- Domestic economic downturn and high-cost pricing structures due to rising global energy and raw material costs.
- Transition risks associated with carbon costs, tightening regulations on carbon emissions (CBAM), and increased demand for low-carbon steel.
- Physical risks from extreme temperature, drought, coastal flooding, and fluvial flooding.
- Reputational risks from greenwashing and inadequate issue management responses.
- Water shortage problems in Mexico and Gwangyang.
POSCO
Greenhouse gas emissions & sustainability report data
In its 2023 reporting, POSCO disclosed greenhouse gas emissions of 72.0M tCO2e/year (Scope 1&2). By scope: Scope 1: 70.6M tCO2e/year; Scope 2: 1.4M tCO2e/year; Scope 3: 7.4M tCO2e/year. Figures are as stated in the company's own report and may use different boundaries, units or methods (for example market-based vs location-based Scope 2), so compare with care.
GHG Emissions
72.0M tCO2e/year (Scope 1&2)
2023
Renewable Energy
3.1% (2023)
of total energy
Water Usage
153.6M tons/year
2023
Waste
19.5M tons/year
2023
Energy Use
354.0M GJ/year
2023
📊 Emissions by Scope (2023)
| Scope | What it covers | Reported value |
|---|---|---|
| Scope 1 | Direct emissions from sources the company owns or controls (fuel combustion, company vehicles, process and fugitive emissions). | 70.6M tCO2e/year |
| Scope 2 | Indirect emissions from purchased electricity, steam, heat and cooling. | 1.4M tCO2e/year |
| Scope 3 | Other indirect emissions across the value chain (purchased goods, business travel, use of sold products, etc.). | 7.4M tCO2e/year |
New to scopes? Read Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions explained and market-based vs location-based Scope 2.
📈 Emissions by Report Period
| Report period | Headline emissions figure reported |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 72.0M tCO2e/year (Scope 1&2) |
| 2019 | 80.24 million tons (2019) |
| 2017 | 70.7K thousand tons CO2e |
Each row is the headline figure extracted from a different report; scope coverage and methodology can change between years.
✅ Reported Environmental Achievements
- Reduced total air pollutant emissions by approximately 16% from the previous year (51.7 thousand tons in 2023)
- Achieved a by-product recycling rate of 98.6% in 2023
- Installed dust collector breathers on all eight blast furnaces, reducing pollutants by approximately 90%
- Reduced unit emissions for air pollutants to 1.49kg/t-S in 2023 (50% improvement from 2000)
- POSCO-Mexico’s ‘Oasis’ Project achieved unit water consumption reduction saving 1 billion KRW annually.
- Reduced GHG emissions and increased rice yields using fertilizer made from steel byproducts (reducing CO2 by 0.93 tons per ton of fertilizer and methane emissions by 14%)
- First Asian steelmaker to achieve ResponsibleSteel site certification (October 2022)
🎯 Climate & Sustainability Targets
🔜 Short-term
- Reduce total air pollutant emissions to 51.3 thousand tons by 2024
- Maintain by-product recycling rate above 98% through 2030
📅 Medium-term
- Reduce carbon emissions by 30% by 2035
- Develop and commercialize HyREX technology by 2030
🔭 Long-term
- Achieve carbon neutrality by 2050
🌱 ESG Focus Areas
Carbon NeutralitySafetySupply Chain ManagementHuman Rights