GITNUXREPORT 2025

Sustainability In The Steel Industry Statistics

Steel industry reducing emissions, recycling, adopting green technologies rapidly.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

Our Commitment to Accuracy

Rigorous fact-checking • Reputable sources • Regular updatesLearn more

Statistic 1

Recycling steel reduces energy consumption by up to 74% compared to primary production

Statistic 2

Implementing energy-efficient practices in steel plants can reduce energy costs by up to 20%

Statistic 3

The adoption of digital technologies like AI and IoT in steel plants is projected to reduce energy use by 10% by 2025

Statistic 4

The development of alternative binders in steelmaking can cut energy consumption by 15-20%, advancing sustainability

Statistic 5

There has been a 10% reduction in specific energy consumption in steel manufacturing since 2015 due to efficiency measures

Statistic 6

LED lighting in steel plants can reduce lighting energy consumption by up to 75%, contributing to cleaner operations

Statistic 7

Waste heat recovery technologies in steel plants can reduce energy costs by up to 15% annually, improving sustainability and profitability

Statistic 8

The energy intensity of steel manufacturing decreased by 25% between 2010 and 2020 due to technological upgrades

Statistic 9

The number of steel plants with ISO 50001 energy management certification has increased by 20% over the past three years, promoting continuous energy improvement

Statistic 10

The predicted decrease in steel industry water usage per tonne of steel produced is 10% by 2025 due to efficiency measures

Statistic 11

The industry’s total energy consumption is projected to decline by 12% by 2030 through efficiency and renewable energy integration

Statistic 12

The steel industry accounts for approximately 7-9% of global CO2 emissions

Statistic 13

The global steel sector emitted about 2.6 billion tonnes of CO2 in 2020

Statistic 14

The use of electric arc furnaces (EAF) in steelmaking, which is more sustainable, has increased globally by 15% over the past decade

Statistic 15

Utilizing hydrogen instead of coke in steel production can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 90%

Statistic 16

The steel industry aims to reduce its carbon footprint by 30% by 2030 through green innovations

Statistic 17

Use of renewable energy sources in steel production increased by 25% over the last five years

Statistic 18

Green hydrogen can potentially replace 40% of fossil fuels used in steel manufacturing by 2040

Statistic 19

Portable solar-powered units can provide renewable energy to remote steel manufacturing sites, decreasing reliance on fossil fuels

Statistic 20

Efforts to decarbonize steelmaking could reduce global steel industry CO2 emissions by as much as 2 billion tonnes annually by 2050

Statistic 21

Steel companies investing in carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology aim to cut emissions by up to 90% at certain facilities

Statistic 22

The use of biogenic carbon sources for steelmaking could reduce the industry’s net carbon footprint by 15% by 2030

Statistic 23

The percentage of steel plants implementing ISO 14001 environmental management systems has increased to 65%, promoting better sustainability practices

Statistic 24

Replacing traditional coke ovens with green alternatives can cut greenhouse gases by up to 50%

Statistic 25

The proportion of high-efficiency electric arc furnaces in Asia has increased by 20% over five years, reducing carbon emissions significantly

Statistic 26

Steel industry’s carbon-neutral pathways aim for net-zero emissions by 2050, with incremental milestones set for 2030 and 2040

Statistic 27

The manufacturing process improvements can reduce water usage by 12% in steel production facilities

Statistic 28

The global steel industry is estimated to cut its carbon emissions intensity by roughly 40% by the year 2030 through multiple green initiatives

Statistic 29

The incorporation of bio-based fluxes in steelmaking can lower emissions by 10-15%, moving industry towards more sustainable practices

Statistic 30

The use of recycled steel in construction projects has saved approximately 500 million tonnes of CO2 emissions over the past decade

Statistic 31

The deployment of AI for process optimization in steel plants has led to a 12% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions

Statistic 32

Companies adopting sustainable procurement policies saw an average 10% reduction in supply chain emissions

Statistic 33

The adoption of bioenergy for process heat in steel manufacturing can reduce fossil fuel dependency by 35%, fostering sustainability

Statistic 34

The proportion of steel industry investments dedicated to sustainability projects increased by 18% in 2022 compared to 2021, indicating growing industry commitment

Statistic 35

About 30% of steel plants have incorporated real-time emissions monitoring, improving transparency and mitigation strategies

