What is the "Steel Company Scorecard"?

The "Steel Company Scorecard" is the first survey released by the international climate NGO SteelWatch, which evaluates 18 steel manufacturers based on their preparedness for decarbonization. It assesses companies across five categories, including climate action performance, target setting, transparency, and social/environmental impact.

Which Japanese steel companies were evaluated, and how did they perform?

Nippon Steel and JFE Steel were among the 18 companies evaluated. Nippon Steel ranked 17th with 16.8 points, and JFE Steel ranked 12th with 23.4 points (out of 100). Both were placed in the lower tier, scoring significantly below the average and their global peers.

Why did Nippon Steel and JFE Steel score low?

The primary reason cited for their low scores is their continued reliance on coal, particularly high-emission coal blast furnaces. Nippon Steel's focus on extending the life of these furnaces rather than phasing them out, and an increasing trend in coal consumption, contributed to its low ranking. Both companies face a significant "transition readiness gap."

Are any steel companies prepared for decarbonization according to the report?

No, the report states that none of the 18 steel manufacturers surveyed are adequately prepared for the transition to decarbonization. While most have net-zero targets, the expansion of low-emission technologies is slow, and reliance on coal persists.

What are the key findings regarding coal usage and low-emission technology?

The average score for "Phasing out Coal" was very low (10.5/25), with most companies investing in or planning to invest in coal blast furnaces. The average score for "Scaling Low-Emission Steel Production" was even lower at 0.6/25, indicating a significant lag in adopting and expanding cleaner production methods.

AI News NQ Analysis

Nippon Steel and JFE Steel Lagging Globally in Decarbonization, International NGO Releases Corporate Ranking

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Key facts

Nippon Steel and JFE Steel Lagging Globally in Decarbonization, International NGO Releases Corporate Ranking
A survey by an international NGO has pointed out that Nippon Steel and JFE Steel are significantly behind globally in decarbonization efforts.
Source: PR TIMES
Date: Tue Mar 31 2026 17:00:01 GMT+0900 (Japan Standard Time)

Direct answer

A survey by an international NGO has pointed out that Nippon Steel and JFE Steel are significantly behind globally in decarbonization efforts.

Citation: Nippon Steel and JFE Steel Lagging Globally in Decarbonization, International NGO Releases Corporate Ranking (Tue Mar 31 2026 17:00:01 GMT+0900 (Japan Standard Time)), PR TIMES
Source: PR TIMES
Date: Tue Mar 31 2026 17:00:01 GMT+0900 (Japan Standard Time)

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A survey by an international NGO has pointed out that Nippon Steel and JFE Steel are significantly behind globally in decarbonization efforts.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the "Steel Company Scorecard"?: A: The "Steel Company Scorecard" is the first survey released by the international climate NGO SteelWatch, which evaluates 18 steel manufacturers based on their preparedness for decarbonization. It assesses companies across five categories, including climate action performance, target setting, transparency, and social/environmental impact.
Q: Which Japanese steel companies were evaluated, and how did they perform?: A: Nippon Steel and JFE Steel were among the 18 companies evaluated. Nippon Steel ranked 17th with 16.8 points, and JFE Steel ranked 12th with 23.4 points (out of 100). Both were placed in the lower tier, scoring significantly below the average and their global peers.
Q: Why did Nippon Steel and JFE Steel score low?: A: The primary reason cited for their low scores is their continued reliance on coal, particularly high-emission coal blast furnaces. Nippon Steel's focus on extending the life of these furnaces rather than phasing them out, and an increasing trend in coal consumption, contributed to its low ranking. Both companies face a significant "transition readiness gap."
Q: Are any steel companies prepared for decarbonization according to the report?: A: No, the report states that none of the 18 steel manufacturers surveyed are adequately prepared for the transition to decarbonization. While most have net-zero targets, the expansion of low-emission technologies is slow, and reliance on coal persists.
Q: What are the key findings regarding coal usage and low-emission technology?: A: The average score for "Phasing out Coal" was very low (10.5/25), with most companies investing in or planning to invest in coal blast furnaces. The average score for "Scaling Low-Emission Steel Production" was even lower at 0.6/25, indicating a significant lag in adopting and expanding cleaner production methods.