The IU Northwest Center for Urban and Regional Excellence is launching an initiative to discuss modernizing and investing in the steel industry.
The conversation series will convene local leaders for interviews and structured dialogues. The project will provide a venue for all voices to be heard. It is targeted to begin in December.
Northwest Indiana’s integrated steel mills produce about 17% of all the steel made in the U.S. Northwest Indiana is the country’s largest steelmaking region. The steel industry is a major employer and important to the regional economy.
Steel production is responsible for roughly 7-9% of global CO2 emissions, due to its reliance on coal and blast furnace processes. Regionally, the steel industry is also a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, according to the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission’s regional greenhouse gas inventory.
By inviting community leaders to a conversation series about decarbonizing steel, IU Northwest seeks to document the ideas being pursued to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of steel production. The university also wants to learn what challenges remain.
“IU Northwest is proud to help lead the charge toward a more sustainable future for steel production, reducing environmental impact while upholding the high-quality standards the industry is known for,” said Vicki Román-Lagunas, IU Northwest interim chancellor, in a press release.
Ellen Szarleta, Center for Urban and Regional Excellence director, will lead the initiative in partnership with Kathy Sipple. A Northwest Indiana consultant, Sipple has worked on regional climate initiatives since 2019.
Learn more here.
The IU Northwest Center for Urban and Regional Excellence engages the university and the community in sustainable and impactful programs and initiatives. CURE works collaboratively with organizations to promote mutually beneficial partnerships in the community.