Statistic 36

Adoption of low-carbon steel certifications is expected to grow at 8% CAGR through 2025, influencing market demand

Statistic 37

The global market for green steel is projected to reach $125 billion by 2030, reflecting a 12% CAGR

Statistic 38

To meet climate targets, the steel industry needs to invest $100 billion in sustainable infrastructure by 2030, according to industry analysts

Statistic 39

The adoption of green procurement policies by steel companies is forecasted to grow at a CAGR of 9% until 2026, encouraging sustainable supply chains

Statistic 40

80% of steel companies report increased profitability when adopting sustainable practices, indicating economic benefits of green transformation

Statistic 41

The adoption of carbon pricing in regions with active steel industries has increased investments in cleaner steel technologies by 20% since 2020

Statistic 42

The global demand for low-carbon steel is predicted to make up 40% of the market share by 2030, highlighting a shift towards environmentally friendly products

Statistic 43

Exporting steel with sustainable certifications has increased by 15% year-over-year, expanding global market access for green steel products

Statistic 44

The transition to low-carbon steel has created over 50,000 new jobs globally from green innovation projects, demonstrating economic benefits

Statistic 45

Public policies supporting green steel initiatives have increased by 35% worldwide in the past three years, facilitating industry sustainability efforts

Statistic 46

About 70% of the steel produced worldwide is recycled, making it one of the most recycled materials globally

Statistic 47

The global demand for sustainable steel products is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 6% through 2030

Statistic 48

The recycling rate of steel varies by region, with Europe achieving around 85% recycling rate

Statistic 49

Steel production waste can be repurposed into construction materials, reducing landfill waste by 15%

Statistic 50

The industry’s move toward circular economy models has reduced raw material consumption by nearly 40% in some producers

Statistic 51

The adoption of circular supply chains in steel manufacturing could reduce raw material extraction by 30% in the next decade

Statistic 52

Innovations in slag utilization have decreased waste by 20 million tonnes annually worldwide, promoting sustainability

Statistic 53

Steel industry commitments to zero waste by 2040 are increasing, with over 35% of companies adopting zero-waste policies

Statistic 54

The circular economy approach in steel manufacturing has resulted in a 22% decrease in raw material extraction over the past 8 years

Statistic 55

The use of recycled water in steel plants has increased by 30% since 2015, contributing to water conservation efforts

Statistic 56

The global market share of sustainable steel is expected to reach 22% by 2030, up from 8% in 2020, reflecting rapid growth in green products

Statistic 57

The carbon intensity of steel production can be reduced to below 1.5 tons of CO2 per ton of steel with innovative technologies

Statistic 58

Innovation partnerships between steel producers and tech companies are increasing, with 25% more collaborations reported in 2022 compared to 2021

Statistic 59

Investments in sustainable steel R&D reached $2 billion globally in 2022, supporting innovation in greener technologies

Statistic 60

The average lifespan of a modern eco-friendly steel plant is projected to be 25% longer than traditional plants due to advanced durability and efficiency features

Statistic 61

The implementation of near-zero emission steelmaking processes is in pilot stages in at least 5 countries, aiming for full-scale deployment by 2030

Statistic 62

The annual investment in green steel R&D has outpaced fossil-based methods since 2021, signaling a shift in industry focus

Statistic 63

The development of low-emission, climate-resilient steel alloys is advancing, with over 50 new formulations in R&D pipelines, aimed at improving sustainability

Slide 1 of 63

Sources

Our Reports have been cited by:

Trust Badges - Publications that have cited our reports

Key Highlights

The steel industry accounts for approximately 7-9% of global CO2 emissions
The global steel sector emitted about 2.6 billion tonnes of CO2 in 2020
Recycling steel reduces energy consumption by up to 74% compared to primary production
The use of electric arc furnaces (EAF) in steelmaking, which is more sustainable, has increased globally by 15% over the past decade
Utilizing hydrogen instead of coke in steel production can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 90%
About 70% of the steel produced worldwide is recycled, making it one of the most recycled materials globally
The steel industry aims to reduce its carbon footprint by 30% by 2030 through green innovations
Use of renewable energy sources in steel production increased by 25% over the last five years
Green hydrogen can potentially replace 40% of fossil fuels used in steel manufacturing by 2040
The carbon intensity of steel production can be reduced to below 1.5 tons of CO2 per ton of steel with innovative technologies
The global demand for sustainable steel products is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 6% through 2030
Implementing energy-efficient practices in steel plants can reduce energy costs by up to 20%
The recycling rate of steel varies by region, with Europe achieving around 85% recycling rate

The steel industry, responsible for nearly 10% of global CO2 emissions, is rapidly transforming through innovative green technologies and circular practices—paving the way for a more sustainable future that could cut emissions by up to 90% and reshape the global market.

