IRQS Website | Quality Certification & Training

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 – Onsite or Online Audit

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: Gap Closure and Certification Issuance

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

ResponsibleSteel primarily certifies steelmaking and related sites, assessing how operations at those locations meet the standard’s ESG and decarbonisation requirements.

Yes. Certification at site level, combined with defined progress levels on climate and responsible sourcing, can support credible low‑carbon and responsible‑steel product claims where applicable criteria are met.

Timelines depend on site complexity, data availability, and current ESG performance. A typical journey can range from several months for prepared sites to longer where significant improvements are needed.

Organisations should involve ESG, environment, health and safety, HR, procurement, operations, and community‑relations teams to provide data, evidence, and support during preparation and audits.

Surveillance or interim reviews are usually carried out during the certification cycle to confirm ongoing conformity, with a full reassessment required at renewal.

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ResponsibleSteel Certification

What Is ResponsibleSteel Certification?