LESS Advisory Board for Low Emission Steel Standard

The Low-Emission Steelmaking Standard (LESS) announced the formation of its Advisory Board, a diverse coalition of steel producers, processors, NGOs and technical and policy experts united in their commitment to accelerating the steel sector’s transition to net zero. This new body will provide strategic guidance to ensure the LESS Standard remains practical, ambitious, and inclusive, reflecting the needs of the entire steel value chain.

Collaborative standard-setting for a green steel future

The establishment of the Advisory Board underscores LESS’s commitment to inclusive and evidence-based decision-making. By bringing together industry leaders, environmental organisations and policy experts, LESS aims to foster constructive dialogue and develop credible, actionable recommendations that advance the standard’s development. “To meet global climate goals, we need progressive standards like LESS that turn ambition into action,” said Sarah Campbell, Senior Campaign Manager in the Heavy Industry team at Climate Group. “A credible, science-based framework is essential to create lead markets for low-emission steel, scale up demand and drive investment in decarbonisation technologies.”

"I am deeply grateful to all the organisations joining the LESS Advisory Board for their time, expertise, and commitment," emphasised Carmen Ostwald, Secretary General at LESS. "Decarbonising steel requires collaboration across the entire value chain, and this Board ensures that LESS benefits from the broadest possible range of perspectives." 

The Advisory Board will develop recommendations on technical, policy and market aspects of the LESS Standard. It is supported by FutureCamp, which provides technical expertise to facilitate evidence-based recommendations. Its first in-person meeting is scheduled for May 2026, focusing on the rulebook extension for stainless steel, chain of custody principles, and policy engagement. The Board’s recommendations will inform the LESS General Assembly, which makes final decisions. Decisions by the General Assembly are published on the LESS website to ensure transparency. While membership in the Advisory Board does not imply endorsement of LESS positions, it reflects a shared commitment to advancing low-emission steel.

"By bringing together industry and environmental stakeholders, the LESS Advisory Board can help ensure that the steel industry's policies align with Europe's climate and industrial ambition,” noted Lucien Mathieu, Cars Director at T&E. “We aim to establish the green steel lead markets needed to decarbonise major steel-consuming sectors like the car industry.” "At Kingspan, our mission is to accelerate the transition to a net-zero emissions built environment. Sourcing lower carbon materials is critical to this ambition, and standards like LESS provide the transparency and confidence needed to support the adoption of green steel and advance more sustainable construction," added Mark Broderick, Procurement Director at Kingspan.

(Source: LESS AISBL)