According to Cleveland-Cliffs, the distinction, which comes through the Energy Department’s Better Buildings Initiative and Better Climate Challenge, arises from its work to reduce its absolute scope 1 and scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 32% between a 2017 baseline and year-end 2022. The company also is being recognized for exceeding its goal to reduce emissions by 25% by 2030.

“We are a proud member and partner of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Better Plants and Better Climate Challenge programs, and we appreciate the agency’s recognition of our significant achievement,” said Cleveland-Cliffs chairman and chief executive officer Lourenco Goncalves. 

“Through these programs, the DOE has become an invaluable partner as we reduce our emissions. Going forward, with the DOE’s plans to fund regional clean hydrogen hubs including two hubs near several of our largest steelmaking plants, we have a real path to further reduce our carbon footprint through the usage of hydrogen.”

Cleveland-Cliffs said it has reduced emissions through optimized use of hot briquetted iron in its ironmaking furnaces; optimized scrap consumption; prioritized operation of efficient equipment and facilities; increased use of lower carbon fuels; and upgrades to on-site energy recovery for power generation.