The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) is an independent, nonprofit organization that has pioneered the development of the Sustainability Reporting Guidelines (SRGs), which serve as the cornerstone of one of the world’s most widely used sustainability reporting frameworks,

The GRI is committed to the continuous improvement and application of its reporting guidelines worldwide, and through the SRGs, sets out the principles and indicators that organizations can use to measure and report their economic, environmental, and social performance.

Cisco shares GRI’s commitment to corporate transparency, accountability, reporting, and sustainability, and employs these guidelines to measure our own performance in these areas. Information in the table below cross-references our report content with specific GRI indicators.

STRATEGY AND ANALYSIS
No. Question/Indicator: Reported: Links
Strategy And Analysis
1.1 Statement from the most senior decision-maker of the organization about the relevance of sustainability to the organization and its strategy Yes Letter from John Chambers
1.2 Description of key impacts, risks, and opportunities Yes Cisco and Citizenship
ORGANIZATION PROFILE
No. Question/Indicator: Reported: Links
Organization Profile
2.1 Name of the organization Yes CiscoNew Browser Window
2.2 Primary brands, products, and/or services Yes About CiscoNew Browser Window
2.3 Operational structure of the organization, including main divisions, operating companies, subsidiaries, and joint ventures Yes Cisco Corporate OverviewNew Browser Window
2.4 Location of organization’s headquarters Yes Cisco Fact SheetNew Browser Window
2.5 Number of countries where the organization operates, and names of countries with either major operations or that are specifically relevant to the sustainability issues covered in the report Yes Cisco Offices WorldwideNew Browser Window
2.6 Nature of ownership and legal form Yes Cisco Investor RelationsNew Browser Window
2.7 Markets served (including geographic breakdown, sectors served, and types of customers/beneficiaries) Yes Cisco Corporate OverviewNew Browser Window
2.8 Scale of the reporting organization, including: Number of employees, Net sales, Total capitalization broken down in terms of debt and equity, Quantity of products or services provided Yes Annual Financial StatementsNew Browser Window
2.9 Significant changes during the reporting period regarding size, structure, or ownership including: The location of, or changes in operations, including facility openings, closings, and expansions; Changes in the share capital structure and other capital formation, maintenance, and alteration operations Yes Cisco Annual ReportsNew Browser Window
2.10 Awards received in the reporting period Yes CSR AwardsNew Browser Window
Corporate AwardsNew Browser Window
REPORT PARAMETER
No. Question/Indicator: Reported: Links
Report Profile
3.1 Reporting period for information provided Yes Cisco Fiscal Year 2008
3.2 Date of most recent previous report Yes Cisco Fiscal Year 2007New Browser Window
3.3 Reporting cycle (annual) Yes Previous ReportsNew Browser Window
3.4 Contact point for questions regarding the report or its contents Yes citizenship@cisco.com
Report Scope and Boundary
3.5 Process for defining report content, including: Determining materiality, Prioritizing topics within the report, and Identifying stakeholders the organisation expects to use the report Yes Cisco and Citizenship
3.6 Boundary of the report (e.g., countries, divisions, subsidiaries, leased facilities, joint ventures, suppliers) Yes Cisco and subsidiaries
3.7 State any specific limitations on the scope or boundary of the report Yes Only as noted in report
3.8 Basis for reporting on joint ventures, subsidiaries, leased facilities, outsourced operations, and other entities that can significantly affect comparability from period to period and/or between organizations Yes Cisco uses equity share to set boundaries for reporting. Outsourced operations are included to the extent included in discussions of direct and indirect supply chain.
3.9 Data measurement techniques and the bases of calculations, including assumptions and techniques underlying estimations applied to the compilation of the Indicators and other information in the report Yes Key Performance Indicators
Only as noted in report
3.10 Explanation of the effect of any re-statements of information provided in earlier reports, and the reasons for such re-statement (e.g., mergers/acquisitions, change of base years/periods, nature of business, measurement methods) Yes Key Performance Indicators
Only as noted in report
3.11 Significant changes from previous reporting periods in the scope, boundary, or measurement methods applied in the report Yes Key Performance Indicators
Only as noted in report
GRI Context Index
No. Question/Indicator: Reported: Links
Gri Context Index
3.12 Table identifying the location of the Standard Disclosures in the report Yes Global Reporting Initiative Indicators
Assurance
3.13 Policy and current practice with regard to seeking external assurance for the report. If not included in the assurance report accompanying the sustainability report, explain the scope and basis of any external assurance provided. Also explain the relationship between the reporting organization and the assurance provider(s) No
GOVERNANCE
No. Question/Indicator: Reported: Links
Governance
4.1 Governance structure of the organization, including committees under the highest governance body responsible for specific tasks, such as setting strategy or organizational oversight Yes Corporate GovernanceNew Browser Window
Accountability and Responsibility
4.2 Indicate whether the Chair of the highest governance body is also an executive officer (and, if so, their function within the organization’s management and the reasons for this arrangement) Yes Board of DirectorsNew Browser Window
4.3 For organizations that have a unitary board structure, state the number of members of the highest governance body that are independent and/or non-executive members Yes Board of DirectorsNew Browser Window
4.4 Mechanisms for shareholders and employees to provide recommendations or direction to the highest governance body Yes Code of Business ConductNew Browser Window
Accountability and Responsibility
4.5 Linkage between compensation for members of the highest governance body, senior managers, and executives (including departure arrangements), and the organization’s performance (including social and environmental performance) Yes Accountability and Responsibility
