Methods for Assessing the Environmental Impacts of the Steel Industry within the DPSIR Framework

Abstract :

Steel, due to its unique properties, is a vital material in modern industries. In a world, where there are growing concerns about increasing resource consumption, it is essential to adopt appropriate strategies that contribute to environmental sustainability, social welfare, and economic benefits. One of these strategies is the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) approach; however, calculating environmental impacts using public databases can be challenging. This study, conducted through documentary review and library research, provides a comprehensive analysis of the environmental impacts of the steel industry using an integrated application of Life Cycle Assessment, Emergy, and Carbon Footprint (LCA–Emergy–Carbon Footprint). To identify and analyze the factors affecting the environmental performance of the steel industry, the study employs the Driver–Pressure–State–Impact–Response (DPSIR) framework and emphasizes the development of guidelines for assessing industrial impacts on the environment. The research further analyzes the main damages and challenges of the steel industry across social, economic, and environmental dimensions. To promote continuous improvement in resource efficiency, environmental quality, and operational performance, it presents new sustainability approaches for this sector. These approaches include measures based on clean energy development, energy-saving technologies, intelligent operation systems, environmental management, and strategies for designing and implementing low-carbon projects.

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