Policy
Environmental Management Guidelines
POSCO is taking proactive measures to address environmental issues such as climate change, fine dust, waste, and chemical substances. In this regard, we have developed comprehensive environmental guidelines as required by our internal regulations, internal guidelines, and environmental management policy.
To minimize the negative environmental impacts arising from our business and production processes, we are committed to actively promoting environmental management and extending these efforts to our supply chain and partner companies. We first established the ‘Environmental Manual’ in January 2010, and in June 2019, we updated and currently adhere to the ‘POSCO Group Integrated Environmental and Energy Management Policy.
Additionally, we have obtained ISO 14001 and 50001 certifications, the international standards for environmental management, and we undergo annual certification audits to maintain these standards
We also adhere to environmental regulations applicable to our domestic and international worksites, striving for continuous improvement in environmental performance through systematic environmental impact monitoring and pollution prevention measures. Furthermore, we are committed to minimizing the negative environmental impact of our business and production processes, extending these efforts throughout our supply chain and partner companies
Our Position on Biodiversity
POSCO acknowledges the significance of ecosystem restoration and biodiversity preservation, and this commitment is incorporated into our Code of Ethics Practical Guidelines. We assess the potential impact of our business activities on the biodiversity of neighboring areas and implement measures to mitigate any adverse effects.
New Projects
Moreover, we will make efforts to mitigate biodiversity losses and conduct assessments to monitor any potential impact. This position will apply not only to our worksites but also to our primary and secondary supply chains.
We acknowledge international conventions related to the protection of biodiversity and land (such as the Convention on Biological Diversity, the Ramsar Convention, and the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage), along with IUCN1) guidelines (including the IUCN Protected Area Categories Guidelines and the IUCN Corporate Biodiversity Performance Planning and Monitoring Guidelines). We will adhere to the national and local legal requirements at worksites within the regions covered by these conventions. Should our operations lead to damage, reduction, or degradation in protected areas governed by international conventions, we will restrict access to the worksite and reassess our actions. At worksites that include natural and critical habitats, we will work to prevent and minimize net loss to biodiversity, consider plan modifications, and explore alternative business locations
Before launching new projects, the company performs environmental impact assessments as required by relevant regulations, identifying and mitigating threats to biodiversity, including all endangered species. The company ensures that its business activities do not adversely affect biodiversity values, such as ecosystems and critical habitats. Furthermore, land use decisions are made in consultation with local residents and communities.
1)IUCN: International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources
Worksite Management
For worksites that encompass critical habitats related to biodiversity, we are committed to preventing any net loss and striving to achieve a net positive impact on biodiversity.
At our largest worksites, Pohang Steelworks and Gwangyang Steelworks, we will assess the pollution levels of marine water quality and sediments surrounding the steelworks, alongside actively conducting monitoring activities to enhance the local environment. When necessary, we will collaborate with specialized agencies to carry out professional assessments on the impact on biodiversity.
The company identifies protected areas, regions with significant biodiversity value, and endangered species in the vicinity of business and project development sites. This information is crucial for developing, implementing, and monitoring biodiversity management plans for each project. When conservation areas or protected zones that meet international standards, such as World Heritage sites or Ramsar wetlands, are established within, around, or adjacent to the activity areas of existing worksites, we ensure that our operations do not negatively affect the value of these protected zones.
By-products Recycling
Protection of Endangered Species
Our Position on No Deforestation
Overview
POSCO is dedicated to preventing deforestation and will continue to implement policies aimed at protecting the planet by increasing the recycling of industrial by-products and expanding investments in reducing GHG emissions. Through sustainable environmental policies, the company aims to achieve ‘Zero Net Deforestation’ by 2050, including a commitment to reforestation as a means of compensation.
- The company will not establish any future worksites that destroy forests and will work to restore green spaces, including forests, upon the conclusion of existing projects.
- Within our worksites, we will increase the recycling of by-products (98.6% as of 2023) and expand investments in reducing GHG emissions.
- We will collaborate with specialized agencies to create forests and green spaces near our worksites when necessary.
- To minimize the negative environmental impact of our business and production processes, we will implement various activities and strive to extend these efforts to our supply chain and business partners.
Monitoring
Forest Restoration and Greening Results
Our Approach to Environmental Protection and Energy Conservation
To help build a sustainable, low-carbon and eco-friendly economy, POSCO Group adopts the following practices:
- Operate an integrated system of environmental protection and energy conservation programs that meets both ISO 14001 and ISO 50001 requirements. Comply with applicable laws and regulations
- Continuously improve the system through goal-setting and resource allocation
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions and minimize climate impact by increasing the use of clean energy and introducing low-carbon processes
- Reduce the environmental impact of products throughout their entire lifecycles by making efficient use of natural resources and by-products, and developing products with low carbon footprint
- Minimize pollutant emissions by applying eco-friendly production processes and best available techniques for pollution abatement
- Regularly review environmental protection and energy conservation activities, report outcomes to management and consult with stakeholders