As featured in The Executive Magazine, Barrett Steel’s transformation from traditional stockholder to carbon intelligence leader shows how industrial businesses can lead on decarbonisation — without sacrificing commercial performance.
Environmental accountability is no longer optional in industrial supply chains - it’s an operational imperative. Barrett Steel has embraced this shift, evolving from a conventional steel stockholder into a strategic partner for sustainability and carbon performance.
With a footprint spanning the UK and Ireland, the company now supports infrastructure, offshore, construction, and manufacturing sectors with a transformative approach to decarbonisation. At the heart of this evolution is a commitment to help clients navigate regulatory change, reduce embodied carbon, and unlock value through intelligent carbon data.
This article is adapted from a feature originally published by The Executive Magazine, where Barrett Steel was recognised for its leadership in sustainability and industrial transformation. Read the original feature on The Executive Magazine (login required)
Founded in 1866, Barrett Steel has deep industrial roots. Today, it operates through four divisions - General Steels, Engineering Steels, Tubes, and International - each aligned to a unified sustainability strategy. ISO 9001 and 14001 certifications provide a solid operational foundation, while BES 6001 accreditation underlines responsible sourcing practices across the group.
This framework enables consistent environmental performance across all sites, ensuring customers receive reliable carbon data and support, regardless of location or project scope.
At the centre of the company’s Net Zero strategy is Barrett Green Solutions - a pioneering carbon intelligence platform designed to help customers make informed, low-carbon decisions across the project lifecycle.
Through this programme, clients benefit from:
Detailed emissions reporting by source and scope
Product Carbon Footprint data for accurate Scope 3 reporting
Low-carbon sourcing guidance to support greener procurement
Embodied carbon benchmarking to inform early design decisions
CBAM readiness for evolving UK and EU regulations
By making carbon data accessible and actionable, Barrett Green Solutions turns environmental compliance into a competitive advantage.
With the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) coming into force in the EU from 2026 (and a UK equivalent due in 2027) Barrett Steel is helping clients get ahead.
The company works closely with international suppliers to ensure verified emissions data is available, reducing exposure to regulatory risk and enabling smarter procurement decisions. Strategic advisory services further support clients in understanding cost implications, compliance obligations, and future-proofed material strategies.
Barrett Steel’s sustainability efforts are driven by strong governance. A quarterly ESG steering group reviews performance against key targets, ensuring accountability and strategic alignment with both UK law and international frameworks.
This structure ensures sustainability delivers tangible outcomes, real reductions, not just reporting, and helps customers meet their own governance requirements with confidence.
Barrett Steel’s evolution reflects a new role for industrial players in a low-carbon economy. No longer just a material supplier, the company now acts as a sustainability partner, enabling clients to meet ambitious targets, comply with changing regulations, and design projects that are built for the future.
Through Barrett Green Solutions, the business offers practical tools, expert guidance, and a powerful data foundation to make sustainability commercially viable. For those navigating the challenges of industrial decarbonisation, Barrett Steel is proving that Net Zero and commercial performance can go hand in hand.
To find out how Barrett Green Solutions can support your organisation’s Net Zero goals, contact our team.