Founded in 1846, Carl Zeiss AG, commonly known as Zeiss, is a leading global player in the medical, precision, and optical instruments industry. Headquartered in Oberkochen, Germany, the company operates extensively across Europe, North America, and Asia, providing innovative solutions in various sectors, including healthcare, industrial metrology, and consumer optics.
Zeiss is renowned for its high-quality optical systems, including microscopes, ophthalmic instruments, and camera lenses, distinguished by their precision engineering and cutting-edge technology. The company has achieved significant milestones, such as pioneering advancements in lens design and manufacturing processes, solidifying its position as a trusted name in optics.
With a commitment to research and development, Zeiss continues to set industry standards, earning accolades for its contributions to both scientific and consumer markets. Its dedication to quality and innovation ensures that Zeiss remains at the forefront of the optical and medical instrument sectors.
+2 vs industry average
Zeiss’s score of 29 is higher than 50% of the industry. This can give you a sense of how well the company is doing compared to its peers.
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Industry Intensity
Medical Device Manufacturing has typical carbon intensity
Industry performance
The Medical Device Manufacturing industry has reduced its overall emissions by 18% since 2019
Emissions trajectory 2020 – 2028
Reported emissions
Scope 3 accounts for ••• of total emissions.
Zeiss's reported carbon emissions
Zeiss, a company in the Medical, precision and optical instruments, watches and clocks sector based in DE, reported approximately 329 million kg CO2e in total emissions for the reporting year 2025. This figure encompasses Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 emissions. The breakdown includes approximately 8 million kg CO2e for Scope 1 emissions. For Scope 2, both market-based and location-based figures are available, with the market-based at approximately 487,000 kg CO2e and the location-based at approximately 12.6 million kg CO2e. Scope 3 emissions constituted the largest portion, at approximately 308.5 million kg CO2e. Zeiss's emissions data is cascaded from its corporate family. Specifically, the emissions data for reporting year 2025 is inherited from Carl Zeiss Meditec AG, which is at cascade level 0. SBTi targets originate from the ZEISS Group at cascade level 1. The company's reporting document for this period is identified as an AFX non-financial report, and it is noted that data for the "purchased goods and services" category within Scope 3 is missing. Information regarding specific reduction targets or achievements is not provided.
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Zeiss’s Climate Goals (2030 & 2050)
No climate goals have been disclosed for Zeiss yet.
Scope 3 top emissions categories
No scope 3 category breakdown has been disclosed yet.
Climate initiatives
Science Based Targets Initiative
Inherited from ZEISS Group
Carbon Disclosure Project
The Climate Pledge
UN Global Compact Climate Champions initiative
RE 100
Climate Action 100
Emissions comparison with industry peers
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Zeiss
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about Zeiss’s sustainability data and climate commitments
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