Press Release

ZEISS receives SBTi validation for its climate targets

Independent validation confirms that ZEISS is actively working to support the goals of the Paris Agreement through its climate targets.

6 May 2026

The validation demonstrates that ZEISS’ climate targets have been assessed according to recognized scientific criteria and are in line with a 1.5-degree pathway and thus well below the 2-degree target.
The validation ensures ZEISS’ reduction pathways are based on scientific findings and recognized standards and are transparent and verifiable.
ZEISS is committed to reducing absolute Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 42%, reducing relevant absolute Scope 3 emissions by 25% and achieving 47% coverage of relevant Scope 3 emissions through science-based climate targets of selected suppliers by 2030 compared to the 2023/24 baseline.

Oberkochen, Germany | 6 May 2026 | ZEISS Group

ZEISS has had its climate targets verified by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). This confirms that the reduction pathways are based on scientific findings and recognized standards and are transparent and verifiable.

By participating in the SBTi, ZEISS has demonstrated its commitment to transparency, effectiveness, and science-based climate action. As a technology and foundation company, ZEISS views sustainability as an integral part of its corporate strategy. By gradually reducing its greenhouse gas emissions, ZEISS is contributing to the 1.5-degree pathway and target of well below 2 degrees in the Paris Agreement.

ZEISS employees are stretching green threads together across a large blue pinboard, symbolizing the interconnected work on the science-based climate targets (SBTi). — ZEISS receives SBTi validation for its climate targets

"As one of the largest employers in the region, ZEISS bears a special responsibility toward society and the environment," says Dr. Nicole Ziegler, Head of Sustainability at ZEISS. "For a company whose foundation is based on scientific knowledge and innovative strength, it is only logical to apply this standard to climate action as well. Validation by the SBTi assures us and our partners that we are making measurable and effective contributions to decarbonization," says Dr. Ziegler, explaining ZEISS' participation.

The company has committed to reducing its absolute Scope 1 and Scope 2 by 42% by 2030 compared to the base year, fiscal year 2023/24. This will be achieved through a combination of measures, including improving energy efficiency, accelerating fleet electrification, implementing technology changes in our infrastructure, and the ongoing expansion of renewable energy capacities.

In addition, ZEISS is focusing on indirect emissions (Scope 3) from upstream and downstream value chains in the categories of purchased goods and services, capital goods, logistics, and use of sold products. ZEISS aims to reduce absolute Scope 3 emissions by 25% by 2030 compared to the 2023/24 baseline. ZEISS is paying particular attention to collaboration with its partners: Suppliers representing 47 % of relevant Scope 3 emissions are expected to set their own science-based climate targets in accordance with the SBTi by 2030.

This collaborative approach not only ensures compliance with the company’s own climate targets but also strengthens the sustainability of the entire value chain: "We can only achieve real progress by working together. Therefore, we see it as one of our responsibilities to include our suppliers on this journey," says Dr. Ziegler.

The commitment to the SBTi is an important milestone for ZEISS. By integrating the SBTi targets, the company has made its greenhouse gas emissions transparent and measurable. Regular reviews and alignment with international standards underline ZEISS’ commitment to being a reliable long-term partner for its customers, the scientific community, and society as a whole.

Press Contact Julian Bosch

Corporate Brand, Communications and Public Affairs
ZEISS Group

About ZEISS

ZEISS is an internationally leading technology enterprise operating in the fields of optics and optoelectronics. In the previous fiscal year, the ZEISS Group generated annual revenue totaling almost 12 billion euros in its four segments Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology, Industrial Quality & Research, Medical Technology, and Consumer Markets (September 30, 2025).

For its customers, ZEISS develops, produces, and distributes highly innovative solutions for industrial metrology and quality assurance, microscopy solutions for the life sciences and materials research, and medical technology solutions for diagnostics and treatment in ophthalmology and microsurgery. The name ZEISS is also synonymous with the world's leading lithography optics, which are used by the chip industry to manufacture semiconductor components. There is global demand for trendsetting ZEISS brand products such as eyeglass lenses, camera lenses, and binoculars.

With a portfolio aligned with future growth areas like digitalization, healthcare, and Smart Production and a strong brand, ZEISS is shaping the future of technology and constantly advancing the world of optics and related fields with its solutions. The company's significant, sustainable investments in research and development lay the foundation for the success and continued expansion of ZEISS' technology and market leadership. ZEISS invests 15 percent of its revenue in research and development – this high level of expenditure has a long tradition at ZEISS and is also an investment in the future.

With over 46,600 employees, ZEISS is active globally in around 50 countries with more than 60 sales and service locations, around 40 research and development facilities, and 30 production facilities worldwide (September 30, 2025). Founded in 1846 in Jena, the company is headquartered in Oberkochen, Germany. The Carl Zeiss Foundation, one of the largest foundations in Germany committed to the promotion of science, is the sole owner of the holding company, Carl Zeiss AG.

Further information at www.zeiss.com