International Iron & Steel Institute, Brussels, has initiated a life cycle assessment (LCA) study for steel products. At present it restricts the scope from mining of raw materials to the despatch of materials from the steel plant gates. At Tata Steel, LCA has proved to be very successful in analysing inputs to the processes and discharges to the atmosphere. As per IISI norms, the tracking of performance and significant impacts of products and services beyond the gate is not considered.

Transport

Diesel and petrol consumed for transport of raw materials and for plying of in-house vehicles are accounted for in the calculation of Carbon Dioxide emission as per GHG protocol.

Company vehicles including locos are monitored for emission. All the contractors’ and suppliers’ vehicles are checked for Pollution Under Control Certificates at the factory’s entry gate. The Company has put up vehicle emission monitoring stations at various locations in the township.

Steel products are 100% recyclable in their life cycle. Tata Steel recycles scrap steel to the extent generated in its plants.

Stringent procedures have been developed under ISO -14001 for contractors, including strong punitive actions for defaulters. The Company however, does not monitor the environment performance of individual suppliers.