Sustainability Approach
SteelOnTheNet is the online marketing and support division of MCI (Metals Consulting International Limited).
We are structured to minimise our impact on the environment. At the same time, we maintain the highest standards of steel industry intelligence and analysis.
Our approach covers three areas: environmental protection, economic viability, and social responsibility.
Environmental Responsibility
As an independent consultancy, our environmental footprint centres primarily on digital infrastructure and business travel. We actively work to minimise both:
- Digital Efficiency: Our website generates just 0.12 grams CO2 per page view, placing it amongst the world's top 5% of websites for low emissions [December 2025]. This achievement reflects careful attention to efficient coding, page compression, and removal of unnecessary bloat.
- Travel Minimisation: Where possible, we use remote consultations and virtual meetings. This reduces carbon emissions from international travel while maintaining quality client engagement.
- Resource Optimisation: Our cloud-based operations eliminate the need for energy-intensive office infrastructure, further reducing our environmental impact.
Industry Contribution
Our role in the steel industry's sustainability transition extends beyond our own operations. Through our consultancy work, we contribute to:
- BAT Assessment: We help clients review and implement best available techniques for energy efficiency and GHG emissions reduction. A comprehensive steel sector BAT checklist provides detailed guidance on emissions reduction strategies and environmental performance optimisation.
- Decarbonisation Analysis: Supporting governments and industry stakeholders in understanding and implementing steel industry decarbonisation pathways, including hydrogen-based steelmaking and carbon capture technologies.
- Plant Database Intelligence: We maintain technical data for over 1,500 steel facilities worldwide. This enables better decisions about plant modernisation, efficiency upgrades, and technology transitions.
- Market Intelligence: Providing accurate, independent analysis that helps stakeholders make environmentally-informed strategic decisions in an industry that produces 7-9% of global CO2.
Social Responsibility
We are members of the Institute of Consulting. This reflects our commitment to professional standards that go beyond technical skills to include ethical practice and social responsibility.
We maintain strict independence from commercial conflicts of interest. This ensures our analysis serves the public interest, not narrow commercial gain.
Economic Sustainability
Sustainable business practice requires economic viability. Our business model emphasises:
- Independence: Freedom from steel industry commercial interests ensures our analysis remains objective and credible over the long term.
- Quality: Investment in comprehensive databases, rigorous methodology, and deep technical expertise maintains the value and relevance of our services.
- Efficiency: Lean operations and digital-first approach ensure economic sustainability whilst minimising environmental impact.
Continuous Improvement
We recognise that sustainability is not a destination but an ongoing commitment to improvement. We regularly review our practices, seek opportunities to reduce environmental impact, and remain alert to emerging best practices in sustainable business operation.
Our sustainability approach aligns with our broader commitment to professional excellence, independence, and service to the steel industry and society at large.