Sustainability at ZEISS

Ideas and projects for a resource-efficient and innovative future

As a company owned by a foundation, sustainability and success in business are inextricably linked at ZEISS. ZEISS aims to anchor sustainable added value as an integral part of its business activities focusing on innovative solutions that contribute to positive development in society and enable long-term, profitable growth.

A Heart for Science

The future is in the hands of the young generation. Research is paving the way to shape this future. With A Heart for Science, ZEISS can inspire young talents for nature and technology and open the door to the world of science for them. ZEISS has created the general framework for the volunteer program, including a digital platform for networking, a playbook for participating and funding for the most impressive project ideas.

On a journey of continuous improvement

How ZEISS understands sustainability

ZEISS is driving forward the three focus topics of added value for society, circular economy and climate action, thus actively contributing to the United Nations' global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In doing so, ZEISS can concentrate on the areas in which the company has particular opportunities to exert influence and can achieve the greatest impact for people and the environment.

Learn more about the sustainability strategy at ZEISS

Sustainability as part of corporate strategy

In harmony with climate, economy and society

ZEISS' commitment to sustainability is firmly anchored in its strategy. The strategy also aims to improve the company's social and environmental impact, view sustainability as a value driver and leverage sustainability challenges as opportunities.

Climate action at ZEISS

The Paris climate goal of reducing global warming to well below two degrees is ambitious. ZEISS' goal is to further reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions by fiscal year 2024/25 and to offset the remaining emissions that cannot be avoided.

SDG 13 – Climate action

A round thing – circular economy at ZEISS

Circular economy and sparing use of resources

ZEISS strives for a circular use of resources with a view to reducing the impact on the environment. To achieve this, more renewables and recycled materials will be deployed and loops closed. Water consumption and the amount of waste are set to be further reduced.

SDG 9 – Industry, innovation and infrastructure
SDG 12 – Responsible consumption and production

Value for society

ZEISS would like to generate added value for a more sustainable society through its products and solutions. At the same time, the protection of human rights is of great importance to ZEISS and is a core priority. What’s more, ZEISS is committed to the common good, education and research through sponsorships. This includes providing as many people as possible with access to high-quality healthcare. The company also encourages its employees to volunteer for the STEM initiative “A Heart for Science”.

SDG 3 – Good health and well-being
SDG 4 – Quality education
SDG 8 – Decent work and economic growth

Milestones that last

1 of 9

Almost two centuries of corporate history: what ZEISS has achieved in terms of sustainability during this time.

1875

Company health insurance funds

Before the introduction of statutory health insurance in 1883, company health insurance funds were pretty rare. ZEISS was eight years ahead.
1889

Carl Zeiss Foundation

On 19 May 1889, Ernst Abbe established the Carl Zeiss Foundation. Two years later, the first shares in the company were transferred.
1896

Introduction of a minimum wage

With employment contracts, ZEISS guarantees employees a minimum wage. Nearly 35 years before labor laws and more than 120 years before the minimum wage.
1993

Environmental reporting

Since 2017, large companies in the EU have been required to produce a sustainability report. ZEISS published its first environmental indicators in 1993.
2011

Promotion Fund

Promotion funds from companies tend to be rare. But as a Foundation company, ZEISS takes responsibility and founded the promotion fund in 2011.
2018

Less consumption

ZEISS sets targets for 2020: 50% less energy, 40% less water, 30% less waste, 50% less CO2 (base year 2010, reduction relative to value added). The targets have been achieved.
2019

Sustainability Department

The Sustainability Department becomes part of the Group strategy. In addition, there is now a Group Head of Sustainability.
2020

New climate target

Based on the goals of the United Nations, there is also a new climate goal for ZEISS: to further reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions by fiscal year 2024/25 and to offset the remaining emissions that cannot be avoided.
2022

Further environmental targets

Further environmental targets: 20% less energy, 10% less waste and 15% less water by 2025 (base year 2019, reduction relative to value added).

Current projects and initiatives

Sustainability has many faces at ZEISS worldwide. In cooperation with experts from diverse disciplines and external partners, different sustainability projects are implemented.

Role of the Carl Zeiss Foundation

Carl Zeiss AG is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Carl Zeiss Foundation, dedicated to creating open spaces for scientific breakthroughs. One of the key areas for support is the efficient use of natural resources. The ZEISS Group benefits from being a foundation company in many ways.

Protection against takeovers

Undesirable investors could not be part of ZEISS, so the company is unencumbered by investor interests. The common good of the Foundation is at the heart of all activities.

Profits for a good cause

For its charitable research sponsorships, the Carl Zeiss Foundation depends on profit distribution. Part of the company's profits go to the Foundation, the rest remains in the company for investment in innovation and research.

Business with foresight

Free from pressure to generate returns, ZEISS is in a position to finance projects over the long term instead of having to achieve short-term success. Economic foresight enables innovation.

Enthusiasm for employees

The majority of employees work for foundation companies for between 10 and 25 years – significantly longer than for capital market-oriented companies. They are also more crisis-proof.

Downloads

Sustainability Report 2023/24 English

7 MB

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Sustainability Report 2022/23 English

2 MB

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Sustainability Report 2021/22 English

64 MB

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Sustainability Report 2020/21 English

4 MB

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Sustainability Report 2019/20 English

5 MB

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Sustainability Report 2017/18 English

6 MB

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Sustainability Insights Booklet (EN)

Sustainability Insights Booklet (EN)

3 MB

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