Ruukki has received Gold Class and Sector Leader distinctions for its position as the leading steel company committed to sustainable development. Assessment was made by SAM, Sustainability Asset Management.

Since 1999, SAM has assessed the corporate sustainability of over 2,000 companies each year. The results have been published in the Sustainability Yearbook 2012 made in cooperation between SAM and KPMG.

In September 2011, Ruukki achieved the position of industry leader in the DJSI World index as the most sustainable steel company in the world and SAM distinctions follow this result.

Mr Toni Hemminki SVP Technology, Energy and Environment from Ruukki said that "As mentioned in results of the assessment, we at Ruukki have recognized that we can generate a competitive edge by introducing energy efficient products because they enable more efficient use of resources, leading to significant energy cost savings for end users. Also, this has a wider impact on sustainability."

For each sector, the company with the highest score is named the SAM Sector Leader. This company is considered to be the one within its sector that is best prepared to seize the opportunities and manage the risks deriving from economic, environmental and social developments. Also the sector leader and companies whose score is within 1% of the Sector Leader’s score receive the SAM Gold Class award. Ruukki was the only Finnish company in 2012 awarded with Gold Class and Sector Leader distinctions.