KARL STORZ Announces 36% Reduction in CO2 Emissions in First-Ever Sustainability Report

Tuttlingen, May 3, 2024 – KARL STORZ proudly announces a significant milestone in its commitment to environmental responsibility. Through rigorous efforts and strategic initiatives, the company has achieved a 36% reduction in CO₂ emissions within Scope 1 and 2 in the four years since 2019. Details about the reduction, and much more, can be found in the company’s first Sustainability Report, which is now available on the KARL STORZ website.

Leaving a legacy for future generations

“We think in generations, not quarters. At KARL STORZ, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword; it’s our legacy,” said CEO Karl-Christian Storz. “We’re proud of our achievements, but we’re even more excited about the journey ahead. Together, we’ll create a world where progress and preservation go hand in hand.” The company intends to be net zero in emissions no later than 2040. “It is clear to me that our growth as a company, if not done sustainably, is of limited value,” Storz added. “As a family-owned company, we are committed to leaving the planet in as good condition possible for future generations.” The report covers KARL STORZ’s initiatives and progress in areas of environmental impact, social protection and responsible governance and set out steps for the future.

Key highlights

• From an initial baseline of 16,737 metric tonnes in 2019, KARL STORZ lowered CO2 emissions in Scopes 1 and 2 to 10,752 metric tonnes in 2023. The complex measurement of Scope 3 emissions is intended begin as part of the required Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) reporting from 2026, for the business year 2025.
• Renewable energy sources now represent 31% of the company’s energy consumption.
• Water is preserved through rainwater harvesting systems and upgraded water treatment facilities at the company’s Neuhausen ob Eck site, under expansion as the biggest construction project in company history, will eventually save 10 million liters at full capacity.

A commitment to transparency

KARL STORZ has been a member of the United Nations Global Compact to drive its sustainability strategy since 2004. The 2023 Sustainability Report is now published on a voluntary basis and with reference to the Sustainability Reporting Guidelines of the internationally recognized Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). These have a high degree of interoperability with the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) adopted by the European Union, which KARL STORZ will be obliged to meet from the financial year 2025. “We believe that openness and accountability drive positive change. This voluntary Sustainability Report reflects our unwavering commitment to transparency, and we remain steadfast in our pursuit of a sustainable future,” said Phoebe Ressel, Team Lead Global ESG at KARL STORZ. The Sustainability Report is a comprehensive reflection of KARL STORZ’s worldwide operations in the field of ESG (environment, social, governance) for the financial year 2023.