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Climate action at ZEISS

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions
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Paris Climate Agreement

The international community has set itself ambitious targets to limit global warming to 1.5°C. ZEISS wants to contribute to this and is therefore working continuously to gradually reduce its own emissions.

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Our path to reducing emissions

ZEISS has had its climate targets validated 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.

ZEISS’ commitment to global climate action

Contribution to global climate action

ZEISS’ key climate action goal is to steadily reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions. By fiscal 2024/2025, we had already reduced our emissions by 68 percent compared with the baseline year of 2018/2019. ZEISS knows that, as a manufacturing company, we will always generate residual emissions given the current state of technology. That is why we are committed to global climate protection beyond our own efforts by supporting selected climate action projects that meet recognized standards.

ZEISS solutions reduce the energy consumption of measurement systems

Up to 80 percent of life-cycle emissions are generated during the use of measurement systems.

The intensity of the laser light is reduced intelligently between measurements, while the required operating operating temperature is maintained. Optimum use of the laser light source helps improve energy efficiency compared to previous technology.
Blue ZEISS laser light source on an optical device.
Thanks to the ZEISS PowerSaver function, the machine is disconnected from the power supply when not in use, thereby reducing power consumption during downtime. ZEISS AirSaver sees to additional savings by automatically shutting off the compressed air supply after a preset time. The new C99m control system offers improved energy efficiency compared to the previous model, thereby helping to reduce overall energy consumption.
ZEISS CORTEX measuring system for optical inspections in a brightly lit laboratory equipped with precision components and computer workstation.
Large-scale photo-voltaic plant situated between fields and forests near a rural community.

Expansion of renewable power generation at ZEISS

ZEISS is systematically expanding its renewable energy portfolio, with the current focus on solar energy generated directly at its sites.

The total capacity of the rooftop solar systems is approximately 5 MWp, including more than 2 MWp of new capacity added as part of five projects in Oberkochen, Aalen, and Wetzlar. The new rooftop solar systems are expected to reduce Scope 2 emissions by up to 760 metric tons of CO₂e annually, starting in fiscal 2026/27.

Further external solar and wind power plants for ZEISS are under development and are currently awaiting approval. The renewable energy portfolio is supplemented by German supply contracts for 70 MW of solar and wind power.

Investments in new and modernized energy centers in Aalen, Wetzlar, and Oberkochen enable efficient heating and cooling powered by renewable energy. Smart operation and sector coupling will help integrate renewable generation, flexible installations, and future electrified heating.

On-site generation, external renewable energy, and electrified heating: the development of an integrated renewable energy system for ZEISS is well underway.