The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) reports that the U.S. steel industry has reduced its energy intensity per ton of steel shipped by approximately 33% since 1990, signifying an industry milestone in energy efficiency. The achievement represents a further improvement since AISI announced a 29% reduction in 2006. The industry’s aggregate carbon dioxide emissions per ton of steel shipped have also been reduced. The American steel industry has already surpassed the Kyoto Protocol target, which calls for an average 7% (U.S.) reduction in greenhouse-gas emissions between 1990-2012.

On average, 1.14 tons of carbon dioxide was emitted in 2007 for every ton of steel produced in the U.S. The low CO2 intensity of American-manufactured steel coupled with its infinite recyclability translates to low environmental impacts across the entire life cycle for products made from steel.