Oct. 8, 2008 - The World Steel Association (Worldsteel) is making good in its promise to collect CO2 emissions data from its members, so far accounting for a third of global steel production.

Worldsteel (formerly the International Iron and Steel Institute) last year pledged to create an international voluntary emissions database as early as 2012. The trade group now reports that 56 member companies have provided emissions data to date, representing more than 178 sites. This accounts for 32% of global steel production and 60% of member steel production. The group plans to reach 75% by the end of the year.

"It is our intention that once the data is collected and verified there will be reporting on a national or regional basis by the steel industry all around the world," says Worldsteel director general Ian Christmas. "We hope that this process will enable steel companies and national and regional associations to establish targets for future commitments to reduce specific emissions."

The global industry accounts for between 4% and 5% of total man-made greenhouse gases, according to Worldsteel. It makes more than 1.3 billion tons of steel annually, generating over two billion tons of carbon dioxide each year as a result.

To reduce the industry's carbon footprint, Worldsteel has established four "building blocks" to engage steel companies and governments in its global sector approach:

1. Working with customers to produce more CO2-efficient applications of steel
2. Benchmarking improvements to reduce emissions based on the successful collection of actual performance data
3. Promoting best practice
4. Engaging in technological research and development

"New steels," such as steel made from plastic bags, have an important part to play in the fight against climate change, according to Worldsteel. "Steel, working with architects, industrial designers, and our customers, will have a major positive contribution to moving towards a more energy-efficient world," according to chairman Phillippe Varin. "Governments can support this by setting the appropriate regulations and standards."