is globally representative, regional participation is uneven. The dataset consistently captures over 22% of global steel production annually across multiple regions. However, some regions are disproportionately represented relative to their global share of production, while others are underrepresented.
Despite this, worldsteel asserts that the dataset – comprising over 50 integrated BF-BOF sites and 100+ electric steel sites across various countries – provides a robust foundation for analyzing and tracking industry emissions trends.
Scope exclusions
worldsteel primarily accounts for CO2 emissions, the most significant greenhouse gas emitted during steel production. However, the default CO2 intensity calculation excludes certain Scope 3 emissions, such as those from mining, scrap procurement, and transportation activities. This approach focuses on emissions directly related to steel production, regardless of location.
Starting with the 2024 methodology update, data collection now allows for the inclusion of these additional Scope 3 emissions.
However, these are not yet reflected in the default CO2 intensity results.
Reporting boundaries
worldsteel’s methodology calculates emissions for crude steel production sites, regardless of the finished products. Reporting includes all facilities under the site’s control, such as downstream operations (e.g., hot rolling, cold rolling, galvanising). While this comprehensive boundary provides a full picture of site emissions, variations in downstream operation scope introduce noise in the results (5%–20%), limiting direct comparability.
To address this, the 2024 methodology update includes an option to report emissions within an “up-to-crude steel” boundary, excluding downstream operations. This adjustment offers a fairer basis for site-to-site comparisons.
Limited verification
The methodology is designed for industry benchmarking and performance tracking, not for external verification. While data submitted to worldsteel is reviewed for consistency against industry averages, the organisation relies on member-provided data and cannot independently verify its accuracy.
Sites seeking external verification are advised to use the ISO 14404 standards, which are closely aligned with worldsteel’s methodology.
Recommendations for use
Given these limitations, worldsteel advises that the annual CO2 report and analytics dashboard, along with their findings, ranking, and calculated indicators, be used exclusively for internal assessment and strategic planning. They are not intended for public reporting or external verification purposes.