New ISO calculates CO2 emissions in steel production

(Photo: ThyssenKrupp AG)

A new ISO (International Organization for Standardization) has been published that calculates the carbon dioxide emissions from iron and steel production.

The standard is based on the CO2 data collection methodology that has been used for the past five years in the industry.

The data used in the study was compiled by the World Steel Association (worldsteel). Since 2007, the number of participating organisations increased from 38 companies to 51 by 2011. They represent more than 200 plants worldwide.

Of these, 33 organizations reported their CO2 emissions data using this methodology for five consecutive years as part of worldsteel’s Climate Action programme.

“We are very pleased with the published standard as it confirms the validity and relevance of our methodology," stated Edwin Basson, Director General of worldsteel.

"This globally developed and supported standard will drive the continued uptake of this methodology by the industry. Steel is essential to the modern world and the use of steel is critical in enabling man to move towards a sustainable future. As steel plants actively monitor CO2 emissions, focus is sharpened onto those activities that ensure the role of steel in a sustainable modern society."

The standard is available for two categories of steel-making processes. Part 1 (ISO 14404-1) is for plants with blast furnaces and Part 2 (ISO 14404-2) is for plants with electric arc furnaces.

More information can be found at the ISO website: http://www.iso.org