Emirates Steel, the largest single integrated steel producer in the UAE, has gained the UK CARES Sustainable Reinforcing Steel certification for the production of continuously cast steel billets and carbon steel bars for the reinforcement of concrete. Emirates Steel is the first steel maker in the GCC region to attain such independent accreditation.
The CARES scheme ensures that Emirates Steel adopts the highest product quality standards, as well as an advanced environmental management system. It necessitates product traceability from hot metal to delivery of steel products to construction sites, as well as regulatory compliance, energy efficiency, lower carbon emissions, recyclability and efficient use of raw materials.
“In fact, what the certification implies is that we are using the processes and procedures registered with the Authority,” pointed out Mr. Mubarak Al Khaili, VP of Commercial Strategy. Requirements for sustainable products are increasingly being adopted by construction industry customers. “To achieve CARES sustainability certification, our products, as well as our quality and environmental management systems, had to be assessed and approved,” he asserted.
This included the assessment of the relevant product standard and environmental issues, such as emissions and raw material use. “Achieving this certification is part of Emirates Steel’s bid to take a pro-active approach towards sustainability,” said Mr. Al Khaili. “Conforming to the scheme’s requirements helps in constantly improving our environmental performance and in adopting a proper mechanism for validating and communicating our performance to customers and contractors. In fact, the certification will give them the assurance that the reinforcing steel we produce meets all relevant product standards, and adheres to legal and environmental requirements,” he added.
The UAE Government has succeeded in driving sustainability high up the agenda and legislation has come into force to support sustainability targets. “It is our responsibility now to comply with legal requirements and standards,” highlighted Mr. Tariq Basandwah, Vice President of Standards and Audit. He added that “CARES assessment audits will be ongoing to provide our customers with assurances that these requirements continue to be met”.
The CARES scheme ensures that approved firms operate to the highest standards of product as well as management system and environmental system compliance. Mr. Abdel Moneim Tawfik, Emirates Steel’s Quality Assurance Manager, said that in addition to CARES Sustainable Reinforcing Steel certificate, Emirates Steel also secured the Emirates Quality Mark, and the CARES and Dubai Central Laboratory certifications for product and quality standards conformity. Its Integrated Management System (IMS) is also ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 certified.