Environment and Energy

The conservation and protection of the natural environment is a fundamental consideration in Dofasco’s decision making. Environmental quality and the well-being of our community are primary goals for all Dofasco people.

Dofasco’s goal is to be the North American leader among steel companies in environmental performance.

Dofasco focuses on four key performance areas: 

• Energy use
• Air quality
• Water use and water quality
• Management of secondary materials

In 1997, Dofasco signed an Environmental Management Agreement with federal and provincial environment ministries. To date, the company has met or surpassed all commitments and deadlines, and is on or ahead of schedule to meet the remainder before the agreement expires in 2005. Full details of the agreement can be found in the Environment and Energy section.

In 2002, Dofasco successfully completed its first ISO 14001 surveillance audit since achieving registration in 2001. Five auditors reviewed the Environmental Management Systems of Dofasco’s 13 business units to ensure the systems were being implemented. The audit resulted in one significant administrative finding requiring improvement relating to the annual review process in one of the manufacturing business units. This finding has been resolved. A number of smaller areas for improvement were also identified and are being addressed.

Powerlasers is ISO 14001 registered at its manufacturing locations. Dofasco de Mexico expects to complete the registration process by the end of 2003. Dofasco Marion will initiate the registration process in 2003.

As part of Dofasco’s environmental management program, suppliers are encouraged to adopt an environmental management system. Environmental guidelines are set out in correspondence sent to certain Dofasco suppliers who provide chemicals, refractories, lubricants, fuels and industrial supplies. Included in this correspondence is a list of prohibited and restricted substances.

Dofasco was awarded an inaugural GLOBE Award for Environmental Excellence in 2002. The company was named a co-winner of “The Corporate Competitiveness Award”, recognizing the company’s record of environmental stewardship that has materially contributed to enhanced economic competitiveness through a commitment to environmental excellence.

Dofasco also received the 2002 Leadership Award from Canada’s Climate Change Voluntary Challenge and Registry Inc. for the Primary Metals sector. The award recognizes environmental excellence and best practices for taking concrete steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.