India’s Ministry of Steel has introduced a green steel certification program aimed at reducing carbon emissions in the steel sector, which accounts for a significant share of the country’s industrial CO2 output. 

Starting from December 2024, steel producers will be rated based on the amount of CO2 emitted per ton of finished steel: facilities emitting no more than 1.6 tons will receive a 5-star rating, those emitting between 1.6 and 2.0 tons will receive 4 stars, and those between 2.0 and 2.2 tons will receive 3 stars.

Certification will be administered by the National Institute of Secondary Steel Technology (NISST), which will oversee measurement, reporting, and verification. 

To date, 39 companies have applied for certification, reflecting growing industry momentum toward cleaner production and climate-friendly standards.