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| Carl Zeiss Takes Holistic Approach to Environmental Management |
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The best environmental strategy means taking every precaution to prevent pollution right from the outset. System and process integration is the key to this approach. What is needed is short processes, resulting in products with minimum complexity and as few components as possible. The sparing use of resources means consuming less energy, water and material. Creative ideas cut manufacturing costs, facilitate service and maintenance, reduce stocks of spare parts and lay the ideal foundations for cost-effective disposal.
Many aspects of environmental relevance have to be taken into consideration in corporate processes. Environmental issues play a central role in determining what new production equipment is purchased. Material and energy flow management at Carl Zeiss requires that employees take a holistic approach to environmentally relevant processes.
Right from the procurement stage, contracts with suppliers virtually rule out the possibility of purchasing products which are potentially hazardous to the environment. The suppliers chosen are those whose products are most compatible with the environment. Material and agent registers provide information on substances. A material database forms the basis of an environmental information system. It describes the properties of materials, safety guidelines, and the classification of hazardous substances and dangerous goods, and monitors the materials during the entire production cycle.
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| With its modern equipment, the factory fire service of Carl Zeiss is always ready for an emergency. Here we see an exercise with heavy breathing equipment and fully protective clothing. A toximeter is used to measure any escaping vapors. |
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