ArcelorMittal's global sustainability agenda is aligned with the planet's major economic, social, and environmental trends. And, most importantly, with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In early 2015, therefore, before the launch of the SDGs, the group launched the 10 Sustainable Development Guidelines, in which the company objectively describes how it produces steel, uses resources, manages business risks and relates to its employees and other stakeholders.
Although sustainability is part of ArcelorMittal Brasil's DNA, these guidelines are designed to encourage engagement and manage the expectations of our stakeholders, without forgetting, of course, the opportunities steel offers for the future. They serve as the foundation for our actions. One of the most important—and one we never compromise—is ensuring safe, healthy work and a high quality of life for our employees. Our steel is alive, and behind everything we do to transform people's lives and achieve their dreams are 15,000 colleagues, our most important asset.
Investing in innovation and products that encourage more sustainable lifestyles is another guideline. ArcelorMittal has focused its efforts on developing high-strength steels for the automotive sector, enabling automakers to produce lighter, safer, and more environmentally sustainable vehicles. We use drones to inspect roofs, metal structures, chimneys, and stacks of raw materials using images. We began adopting 3D printers to manufacture molds and prototype spare parts. We develop higher-value solutions, adding technology and innovation to products through our Research and Development (R&D) Center in Tubarão, Espírito Santo. We constantly strive for cleaner processes and expanded customer service and technical assistance.
Environmental responsibility is inherent to our growth process. The efficient and more rational use of resources and high recycling rates are other practices that guide us. Approximately 30% of the company's steel is produced from scrap, without losing its physical properties. This occurs through a structured reverse logistics process. This is essential from a circular economy perspective, especially since steel is 100% recyclable. Regarding water use, in 2016, despite having better-than-average consumption and reuse rates in both the steel and mining industries, we intensified actions and investments aimed at improving water management. Today, each industrial unit has a Water Master Plan, which guides and encourages initiatives to rationalize consumption and new forms of reuse, in addition to studying alternative supply sources.
We also work to be seen as a responsible energy user, helping to create a low-carbon future. We seek solutions, whenever possible, to reduce energy consumption and emissions. The focus isn't just on our own processes: the company helps its customers, through innovation and new product development, find ways to move in the same direction. Another crucial issue is active and effective supply chain management, a trustworthy approach for our customers and ethical suppliers, based on strong environmental and social standards.
In the social sphere, we've built our trajectory to be an active and welcome member of the community. Wherever we are, we'll have a significant presence, generating jobs and transforming the local economy, playing an important social role. Therefore, we believe open dialogue with all stakeholders is essential to understanding collective expectations.
Even though our business contributes to the development of society, we always seek appropriate means to evaluate the effectiveness of this contribution, ensuring that it is widely shared and understood by everyone.
Therefore, our commitment to the world we live in goes beyond the obvious. It begins and continues through people, taking a long-term approach that is central to our business philosophy.
I invite you to visit our Sustainability Portal (rs.arcelormittal.com.br).
