Steel Industry Reaches New Milestone in Energy Efficiency—Once Again

AISI reported in April that for the second consecutive year, the United States steel industry has achieved a new milestone in energy efficiency by reducing its energy intensity per ton of steel shipped by approximately 13.2 percent since 2002 (based on latest available data compiled through 2004), thus expanding its reduction in energy intensity to 28 percent since 1990.

Because of the close relationship between energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, the industry's aggregate carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions per ton of steel shipped were reduced by 17 percent. Compared to the Kyoto Protocol's call for an average 7 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions between 1990 and 2012, this means the American steel industry has already surpassed the Kyoto target by more than 240 percent.

"This improvement in energy efficiency is evidence of the steel industry's longstanding commitment to sustainability," Steve Rowlan, chairman, AISI Committee on Environment, general manager, environmental affairs, Nucor Corporation, said. "As part of our industry's Climate VISION agreement with the Department of Energy, we set a goal to improve energy intensity per ton of steel shipped by 10 percent by 2012 compared to the 2002 baseline. The 2004 data show we have surpassed that target and are breaking new ground in terms of our performance."

The American steel industry has been a leader in reducing energy intensity in the steel manufacturing process and correspondingly reducing greenhouse gas emissions through recycling and through a combination of restructuring, technological advancements and product and process improvements. Also contributing to increased energy efficiency have been greater capacity utilization levels, as well as a higher percentage of total steel production by electric arc furnace steelmakers (EAF).

"Exemplifying our commitment to a sustainable future is the fact that since 1975, the industry has invested over $60 billion in new technologies to improve energy efficiency and productivity," Rowlan noted. "The steel industry has also played a leading role in the EPA Sector Strategies Initiative, which complements our continuous environmental improvement efforts. We are willing, in this regard, to be transparent on our efforts, failures and accomplishments. The EPA Performance Report provides a publicly-available report card on our ongoing efforts."

Rowlan also highlighted the steel industry's involvement in the Asia Pacific Partnership for Clean Development and Climate. America's steel industry is one of only eight sectors working with China, India, South Korea, Japan and Australia to improve the environment through this collaborative commitment to environmental stewardship. For more information, contact Katie Gallagher.