700-240 Cisco Environmental Sustainability Overview(CESO) Questions and Answers

According to Cisco's Environmental Sustainability documents, the average carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions produced per person each year is around 7 tons. This figure encompasses all CO2 emissions resulting from individual activities and consumption patterns, including transportation, energy use, and other factors contributing to one's carbon footprint. Cisco's commitment to reducing carbon emissions involves both their corporate practices and encouraging individual responsibility to lower CO2 emissions globally.

Cisco's Purpose Report has been described by several names, including CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility), Social Impact, and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance). These reports cover Cisco's initiatives and progress in sustainability, social responsibility, and governance, providing transparency and accountability in their efforts to create a positive impact on society and the environmenthttps://blogs.cisco.com/csr/powering-an-inclusive-future-a-message-from-ceo-chuck-robbins

Greenhouse gases include a variety of gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, with fluorinated gases being one of them. These gases are synthetic and used in various industrial applications but have a high global warming potential. Cisco's Environmental Sustainability documents recognize the importance of managing and reducing emissions of all types of greenhouse gases to mitigate climate change.

Cisco’s commitment to recycling is demonstrated through its adoption of the circular economy model. This approach goes beyond traditional recycling by emphasizing the reuse, refurbishment, and recycling of products and materials. Cisco’s initiatives such as the Takeback and Reuse program, and the Refresh program, exemplify this commitment. These efforts are part of Cisco’s broader strategy to minimize waste and promote sustainability, as detailed in Cisco's sustainability reports and the Cisco Environmental Sustainability resources.

66% of customers are willing to pay more for products that are manufactured sustainably. This reflects a growing consumer awareness and demand for environmentally responsible products. Companies like Cisco leverage this trend by emphasizing their sustainability practices and incorporating them into their product development and marketing strategies. This data is supported by various consumer surveys and market research studies on sustainability preferences​ (Cisco Blogs)​​ (Impakter)​.https://blogs.cisco.com/csr/net-zero-methodology-yes-it-is-complicated-but-worth-doing-thoroughly

Less than 2% of all philanthropic dollars are currently being spent to address the fight against climate change. This small percentage underscores the need for increased funding and resources to tackle climate change effectively. Enhancing investment in climate change initiatives is crucial for making significant progress in mitigating its impacts and promoting sustainabilityhttps://www.oecd.org/en/about/news/press-releases/2022/02/plastic-pollution-is-growing-relentlessly-as-waste-management-and-recycling-fall-short.html

Many municipal recycling programs do not accept foams because they are difficult to recycle. Foam products, such as polystyrene (commonly known as Styrofoam), are lightweight and bulky, making them challenging to handle and process in recycling facilities. The recycling process for foams is also not cost-effective due to the low density and high contamination risk, leading many programs to exclude them from acceptable materials. Instead, these foams often end up in landfills, contributing to environmental pollution. Cisco’s sustainability initiatives address such challenges by focusing on the reduction and reuse of materials to minimize waste​https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/CISCO-SYSTEMS-INC-4862/news/Cisco-Environmental-impact-in-Cisco-s-supply-chain-32945811/

Globally, about 25% of recyclable waste is actually recycled each year. This relatively low rate highlights significant challenges in waste management systems and underscores the need for improved recycling infrastructure and policies. Various factors contribute to this issue, including contamination of recyclable materials, insufficient recycling facilities, and lack of public awareness about proper recycling practices. The statistics on global recycling rates and related issues can be found in reports from the EPA and OECD​https://www.epa.gov/facts-and-figures-about-materials-waste-and-recycling/national-overview-facts-and-figures-materials

https://www.oecd.org/en/about/news/press-releases/2022/02/plastic-pollution-is-growing-relentlessly-as-waste-management-and-recycling-fall-short.html

The packaging for the Catalyst IR8140 Heavy Duty Router is the first solution at Cisco to use a fiber-flute material suited to protect heavier products. This innovation saves approximately 1,054 pounds of foam every year. This change not only reduces waste but also aligns with Cisco’s commitment to sustainability and reducing its environmental footprint through innovative packaging solutions. Detailed information on Cisco's packaging initiatives can be found in their environmental sustainability reports​ (Impakter)​.https://impakter.com/index/cisco-sustainability-report/