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Our work in the heavy industry sector

Heavy industry—which includes the manufacturing of steel, concrete, and chemicals—is a key driver of economic growth but also responsible for roughly 24 percent of global emissions. Steel and cement production pose some of the biggest pollution reduction challenges in any net-zero scenario. Emissions from heavy industry are produced from the burning of fossil fuels for energy and from chemical reactions inherent to transforming materials into useful products.   


Our approach

The U.S. steel production industry is already the world’s most carbon efficient, due to its pioneering role in electric-arc steelmaking, which relies on recycled scrap. As automakers, construction companies, and consumers increasingly seek low-emissions materials to make their products, U.S. steelmakers can double down on their competitive advantage by investing more in industry leading solutions, such as advanced, scrap-based steelmaking, direct reduced iron, sourcing 100% clean power, and advancing green hydrogen and carbon capture and storage. Globally, the steel industry is responsible for more than 7% of total emissions. 

Investor engagement

Through the Ceres Investor Network and the global investor engagement initiative, Climate Action 100+, we support and educate institutional investors to help them better understand and engage with companies in the heavy industry sector to reduce pollution and seize economic opportunities.

Corporate action

We work directly with U.S. heavy industry companies to reduce pollution, transition to cleaner production methods and advocate for policies that will help the sector thrive in a more resilient economy.

Policy advocacy

We work with the heavy sector industry to build support for innovative policies at the state and federal levels that mitigate business risk and enhance financial opportunities.

Our Progress

In 2017, we began engaging with steel companies to address their climate emissions and other sustainability risks. At the time, no U.S. steel makers had set climate emissions reduction targets. Today, after years of successful engagements with investors, 80% of U.S. steel companies have set climate goals. Here are some recent highlights.

Nucor

Nucor, the largest steelmaker in the U.S. and 15th largest in the world, committed to adopting its first 1.5°C climate target inclusive of Scope 3 emissions.

U.S. Steel

U.S. Steel announced a deal to supply General Motors with low emissions steel, which will help reduce climate emissions in the transportation sector as well. The steel is manufactured with up to 75% fewer emissions and made with up to 90% recycled content.

Steel Dynamics

Steel Dynamics followed U.S. Steel’s lead by pledging to become carbon neutral by 2050. Additionally, the company plans to increase renewable energy to power its steel mills to 30% by 2030.

U.S. Steel

U.S. Steel unveiled its new sustainable steel line at our annual conference. The company also publicly pledged to be carbon neutral by 2050, becoming the first steel company to do so.

Learn How to Create a Transition Plan 

Broad commitments and long-term goals for stabilizing the climate, protecting water, and conserving and restoring nature aren’t enough. The next step for investors and companies is to develop and publicly disclose a concrete plan for moving from commitment to impact.

Learn more

Help us transform heavy industry

Our work to the transition to a cleaner, just and more resilient economy depends on the generosity of supporters like you. Your gift will help Ceres drive progress across every sector of the economy.

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