Sustainable Steel Council Certification Programme
The Principles
The Sustainable Steel Council (SSC) Certification Programme is based on the principles of the New Zealand and Australian Green Building Councils’ Responsible Product Value (RPV) framework. The programme recognises and rewards organisations that demonstrate strong environmental performance, operate transparently, respect human rights, actively reduce carbon emissions, and contribute to a more circular economy.
These principles are not only relevant to certification. They also represent good business practice. Organisations with effective governance, clear processes, and well-documented systems are typically more resilient, more efficient, and better equipped to grow. Strong management systems simplify onboarding, reduce operational risk, support continuous improvement, and create long-term business value by reducing reliance on individual knowledge holders.
Principle 1. Governance
Objective
The objective of this principle is to demonstrate that the applicant organisation has a strong governance framework, with the policies, processes, systems, and controls necessary to meet the requirements of SSC certification.
The Auditor’s Lens
SSC Certified Companies conduct their business with integrity, transparency, and accountability while complying with all relevant legal and regulatory requirements. They maintain effective governance structures and operate with robust environmental, health, and safety management systems.
Certified organisations communicate openly with employees, customers, suppliers, and other stakeholders, creating meaningful opportunities for engagement and feedback. They promote ethical business practices, support fairness and inclusion, and foster a culture of continual improvement throughout their operations.
Principle 2. Responsible
Objective
The objective of this principle is to ensure that the impacts, origins, and contents of steel products sourced, manufactured, distributed, fabricated, or installed by SSC Certified Companies are transparently disclosed and meet recognised standards of responsible production.
The Auditor’s Lens
SSC Certified Companies manage and supply steel products responsibly, with a commitment to transparency throughout the value chain. Product impacts, material composition, and environmental performance are clearly documented and available to customers and stakeholders wherever possible.
Responsible products are supported by credible, science-based environmental assessments and verified information about carbon emissions and environmental impacts. Manufacturers, producers, and suppliers maintain documented environmental management systems that actively manage and reduce the impacts associated with production and supply.
Principle 3. Healthy
Objective
The objective of this principle is to ensure that products supplied by SSC Certified Companies contribute to healthier environments and positive social outcomes while minimising exposure to harmful substances and practices.
The Auditor’s Lens
SSC Certified Companies provide products and services that support safe, healthy, and socially responsible outcomes throughout their lifecycle. They work to minimise harmful impacts on workers, communities, and end users while promoting wellbeing across the supply chain.
Certified organisations maintain documented health and safety systems and procurement practices that identify and manage physical, chemical, and biological risks associated with manufacturing, sourcing, fabrication, and installation activities.
These organisations also take active steps to address modern slavery and labour exploitation risks within their supply chains. They seek to promote fair working conditions, respect for human rights, and equitable treatment for all people involved in the sourcing, manufacture, and delivery of their products and services.
Principle 4. Positive
Objective
The objective of this principle is to minimise environmental impacts arising from business activities and manufacturing processes while supporting a transition to a lower-carbon and more sustainable future.
The Auditor’s Lens
SSC Certified Companies contribute to positive environmental outcomes through responsible sourcing, emissions reduction, and continual environmental improvement. Carbon reduction, decarbonisation pathways, and, where possible, carbon neutrality are important measures of performance under this principle.
Companies demonstrate that steel feedstock and associated materials are responsibly sourced and that suppliers are selected with consideration for environmental performance and resource stewardship. Distributors, fabricators, and installers can show that their purchasing decisions support lower-impact production methods and responsible resource extraction.
Positive products and services contribute to reduced impacts on air, water, land, and biodiversity. Organisations demonstrate an ongoing commitment to measuring, managing, and continuously reducing their environmental footprint over time.
Principle 5. Circular
Objective
The objective of this principle is to encourage the efficient use of resources, reduce waste, and support the transition to a circular economy through responsible sourcing, reuse, recovery, and recycling.
The Auditor’s Lens
SSC Certified Companies manufacture, source, supply, fabricate, and install products in ways that contribute to a more circular economy. They seek to reduce dependence on virgin raw materials, minimise waste generation, and maximise opportunities for reuse, recycling, recovery, and remanufacturing.
Organisations operating within a circular framework implement strategies that extend material life, improve resource efficiency, and keep valuable materials in productive use for as long as possible. These practices reduce pressure on natural systems and decrease the environmental impacts associated with extraction, processing, and disposal.
Outcomes that support nature, conserve resources, and reduce waste are central to this principle. SSC Certified Companies demonstrate a commitment to continual improvement in circular economy performance and contribute to a more sustainable and resilient built environment.