Observed Signal · Sep 17, 2026 · Research · Source: Manager Magazin · Impact: 2/5 · Sentiment: Negative

German DAX companies lag climate goals, Right study finds

Executive Signal Summary

A study by climate tech company Right reveals that most German DAX, MDAX, and SDAX companies are not on track to meet their net-zero targets, with only 26 of 71 assessed companies aligned with a 1.7°C warming pathway. Compared to 2024, 25 companies worsened their climate performance in 2025, while 19 improved and 26 remained unchanged. The worst performers include Siemens Energy and Siltronic (8.6°C pathway), Fraport and 1&1 (8.5°C), and Bayer (7.5°C). However, some companies like SAP, Evotec, and Merck showed significant improvements, and Siemens Healthineers is highlighted as a positive example, maintaining a 1.4°C pathway since 2019. The study based on public emissions and financial data points to persistent data gaps, with many companies lacking complete reporting.

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High Confidence

The study is relevant to the AdTech/MarTech industry as it concerns corporate sustainability, which is increasingly a factor in B2B procurement and brand perception. However, it does not directly involve advertising technology or specific marketing campaigns.

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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding

  • Only 26 of 71 DAX, MDAX, and SDAX companies are on a climate path consistent with 1.7°C warming.
  • 25 companies worsened their climate performance in 2025 compared to 2024; 19 improved, 26 unchanged.
  • Siemens Energy and Siltronic have the worst scores, implying 8.6°C global warming if global economy followed their path.
  • Bayer's climate course deteriorated from 6.6 to 7.5 degrees, while SAP improved from 7.7 to 6.4 degrees.
  • Siemens Healthineers has maintained a 1.4-degree climate course since 2019, outperforming its sector average of 4.2 degrees.
Primary Source Grounding & Direct Attribution
Direct Origin Attribution
Primary Reporting: Manager Magazin•Published: Sep 17, 2026
Original Coverage Title: “Studie über Siemens Energy, SAP, Bayer und Co.: Das sind die schmutzigsten Dax-Unternehmen”

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