Overview - Sustainability.ussteel.com
We believe our long-term success depends on our ability to adapt to the changing needs of our customers and their sustainability goals. That’s why U. S. Steel is advancing the future of steelmaking with our innovative processes and products. As we continuously optimize how we produce steel, our company brings essential value to our customers through transformative improvements. The results marry performance in critical safety applications with lighter-weight steel to help customers meet their sustainability goals, among many other benefits.
Decarbonization
We see the future of steel as a more sustainable one. That’s why we are continuing to intensify efforts to become an industry leader in production methods that generate less greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and in offering innovative and sustainable products. We are also dedicated to advancing our decarbonization goals because doing so is meeting customer demand. Our partnerships with leading research institutions and technology companies are paving the way for ground breaking projects in carbon capture, reduction and utilization. These efforts are crucial in our journey toward achieving netzero GHG emissions by 2050, which our customers expect of us.
We have been progressing toward our 2030 goal to reduce our global GHG emissions intensity by 20%, reaching 19% reduction from 2018. While we are committed to doing all that we can, we know that one company’s actions are not enough, which is why we have partnered with like-minded businesses and institutions to seek solutions. The challenges of climate change must be addressed by the global community and our governments to create an environment in which innovation and investment are encouraged.
We have been progressing toward our 2030 goal to reduce our global GHG emissions intensity by 20%, reaching 19% reduction from 2018. While we are committed to doing all that we can, we know that one company’s actions are not enough, which is why we have partnered with like-minded businesses and institutions to seek solutions. The challenges of climate change must be addressed by the global community and our governments to create an environment in which innovation and investment are encouraged.
Carbon Capture, Reduction and Utilization Projects
We are working with the U.S. government, research institutions and technology companies to find new ways to reduce emissions in steelmaking. Some of our efforts include:
Through these partnerships, U. S. Steel is helping shape the future of GHG emissions reduction for the steel industry. The partnerships represent a big step forward in our ambition to achieve net-zero by 2050 (Scope 1 and Scope 2).
- At our Edgar Thomson facility in Braddock, Pennsylvania, U. S. Steel is partnering with GTI Energy, Holcim US and Enbridge, with funding from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and Low Emission Technology Australia (LETA), in a demonstration project for ROTA-CAP™ carbon capture technology. ROTA-CAP™ is an innovative process solution that reduces the size and cost of carbon capture systems in industrial settings. It combines a compact rotating packed bed with an advanced solvent to potentially achieve more than 95% capture of flue gases and could cost as little as half as much as conventional capture processes.
- In another DOE partnership project at the Edgar Thomson plant, we are collaborating with the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) to test a membrane based carbon capture technology, a first of- its-kind demonstration. Membrane based carbon capture is simple compared to other carbon capture technologies and has the potential to reduce capital and maintenance costs. The NETL mobile membrane test unit was installed in February 2025, and data collection has begun.
- At our Gary Works facility in Gary, Indiana, we are partnering with Carbon Free to capture and mineralize up to 50,000 metric tons of CO2 annually with the company’s SkyCycle™ technology. SkyCycle™ takes CO2 from a blast furnace and converts it into a pure form of limestone that can be used in products such as plastics, rubber, paints, adhesives, sealants and caulks. This will be the first commercial-scale carbon capture utilization project at a steel plant in North America.
- We are collaborating with Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) on a DOE-funded project to advance the decarbonization of iron and steelmaking through the hydrogen based direct reduction of iron oxide (DRI). U. S. Steel will work with CMU to conduct reduction tests on iron oxide pellets and perform optical, electron and x-ray analysis, as well as to install and test a reactor for DRI conditions.
- A U. S. Steel partnership with Molten Industries and the DOE will be piloting a new process that enlists methane pyrolysis to produce hydrogen for reducing iron ore, resulting in carbon-neutral steel production.
Through these partnerships, U. S. Steel is helping shape the future of GHG emissions reduction for the steel industry. The partnerships represent a big step forward in our ambition to achieve net-zero by 2050 (Scope 1 and Scope 2).
Employee Spotlight – Dan Brown
Dan Brown, Senior Vice President of Advanced Technology Steelmaking and Chief Operating Officer at Big River Steel Works, was nominated for the Arkansas Business Executive of the Year award in November 2024.
The Arkansas Business of the Year awards program is designed to recognize outstanding businesses and non-profit organizations from across the state. Each year, Arkansas Business identifies individuals and companies who have thrived throughout tough economic times, are increasing annual revenue above industry norms, and who have seen growth in their organization’s value to their community and state.
Being recognized alongside such inspiring leaders in the state of Arkansas is a testament to Dan’s hard work, vision and commitment to our industry and community. We’re incredibly proud of his achievements and grateful for his leadership at Big River Steel Works. This nomination is a reflection of the dedication Dan brings to his role every day.
The Arkansas Business of the Year awards program is designed to recognize outstanding businesses and non-profit organizations from across the state. Each year, Arkansas Business identifies individuals and companies who have thrived throughout tough economic times, are increasing annual revenue above industry norms, and who have seen growth in their organization’s value to their community and state.
Being recognized alongside such inspiring leaders in the state of Arkansas is a testament to Dan’s hard work, vision and commitment to our industry and community. We’re incredibly proud of his achievements and grateful for his leadership at Big River Steel Works. This nomination is a reflection of the dedication Dan brings to his role every day.
Material Development
Steel has always met important needs in society, bettering people’s lives. The same is true as the world undergoes essential shifts to meet climate-related goals. Within the clean-energy transition, steel has found its way into the most critical technologies. Sustainable steel products are essential to lowering GHG emissions and underp in the development of green technologies. They enable and support vehicle electrification, energy transmission and renewable-energy infrastructure, among many other important roles.
Process Improvements
Along with adding mini mills to our arsenal, we are focused on improving the capabilities of our integrated sites. These efforts will help us as we continue to work toward our goal to achieve net-zero Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 2050. Our deep understanding of metallurgy and processing technology paired with more than a century of understanding our customers’ needs is the key to creating highly specialized products.
Partnerships
As a leader in the steel industry, U. S. Steel continues to demonstrate its commitment to innovation, sustainability and collaboration across various sectors.
Customer Collaborations
Partnering with our customers leads to innovative, cost-effective steel solutions that meet their unique needs. Many of these collaborations help our customers reduce emissions and develop sustainable products.
