- thyssenkrupp Steel has successfully completed verification of the Low Emission Steel Standard "LESS"
- LESS enables a transparent comparison of CO₂emissions in steel production and introduces a rating system for CO₂reduced products
- TÜV Nord, as an independent testing institute, has already certified thyssenkrupp Steel's conventionally produced hot-rolled steel with label level D
- In the future, after implementation of direct reduction technology using hydrogen, the aim is to achieve classification A and, after additional decarbonization of the upstream chain, "near zero."
The Low Emission Steel Standard is the transparent labeling system for CO2 -reduced steel, providing – for the first time – uniform and ambitious standards for climate-friendly steel in the German steel industry. Thanks to a verifiable standard and a reliable definition, the progress of the green transformation can be compared and evaluated. This is not just about decarbonizing a single industry: low-CO₂ steel also contributes to reducing emissions in numerous downstream value chains. The new labeling system provides steel customers with all the key information they need to manage their purchasing in line with their own climate protection goals.
The label was developed with input from all relevant stakeholders and was scientifically supported by renowned research institutions. LESS builds on the approach of the International Energy Agency (IEA), which provides clear and comparable data on emissions, thus enabling global transparency and cooperation. G7 ministers already recognized this approach as a robust starting point in 2022, making LESS internationally compatible from the outset.
"We now need to stimulate demand to accelerate the decarbonization of the steel industry. After all, a sustainable future for our industry requires clear demand for climate-friendly steel products. An effective way to drive this demand is to establish green lead markets for climate-friendly products. The key to this is a transparent and binding classification of low-emission steels – a requirement that is now being met with LESS," explains Dennis Grimm, Spokesman of the Executive Board at thyssenkrupp Steel.
LESS classifies steels into categories from A to E and "Near Zero" based on the CO2 emissions generated during their production and the proportion of scrap used. Class A stands for particularly climate-friendly steels, while class E generally represents conventional blast furnace routes without additional optimization measures. Steel products that are produced with virtually no CO₂ emissions and whose raw and input materials are decarbonized in the upstream supply chain can achieve the best "Near Zero" class.
The inspection of participating steel companies by an external, recognized inspection body is an important component and signal for the independence and reliability of the LESS classification. During the verification of thyssenkrupp Steel, TÜV Nord inspected hot-rolled steel in accordance with the requirements of the LESS regulations, with the company already achieving classification level D.
In the future, thyssenkrupp Steel aims to achieve LESS category A classification for its direct-reduced bluemint® products through the innovative combination of a direct reduction plant and melting furnaces using hydrogen. During a transitional phase the direct reduction plant is using natural gas, a classification in category C can already be achieved. The long-term goal is to achieve a "near zero" classification after decarbonizing the upstream chain, which consists of emissions from material extraction, the provision of the energy used, and transport emissions.
