American Iron & Steel Institute, Washington DC

The Clean Little Secret - More steel is recycled each year than all other materials combined. But that’s just part of steel’s environmental story. Three-fourths of all American steel ends up recycled into new products, part of the steel industry’s comprehensive environmental commitment. Over the past decade, American steelmakers have reduced the energy required to produce one ton of steel by 28 percent – and already reduced emissions to levels well below Kyoto standards. Innovation and technology have transformed America’s steel industry into one of the world’s most competitive, sustainable and environmentally progressive.

The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) has served as the voice of the North American steel industry since its inception as the American Iron Association back in 1855. Over the years, the Institute’s mission has evolved. Today, AISI seeks to influence public policy and shape public opinion in support of a strong, sustainable steel industry. These efforts work together to advance steel as the material of choice and to enhance the competitiveness of member companies and the North American steel industry.

Over the past few decades, AISI and its members (31 members companies and 130 affiliate members), representing 75 percent of both the U.S. and North American steel industries, have endeavored to create a sustainable North American steel industry committed to manufacturing innovative products that answer society’s needs.

AISI actively works to educate and inform the public about the face of the new North American steel industry. For example, today, the American steel industry is the most energy efficient in the world. Largely through recycling and investments in new technology, America’s steel industry has reduced energy use per ton of steel shipped by 29 percent since 1990. U.S. steelmakers’ emissions are 16 percent less than they were in 1990, and have surpassed the Kyoto target by 240 percent. The inherent attributes and characteristics of steel allow it to be used in hundreds of applications that benefit the environment and contribute to our quality of life.

AISI is also actively engaged in efforts to position the North American steel industry as part of the solution to challenges facing America, such as economic and national security, global competitiveness, and infrastructure needs. Steel is a backbone industry, because it is fundamental to all aspects of manufacturing. It also undergirds homeland security by facilitating a more
secure infrastructure, transportation systems and water supply.

For instance, a decade ago, AISI’s member companies, in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration and the U.S. Navy, developed High- Performance Steel (HPS). This new steel plate technology provides up to 18 percent cost savings and 28 percent weight savings in the construction of bridges as compared to traditional design materials. Today there are more than 250 HPS bridges in service in 45 states.

In addition, AISI is currently working with the International Iron and Steel Institute’s (IISI) automotive group, WorldAutoSteel, on the next generation of UltraLight Steel Alternative Vehicles in a program known as the Future Steel Vehicle. This program aims to demonstrate safe, structurally efficient steel bodies for future vehicles that reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions over the entire vehicle life.

On behalf of the North American steel industry, AISI is taking positive steps toward a strong and sustainable future. Its increased cooperation with global partners, concern for environmental issues, and breakthrough initiatives in technology and innovation have secured the North American steel industry’s place as a major player in the global community.