Energy Consumption and Efficiency

Recycling steel reduces energy consumption by up to 74% compared to primary production
Implementing energy-efficient practices in steel plants can reduce energy costs by up to 20%
The adoption of digital technologies like AI and IoT in steel plants is projected to reduce energy use by 10% by 2025
The development of alternative binders in steelmaking can cut energy consumption by 15-20%, advancing sustainability
There has been a 10% reduction in specific energy consumption in steel manufacturing since 2015 due to efficiency measures
LED lighting in steel plants can reduce lighting energy consumption by up to 75%, contributing to cleaner operations
Waste heat recovery technologies in steel plants can reduce energy costs by up to 15% annually, improving sustainability and profitability
The energy intensity of steel manufacturing decreased by 25% between 2010 and 2020 due to technological upgrades
The number of steel plants with ISO 50001 energy management certification has increased by 20% over the past three years, promoting continuous energy improvement
The predicted decrease in steel industry water usage per tonne of steel produced is 10% by 2025 due to efficiency measures
The industry’s total energy consumption is projected to decline by 12% by 2030 through efficiency and renewable energy integration

Energy Consumption and Efficiency Interpretation

By embracing recycling, digital innovations, and efficiency measures, the steel industry is forging a sustainable future—proving that with smarter practices, we can strengthen industries without breaking the planet.

Environmental Impact and Emissions

The steel industry accounts for approximately 7-9% of global CO2 emissions
The global steel sector emitted about 2.6 billion tonnes of CO2 in 2020
The use of electric arc furnaces (EAF) in steelmaking, which is more sustainable, has increased globally by 15% over the past decade
Utilizing hydrogen instead of coke in steel production can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 90%
The steel industry aims to reduce its carbon footprint by 30% by 2030 through green innovations
Use of renewable energy sources in steel production increased by 25% over the last five years
Green hydrogen can potentially replace 40% of fossil fuels used in steel manufacturing by 2040
Portable solar-powered units can provide renewable energy to remote steel manufacturing sites, decreasing reliance on fossil fuels
Efforts to decarbonize steelmaking could reduce global steel industry CO2 emissions by as much as 2 billion tonnes annually by 2050
Steel companies investing in carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology aim to cut emissions by up to 90% at certain facilities
The use of biogenic carbon sources for steelmaking could reduce the industry’s net carbon footprint by 15% by 2030
The percentage of steel plants implementing ISO 14001 environmental management systems has increased to 65%, promoting better sustainability practices
Replacing traditional coke ovens with green alternatives can cut greenhouse gases by up to 50%
The proportion of high-efficiency electric arc furnaces in Asia has increased by 20% over five years, reducing carbon emissions significantly
Steel industry’s carbon-neutral pathways aim for net-zero emissions by 2050, with incremental milestones set for 2030 and 2040
The manufacturing process improvements can reduce water usage by 12% in steel production facilities
The global steel industry is estimated to cut its carbon emissions intensity by roughly 40% by the year 2030 through multiple green initiatives
The incorporation of bio-based fluxes in steelmaking can lower emissions by 10-15%, moving industry towards more sustainable practices
The use of recycled steel in construction projects has saved approximately 500 million tonnes of CO2 emissions over the past decade
The deployment of AI for process optimization in steel plants has led to a 12% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions
Companies adopting sustainable procurement policies saw an average 10% reduction in supply chain emissions
The adoption of bioenergy for process heat in steel manufacturing can reduce fossil fuel dependency by 35%, fostering sustainability
The proportion of steel industry investments dedicated to sustainability projects increased by 18% in 2022 compared to 2021, indicating growing industry commitment
About 30% of steel plants have incorporated real-time emissions monitoring, improving transparency and mitigation strategies

Environmental Impact and Emissions Interpretation

Although the steel industry's emissions account for up to 9% of global CO2, innovative green technologies like hydrogen reduction, renewable energy, and carbon capture are forging a path toward a cleaner, more sustainable future—proving that even the backbone of infrastructure can begin to bend toward environmental responsibility.

