Finnish companies can accelerate emissions reductions in the steel industry through their procurement – new guide shows how

Steel is a key material in the construction of electricity grids and telecommunications infrastructure. At the same time, it is one of the largest sources of industrial emissions globally.

Published by Enersense, the toolkit for procuring lower-emission steel provides information on what should be considered in procurement. The guide helps steel buyers compare steel production methods, ask suppliers for the right emissions data, and identify when lower-emission claims are based on verified standards. The guide is intended especially for companies responsible for procurement, sustainability and material choices in construction.

“Material emissions are still discussed too little, even though their impact on the climate is significant. Companies have a key role to play in developing the market for lower-emission steel: as demand grows, producers will have stronger grounds to invest in lower-emission solutions,” says Amanda Rejström, Global Lead, WWF Steel Decarbonisation Workstream.

Enersense has already piloted lower-emission steel in a substation construction in Southwest Finland. The emissions from the production of the steel used in the pilot were around 40% lower than those of the conventional steel used as a reference.

The means to reduce steel emissions already exist

Emissions from steel production can be reduced, for example, by increasing the use of recycled steel as a raw material and by replacing coal-based blast furnaces with technology in which iron ore is reduced using green hydrogen.

The technology needed to produce lower-emission steel already exists, but its wider adoption requires growing market demand.

The steel industry is currently in a major investment phase, and the decisions made now will affect the emissions levels of production for decades to come. Companies’ procurement decisions, commitments and public positions can accelerate investments in fossil-free production solutions.

“Companies’ procurement decisions steer the market. Our goal is to make it easier for our customers to make more sustainable choices when information and solutions are available. The guide to procuring lower-emission steel is a concrete step in this direction and also supports our own emissions reduction targets,” says Liisi Tamminen, VP, Communications, Investor relations and Sustainability.

Read the guide: https://enersense.com/toolkit-for-procuring-lower-emission-steel/

Further information

Liisi Tamminen
VP, Communications, Investor Relations and Sustainability
Tel. +358 44 222 5552
Email: liisi.tamminen@enersense.com

Amanda Rejström
Global Lead, WWF Steel Decarbonisation Workstream
Tel. +358 50 300 5058
Email: amanda.rejstrom@wwf.fi, +358 50 300 5058