Definitions for Near-Zero and Low-Emissions Steel and Cement, and Underlying Emissions Measurement Methodologies

A common global understanding on definitions for near-zero emissions and low-emissions materials is a crucial enabler of the industry transition. These definitions can underpin multiple enabling policy mechanisms to stimulate demand and accelerate deployment of the technologies needed for steel and cement decarbonisation. Common understanding is now emerging on principles for definitions as a result of dialogue taking place over the past few years. Additionally, major definitions proposals and their use by industry and multi-stakeholder processes are converging around very similar threshold values for near-zero emissions steel and cement. A diverse range of stakeholders are in agreement on the need to accelerate work towards interoperability and net zero compatibility of the emissions measurement methodologies and reporting tools that underpin definitions and other mechanisms to enable the industrial transition.

This report summarises the state of the international conversation and emerging understandings on definitions for near-zero and low-emissions steel and cement, as well as underlying emissions measurement methodologies. It also provides suggestions for possible next steps. The report has been prepared as a follow-up to the 2022 IEA report, Achieving Net Zero Heavy Industry Sectors in G7 Members and the 2023 IEA report Emissions Measurement and Data Collection for a Net Zero Steel Industry, and as part of discussions over the course of 2024 in the IEA’s Working Party on Industrial Decarbonisation (WPID) and the Climate Club.