Resource-efficient operations

The majority of SSAB’s direct CO2 emissions (93%) are generated by our Nordic iron ore-based steel production, mainly at our sites in Luleå, Oxelösund and Raahe, and are within the scope of the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS). Almost all of these emissions are related to the use of coke and coal as reducing agents. .

In 2020, the Science Based Targets initiative approved SSAB’s target to reduce absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 35% by 2032 from the base year 2018. The target is in line with the Paris Agreement and the objective of keeping global warming well below 2°C. During 2021, our Scope 1 and 2 emissions decreased by 1.6% compared with the base year 2018, mainly due to lower indirect emissions from our operations in the USA. Following SSAB’s announcement in January 2022 of the policy decision to accelerate the green transition, we will review our climate target as part of the pre-feasability phase, including to be in line with a 1.5 degree scenario.

Material efficiency means making more out of less material, thereby increasing efficiency in the use of natural resources. The production of iron and steel gives rise to a range of residuals. Recirculating material as raw material back into the steelmaking process reduces the need for virgin, raw materials which in turn reduces CO2 emissions and waste. Material that is not recirculated internally is processed into by-products and sold externally, creating new revenue streams as well as reducing CO2 emissions by substituting natural resources in other industries. The choice between internal use and external sales is based on sustainability evaluation. Material value as raw material i.e. value in use and quality parameters as well as environmental effects are the key factors in this evaluation.

Steel is unique in its capacity to be infinitely recycled without loss of properties or performance and is the most recycled material in the world today. The use of recycled steel in the production of new steel lowers the environmental footprint and optimized steel recycling is hence a critical element in reducing carbon emissions. In addition, much of the material generated from our production is recirculated back into our own processes, thereby reducing both the need for virgin raw materials, and CO2 emissions and waste. Learn more about our targets and performance.