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This briefing by RMI and the Center for Green Market Activation (GMA) outlines the challenges of decarbonizing the chemicals sector and proposes a strategy combining demand aggregation and 'book and claim' systems to unlock investment in low-emissions production technologies.

The 'Book and Claim Framework for the Iron and Steel Sector' by RMI establishes a system for decoupling environmental attributes from the physical flow of low-emissions iron and steel. It provides a structured approach for the verification, issuance, transfer, and retirement of Book-and-Claim Units (BCUs), enabling buyers to support decarbonization when physical procurement of green steel is impractical. The framework aligns with ResponsibleSteel (RS) standards and introduces a dual functional-unit system for both iron and crude steel to incentivize decarbonization across the value chain.

This briefing by RMI argues for the establishment of a standardized near-zero emissions threshold for iron production to stimulate investment and trade in decarbonized steel. It proposes a threshold of 350 kgCO2e/t iron and suggests implementing a 'book and claim' market mechanism to connect corporate buyers with clean iron producers, overcoming the complexities of multi-tiered supply chains.

This guide explains the 'book and claim' model, a chain of custody system designed to decarbonize heavy industry and transport by decoupling the environmental benefits of low-emissions fuels and materials from their physical delivery.