According to industry insiders reported by Kallanish, India launched an official certification system for environmentally friendly steel, specifically targeting steel made with electric arc furnaces. The voluntary system was introduced in early April to assist the nation’s transition to low-carbon industrial practices.

The certification focuses on steel used in manufacturing and processing and is overseen by the National Institute of Steel Secondary Processing Technologies (NISST). It is advantageous for rebar manufacturers who use electric arc, induction furnaces, and scrap as their primary raw material.

India’s new system assesses emissions per tonne of rolled steel produced, in contrast to most international standards that categorize steel according to its alloy makeup. This strategy aligns with initiatives to support environmentally friendly secondary steel manufacturing methods.

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Emissions-Based Star Rating System Introduced

The certification employs a star-based scoring system based on carbon emissions. Green products release 2.2 tons of carbon equivalent per ton of rolled steel or less. Steel with CO₂ emissions of less than 1.6 tons per tonne produced receives the highest grade, five stars.

The certification is subject to revision and has a three-year validity period. Only 20 businesses have signed up for accreditation thus far, even though the program is still in its early phases. Nonetheless, the government believes the long-term benefits will support manufacturers in aligning with future green procurement laws, especially as India launched an official certification system for environmentally friendly steel to strengthen its shift toward low-carbon production.

The action comes after a framework for classifying green steel was announced and unveiled in December. According to this approach, carbon dioxide emissions per ton of alloy created are used to categorize steel into three groups. The criteria used to define these groups will be examined every three years.

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