Energy Efficiency, GHG Emissions, Industrial, Sourcing Renewables  -  January 4, 2021

Schnitzer Steel exceeds clean energy target five years early

Schnitzer Steel recently announced that it exceeded its 90% carbon-free electricity goal in FY 2020, five years ahead of schedule, while pursuing a more sustainable business model focused on recycling scrap metal.

Since the recycled metal manufacturer achieved its energy goal originally established in 2019, it is now targeting 100% carbon-free electricity by the end of FY 2022. Schnitzer also has a goal to reduce absolute greenhouse gas emissions by 25% by the end of 2025. This year, the company made progress toward that goal and achieved a 15% reduction in emissions.

“In countries around the world, the long-term demand for ferrous and nonferrous recycled metals is underpinned by several trends that are gaining increasing importance and relevance. Low-carbon economies are widely acknowledged as more metal-intensive economies,” CEO Tamara Lundgren said in a statement. “As countries transition to lower-carbon economies and as the number of electric arc furnace (EAF) steel mills operating in both the U.S. and globally continue to grow, the need for metals, especially recycled metals, is expected to increase for many years to come.”

As part of its sustainability program, Schnitzer is also committed to improving its operations and identifying new opportunities to reduce air and greenhouse gas emissions. The company is also looking to deploy technologies and equipment that reduce its emissions while improving its operational efficiency. 

Within its technology and innovation sustainability goals, the company plans to explore the implications of a changing metals stream, such as an increase in electric vehicles. 

Schnitzer works with local port authorities and marine terminals and is exploring ways for such facilities to reduce their own energy usage and emissions. Many port authorities and terminals that Schnitzer works with, including the Port of Nanaimo, Port of Vancouver, Northwest Seaport Alliance, Kalealoa Harbor, Port of Tacoma, Port of Oakland, Port Metro Vancouver  and ProvPort, have sustainability programs, initiatives, and master plans, and some have obtained Green Marine or similar certifications.

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