Back to Blog

Market Brief · May 9, 2026 · 7 min read

Steel and Iron EACs: Supporting Lower-Carbon Metals in Scope 3 Supply Chains

Steel and iron sit inside countless products and capital projects, but buyers often lack a direct route to lower-carbon production.

Why steel and iron matter for Scope 3

Steel and iron are embedded in vehicles, buildings, infrastructure, machinery, renewable energy systems, appliances, electronics, and capital goods.

For many companies, metals are a major part of upstream Scope 3 exposure, even when they do not buy raw steel or iron directly.

Where steel and iron EACs may be relevant

Use caseBuyer motivation
Automotive supply chainsSupport lower-carbon metals embedded in vehicles and components.
Data center and infrastructure constructionAddress emissions tied to steel-intensive capital projects.
Manufacturing and equipmentSupport lower-carbon production connected to capital goods and purchased products.
Renewable energy deploymentReduce the embedded emissions of clean energy infrastructure.

How a steel or iron EAC works

A producer generates eligible lower-carbon steel, iron, or related metal output. A certificate is issued to represent the environmental attribute associated with that production.

A buyer purchases and retires the certificate to support lower-carbon production in a relevant metals market, with documentation of issuance, transfer, and retirement.

How S3 Markets supports metals EACs

S3 Markets provides the market infrastructure for issuing, transferring, retiring, and documenting commodity EACs across hard-to-abate sectors, including steel and iron.

Related posts

Corporate Net Zero Has a Scope 3 Problem

The dominant corporate net zero model asks companies to control emissions across supply chains that are too complex, dynamic, and distant from their operations.

Read Article

The Scope 3 Shortcut: Follow the Commodities

Instead of chasing every supplier relationship, companies can focus on the high-emitting commodities that drive a large share of industrial emissions.

Read Article

SBTi v2 and Commodity EACs: What Scope 3 Buyers Should Understand

SBTi v2 has elevated the conversation around market-based tools for Scope 3, but buyers still need careful documentation and responsible claims.

Read Article