Policy and Market Trends in Green Steel

Adoption of low-carbon steel certifications is expected to grow at 8% CAGR through 2025, influencing market demand
The global market for green steel is projected to reach $125 billion by 2030, reflecting a 12% CAGR
To meet climate targets, the steel industry needs to invest $100 billion in sustainable infrastructure by 2030, according to industry analysts
The adoption of green procurement policies by steel companies is forecasted to grow at a CAGR of 9% until 2026, encouraging sustainable supply chains
80% of steel companies report increased profitability when adopting sustainable practices, indicating economic benefits of green transformation
The adoption of carbon pricing in regions with active steel industries has increased investments in cleaner steel technologies by 20% since 2020
The global demand for low-carbon steel is predicted to make up 40% of the market share by 2030, highlighting a shift towards environmentally friendly products
Exporting steel with sustainable certifications has increased by 15% year-over-year, expanding global market access for green steel products
The transition to low-carbon steel has created over 50,000 new jobs globally from green innovation projects, demonstrating economic benefits
Public policies supporting green steel initiatives have increased by 35% worldwide in the past three years, facilitating industry sustainability efforts

Policy and Market Trends in Green Steel Interpretation

As the steel industry accelerates toward a greener future—bolstered by soaring demand, robust profitability, and a 35% surge in supportive policies—it's clear that sustainable infrastructure investments and low-carbon innovations are transforming steel from a traditionally carbon-intensive sector into a cornerstone of global climate progress and economic growth.

Recycling and Sustainable Practices

About 70% of the steel produced worldwide is recycled, making it one of the most recycled materials globally
The global demand for sustainable steel products is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 6% through 2030
The recycling rate of steel varies by region, with Europe achieving around 85% recycling rate
Steel production waste can be repurposed into construction materials, reducing landfill waste by 15%
The industry’s move toward circular economy models has reduced raw material consumption by nearly 40% in some producers
The adoption of circular supply chains in steel manufacturing could reduce raw material extraction by 30% in the next decade
Innovations in slag utilization have decreased waste by 20 million tonnes annually worldwide, promoting sustainability
Steel industry commitments to zero waste by 2040 are increasing, with over 35% of companies adopting zero-waste policies
The circular economy approach in steel manufacturing has resulted in a 22% decrease in raw material extraction over the past 8 years
The use of recycled water in steel plants has increased by 30% since 2015, contributing to water conservation efforts
The global market share of sustainable steel is expected to reach 22% by 2030, up from 8% in 2020, reflecting rapid growth in green products

Recycling and Sustainable Practices Interpretation

With approximately 70% of steel worldwide recycled and a burgeoning market forecasted to reach 22% sustainable steel by 2030, the industry is clearly forging a heavily recycled, resource-efficient future—proving that even steel’s strongest material can become a champion of circular economy and eco-conscious innovation.

Technological Innovations in Steel Production

The carbon intensity of steel production can be reduced to below 1.5 tons of CO2 per ton of steel with innovative technologies
Innovation partnerships between steel producers and tech companies are increasing, with 25% more collaborations reported in 2022 compared to 2021
Investments in sustainable steel R&D reached $2 billion globally in 2022, supporting innovation in greener technologies
The average lifespan of a modern eco-friendly steel plant is projected to be 25% longer than traditional plants due to advanced durability and efficiency features
The implementation of near-zero emission steelmaking processes is in pilot stages in at least 5 countries, aiming for full-scale deployment by 2030
The annual investment in green steel R&D has outpaced fossil-based methods since 2021, signaling a shift in industry focus
The development of low-emission, climate-resilient steel alloys is advancing, with over 50 new formulations in R&D pipelines, aimed at improving sustainability

Technological Innovations in Steel Production Interpretation

As innovative collaborations and hefty R&D investments propel the steel industry toward greener horizons, the goal of cutting carbon intensity below 1.5 tons per ton of steel by 2030 seems increasingly within sight—proof that even heavy industry can flex with sustainability.