core sector communique

worldsteel works with UNEP toward a low carbon society

 

 

Brussels, 10 February 2010 - The World Steel Association (worldsteel) announced today that it has joined the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) Life Cycle Initiative (LC Ini) as a Gold Sponsor. Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) is used for the systematic evaluation of the environmental impact of a product or material and its carbon footprinting. The key aspect of this tool is a review through all the stages of a product’s life from raw materials and production to use and eventual disposal or recycling.

 

As a member of the International Life Cycle Board, worldsteel will provide support for programmes and initiatives that advance the development and refinement of LCA.

 

Announcing the sponsorship, Ian Christmas worldsteel Director General said, “This further demonstrates the commitment of the steel industry to be actively and positively engaged in the global work toward a better environment.  As Life Cycle Thinking considers the potential impacts from all stages of a product’s life, we fully support efforts to advance LCA as the best way to make informed decisions on the use of materials, promoting a holistic approach to the sustainable use of natural resources.”

 

Commenting, UNEP spokesperson Guido Sonnemann said, “Over the last decade, the steel industry and UNEP have worked together on a number of cooperative initiatives and now we welcome them as a member of the leadership group of the LC Ini. We look forward to their participation and dedication to advancing the objectives of LC Ini, and especially their efforts to connect concepts with real-world applications through their WorldAutoSteel programme.”