Greenhouse
Gas Emissions

Reducing our greenhouse gas emissions is key to becoming a sustainable steel producer.

Steel production is a carbon-intensive process, so U. S. Steel is always looking for ways to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Approximately 70-80% of the CO2 emissions from integrated steelmaking are associated with the use of coke and coal to melt iron in the blast furnace. Steel can also be produced with a significantly smaller carbon footprint by melting recycled steel scrap using electricity in an electric arc furnace (EAF).

U. S. Steel is both a historic innovator and leader in the energy-efficient production of steel. Through our Best for All Strategy, we are continuing down the carbon curve toward sustainable net-zero steel production. We recognize the synergies between the integrated and EAF-based process routes that will allow us to reduce our carbon footprint and optimize operations.

We are working to achieve a 20% reduction in GHG emissions intensity (Scope 1 plus Scope 2) by 2030, measuring against a 2018 baseline. We are committed to annual public reporting on progress against these goals, as well as measures being implemented to achieve them.

In 2021, we announced an even more aggressive goal to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Read more about our goal in our 2021 Sustainability Report.

We are working to achieve this goal by:
- Helping our customers and consumers reduce their carbon footprints with our products like XG3™ steel and verdeX^® steel
- Taking advantage of the high availability of ferrous scrap in the United States and the growing availability of low- and no-carbon electricity
- Partnering with organizations and universities to further reduce the carbon intensity of both the integrated and EAF-based process routes

As we move full speed ahead toward reaching this target, we are focusing on process optimization as well as on the incorporation of EAFs into our footprint. Our greenhouse gas emission target reflects our continued commitment to improvement in production efficiency and the manufacture of products that are environmentally friendly.

2021 TOTAL GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS

The graphs below show the absolute and intensity based GHG emissions for U. S. Steel wholly owned facilities for 2015-2020. The results are separated by Scope 1, Scope 2, and total GHG emissions for North America, Europe and Total Global Operations. Absolute measurements are presented as metric tons of CO₂e, while intensity measurements are metric tons of CO₂e per metric ton of raw steel produced. Note: The emissions from Big River Steel are not included within these numbers because that acquisition didn’t occur until January 2021.