As the summer of 2023—the hottest summer in recorded human history—turns to fall, many people are acknowledging the urgent need for action to mitigate the worst effects of climate change. Indeed, a recent opinion poll by the Gallup Organization found that six in 10 Americans believe that the extreme temperatures, deadly wildfires like the one that devastated the Hawaiian island of Maui in August, and a season of powerful hurricanes signal that the effects of climate change have already begun.¹

One company that has committed to make a difference by reducing its carbon footprint is Carl Zeiss Meditec. As the ophthalmology field joins the broader movement towards sustainability, Zeiss has taken meaningful steps to incorporate environmentally responsible practices into its core operations over the past several years. From the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to waste management, Zeiss is leading by example in the pursuit of a greener future.

At the heart of Zeiss’s sustainability journey is a commitment to meet the targets for reduced GHG emissions established in the 2015 Paris Agreement. Over the past five years, Zeiss has undertaken numerous strategic actions to achieve the ambitious goal of carbon neutrality across its global operations by 2025. From 2018 to 2023, the company reduced overall CO₂ emissions by 70 percent, cut energy use by 14 percent, lowered water consumption by 25 percent, and decreased waste by 29 percent, according to the company’s annual sustainability report.²

“As a global technology leader, Zeiss believes it has a responsibility to contribute to the global target set in the Paris Agreement of limiting global warming to below 2°C,” says Andrew Chang, the head of global sales for ophthalmic devices at Zeiss. “To do this, we are taking a holistic sustainability approach to ensure fair technology development worldwide that creates prosperity within the limits of what the planet can sustain.”

REDUCING CARBON EMISSIONS THROUGH ENERGY TRANSFORMATION

Recognizing that one way to reduce emissions is to not produce them in the first place, Zeiss has prioritized energy-saving measures throughout its global operations. Many of Zeiss’s facilities have earned the ISO 50001 certification, an international standard for energy management. Managers at each facility collect data on power use and emissions and are responsible for continuously improving the energy-related performance of the company’s production processes. By 2025, says Chang, the goal is to achieve a 20 percent reduction in energy use from 2018 levels.

Zeiss has transitioned to green energy to power its major production sites. Green energy is produced in a way that causes no emissions or harm to the environment and includes renewable sources such as solar or wind power. The company has expanded photovoltaic and geothermal systems at its existing buildings to cover some of its power needs. It purchases the balance of its electrical power from renewable-certified energy providers.

New buildings, such as the recently constructed Zeiss Innovation Center in Dublin, California, are built to meet high environmental standards. The building, which accommodates about 750 employees, is powered by solar energy; it also has use-based light and air controls as well as a heat recovery system to reduce energy use. The sustainability approach extends to outdoor areas, which incorporate rainwater collection into wetland enhancement.

To reduce GHG emissions from transportation-related activities, Zeiss has replaced some gas- or diesel-powered vehicles in its fleet with electric cars and trucks. The company has also prioritized marine or rail transportation over air freight.

INNOVATIVE APPROACHES TO WASTE REDUCTION

Zeiss’s dedication to sustainability extends to waste reduction. Zeiss has established a goal of a further 10 percent reduction in waste from 2018 levels by the year 2025. The company is working toward this goal through various avenues, including innovative product design.

“With regards to our product design process, our aim is to have our products be material efficient, energy efficient, and recyclable,” says Chang. “Currently, we reduce paper waste with the introduction of electronic instructions that can be downloaded from our website. Additionally, sustainability in each new product development is considered regarding raw material, production, distribution, after sales and end of use/life. And with our digital workflows, we can significantly reduce the paper use in the everyday operations of the clinics, which makes a big impact on the scale in which Zeiss operates.”

Another example can be seen in Zeiss’s packaging and distribution practices. The company has shifted toward reusable cases for shipping demonstration devices or inbound logistics components. This not only reduces waste but also showcases Zeiss’s dedication to practical, sustainable solutions. The company has also optimized the dimensions of shipping cartons to reduce waste and space needed for transportation. “This saves around 260 liters of volume and about 30 kg of material in the shipment of our big devices,” says Chang.

OVERCOMING CHALLENGES

Zeiss’s journey towards sustainability is not without its challenges, especially given its global footprint. With more than 38,000 employees, Zeiss operates in almost 50 countries worldwide, with around 60 sales and service companies, 30 production sites, and 30 research and development facilities, says Chang. “It is this global presence that makes our efforts towards environmental sustainability so significant,” he continues. “Zeiss believes that growth is only possible in an intact environment that is open to innovation. Because of this, assuming responsibility for the environment, employees and society becomes an integral part of our business philosophy.”

The impact of this philosophy extends beyond Zeiss to the thousands of other companies that provide materials and components for its manufacturing operations. “We work very closely with our global network of suppliers to reduce the negative effects of our business operations, looking at environmental and social aspects when selecting and collaborating with suppliers,” Chang says. “We also look at the resource consumption or waste of our entire product life cycle and leverage fields of research to help the company’s innovation management, such as increasing the longevity of products through service, repair, and refurbishment programs.”

At a time when there is growing awareness of the need for environmental consciousness, Carl Zeiss Meditec is setting an example for the ophthalmology industry. Zeiss’s thoughtful, planned approach to achieving carbon neutrality and reducing waste throughout its operations reflects the company’s commitment to environmentally responsible practices, while showing how sustainability can contribute to a leaner and more efficient business model. ■

REFERENCES

1. Lydia Saad, “A Steady Six in 10 Say Global Warming’s Effects Have Begun.” The Gallup Organization. April 20, 2023. Accessed August 14, 2023. https://news.gallup.com/poll/474542/steady-six-say-global-warming-effects-begun.aspx
2. Zeiss Group, “Challenge the Limits of Imagination: Sustainability Report 2020/21.” Accessed August 14, 2023. https://www.zeiss.com/content/dam/media/Download/sustainability-report-2020-2021-en.pdf