NS BlueScope Vietnam has emerged as a sustainability leader within Vietnam’s steel industry. Recognized as the first steel company in the country—and across Southeast Asia—to earn the globally esteemed ResponsibleSteel™ certification, the company has shown a strong commitment to responsible practices. By embedding corporate social responsibility (CSR) into its operations, NS BlueScope Vietnam aims to drive positive environmental and social impact, thereby setting a benchmark for other companies in the industry.
A trailblazer in responsible steel production
NS BlueScope Vietnam’s ResponsibleSteel™ site certification signifies more than compliance; it reflects the company’s vision of spreading sustainable practices throughout the domestic steel manufacturing community. ResponsibleSteel™, a rigorous standard founded on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria, offers a comprehensive roadmap toward sustainable steel production. These criteria cover diverse areas such as climate change, emissions, water management, biodiversity, worker safety, and community relations.
This achievement complements NS BlueScope Vietnam’s long-term carbon reduction goals, which include a targeted cut in carbon emissions by 30% per unit of product by 2030. Truong Anh Hai, Vice President of Health, Safety, Environment and Community of NS BlueScope Vietnam, emphasized the value of a clear roadmap, saying: “We have a carbon emission reduction plan that aligns with ResponsibleSteel’s™ ESG principles. Our goal is to gradually reduce emissions and create a truly sustainable supply chain.”
Building a sustainable steel community
NS BlueScope Vietnam aspires to serve as a “torchbearer” in responsible steel production, encouraging other local steel companies to embrace ResponsibleSteel™ certification. “Achieving ResponsibleSteel™ certification is only half of our journey,” said Truong Anh Hai. “The next step is to spread this certification within the domestic coated steel community.”
In international markets, companies that achieve ResponsibleSteel™ certification inspire competitors to follow suit to maintain a competitive edge. Vietnam’s steel industry, however, remains at the beginning stages of responsible production practices.
ResponsibleSteel™ site certification is not yet a local construction requirement, but NS BlueScope Vietnam’s pioneering role may prompt others in the industry to adopt similar standards. Annie Heaton, CEO of ResponsibleSteel™ noted, “I commend NS BlueScope Vietnam for taking the lead in this effort, especially since ResponsibleSteel™ is not yet mandated in Vietnam. Their dedication could influence the industry here in Vietnam to consider responsible production as a business necessity.”
CSR at the core of business strategy
With over 30 years of experience in the Vietnamese market, NS BlueScope Vietnam has prioritized CSR since its early days. According to Vice President of Marketing Dang Thanh Hung, CSR is central to the company’s strategy. He highlighted the extensive value chain the company has developed, encompassing end-users, contractors, design consultants, and suppliers. This holistic approach helps ensure that NS BlueScope’s sustainability initiatives benefit a broad range of stakeholders.
A flagship example of NS BlueScope Vietnam’s environmental commitment is the “Joint Effort for a Green Future” program. In collaboration with 13 partners, the company planted over 7,000 casuarina trees along the coastal protective forest in Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province. This effort aims to combat erosion and support local biodiversity. Additionally, the annual “Love Roofs” program has provided 350 roofs to disadvantaged families nationwide, highlighting the company’s dedication to community resilience and safety.
Green production: Advancing technology and industry standards
The pursuit of green production in steel manufacturing presents a unique challenge, requiring companies to invest in new technology and adopt stringent standards. NS BlueScope Vietnam has taken significant steps to innovate within the coated sheet industry. The company developed the AM – Activate™ technology, which provides enhanced corrosion resistance through a unique microstructure. This technology not only extends the lifespan of steel structures but also reduces environmental impact by minimizing the need for replacements.
The company’s commitment to sustainable production is underscored by its Green Label certification from the Singapore Green Building Council. This certification sets NS BlueScope Vietnam apart as the only coated steel manufacturer in the country to meet this high standard. Moreover, through strategic partnerships, the company is working on architectural solutions that promote energy efficiency, advancing Vietnam’s architecture sector toward global standards.
A catalyst for sustainable development
By integrating CSR into its core business strategy, NS BlueScope Vietnam hopes to inspire other companies to adopt sustainable practices. “At NS BlueScope Vietnam, CSR activities are not merely commitments; they are woven into our business strategy,” said Vice President of Marketing Dang Thanh Hung. “We hope that, as a pioneer in community and environmental protection endeavors, we can catalyze other enterprises to raise awareness and change behaviors.”
As NS BlueScope Vietnam builds its sustainable steel supply chain, its efforts resonate beyond the immediate business benefits. These practices showcase the potential of responsible production to contribute to broader societal goals, such as climate resilience and community well-being. By combining ResponsibleSteel™ site certification with a robust CSR strategy, NS BlueScope Vietnam is paving the way for a future where sustainability is not merely an option but an integral part of the steel industry’s identity.
NS BlueScope Vietnam’s journey underscores a broader vision: to create a steel industry that values environmental stewardship, community support, and sustainable growth. Through its bold initiatives and commitment to ResponsibleSteel™, NS BlueScope Vietnam sets a promising precedent for steel manufacturing in Vietnam and Southeast Asia, aiming to inspire a new standard of corporate responsibility and environmental consciousness in the industry.