4.6 Processes in place for the highest governance body to ensure conflicts of interest are avoided Yes Code of Business ConductNew Browser Window
Accountability and Responsibility
4.7 Process for determining the qualifications and expertise of the members of the highest governance body for guiding the organization’s strategy on economic, environmental, and social topics Yes Corporate Governance PoliciesNew Browser Window
Accountability and Responsibility
4.8 Internally developed statements of mission or values, codes of conduct, and principles relevant to economic, environmental, and social performance and the status of their implementation Yes Letters from John Chambers and Tae Yoo
Cisco and Citizenship
Cisco and Our Employees
Cisco and the Environment
Cisco and Society
4.9 Procedures of the highest governance body for overseeing the organization’s identification and management of economic, environmental, and social performance, including relevant risks and opportunities, and adherence or compliance with internationally agreed standards, codes of conduct, and principles Yes Responsible Management and CSR Governance
4.10 Processes for evaluating the highest governance body’s own performance, particularly with respect to economic, environmental, and social performance Yes Responsible Management and CSR Governance
Commitments to External Initiatives
4.11 Explanation of whether and how the precautionary approach or principle is addressed by the organization Yes Energy Efficiency
4.12 Externally developed economic, environmental, and social charters, principles, or other initiatives to which the organization subscribes or endorses Yes Reporting Frameworks
CSR, Business Resiliency, and Responsible Risk Management
4.13 Memberships in associations (such as industry associations) and/or national/international advocacy organizations in which the organization: Has positions in governance bodies; Participates in projects or committees; Provides substantive funding beyond routine membership dues; or Views membership as strategic Yes Reporting Frameworks
Key Performance Indicators
Stakeholder Engagement
CSR, Business Resiliency, and Responsible Risk Management
Stakeholder Engagement
4.14 List of stakeholder groups engaged by the organization Yes Stakeholder Engagement
4.15 Basis for identification and selection of stakeholders with whom to engage Yes Stakeholder Engagement
4.16 Approaches to stakeholder engagement, including frequency of engagement by type and by stakeholder group Yes Stakeholder Engagement
4.17 Key topics and concerns that have been raised through stakeholder engagement, and how the organization has responded to those key topics and concerns, including through its reporting Yes Cisco and Citizenship
Cisco and our Employees
Cisco and the Environment
Cisco and Society
ECONOMIC
No. Question/Indicator: Reported: Links
Economic Performance
EC1 Direct economic value generated and distributed, including revenues, operating costs, employee compensation, donations and other community investments, retained earnings, and payments to capital providers and governments Yes Cisco Annual ReportsNew Browser Window
EC2 Financial implications and other risks and opportunities for the organization’s activities due to climate change Yes Cisco and the Environment
EC3 Coverage of the organization’s defined benefit plan obligations Yes 2008 Annual Report (PDF version)New Browser Window
EC4 Significant financial assistance received from government No
Market Presence
EC6 Policy, practices, and proportion of spending on locally-based suppliers at significant locations of operation Yes Supply Chain: Diversity
EC7 Procedures for local hiring and proportion of senior management hired from the local community at significant locations of operation No
Indirect Economic Impacts
EC8 Development and impact of infrastructure investments and services provided primarily for public benefit through commercial, in-kind, or pro bono engagement Yes Cisco and Society
ENVIRONMENTAL
No. Question/Indicator: Reported: Links
Materials
EN1 Materials used by weight or volume No
EN2 Percentage of materials used that are recycled input materials No
Energy
EN3 Direct energy consumption by primary energy source Yes Key Performance Indicators (Scope 1)
Cisco and the Environment
EN4 Indirect energy consumption by primary source Yes Key Performance Indicators (Scope 2)
Cisco and the Environment
EN5 Energy saved due to conservation and efficiency improvements Yes Cisco and the Environment
EN6 Initiatives to provide energy-efficient or renewable energy based products and services, and reductions in energy requirements as a result of these initiatives Yes Cisco and the Environment
Water
EN8 Total water withdrawal by source Yes Reducing Water Use
Biodiversity
EN11 Location and size of land owned, leased, managed in, or adjacent to, protected areas and areas of high biodiversity value outside protected areas No Not applicable
EN12 Description of significant impacts of activities, products, and services on biodiversity in protected areas and areas of high biodiversity value outside protected areas No Not applicable
Emissions, Effluents, and Waste
EN16 Total direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions by weight Yes Key Performance Indicators
Cisco and the Environment
EN17 Other relevant indirect greenhouse gas emissions by weight Yes Key Performance Indicators
Cisco and the Environment
EN18 Initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reductions achieved Yes Key Performance Indicators
Cisco and the Environment
EN19 Emissions of ozone-depleting substances by weight No Not applicable
EN20 NOx, SOx, and other significant air emissions by type and weight No Not applicable
EN21 Total water discharge by quality and destination Yes Water, Air, Food, Waste
EN22 Total weight of waste by type and disposal method Yes Water, Air, Food, Waste
EN23 Total number and volume of significant spills No Not applicable
Products and Services
EN26 Initiatives to mitigate environmental impacts of products and services, and extent of impact mitigation Yes Environmentally Responsible Products and Supply Chains
Supply Chain: Sustainability
EN27 Percentage of products sold and their packaging materials that are reclaimed by category Yes Products: End-of-Life Management
Compliance
EN28 Monetary value of significant fines and total number of non-monetary sanctions for non-compliance with environmental laws and regulations No
SOCIAL PERFORMANCE: LABOR PRACTICES & DECENT WORK
No. Question/Indicator: Reported: Links
Employment
LA1 Total workforce by employment type, employment contract, and region Yes Cisco and Our Employees
LA2 Total number and rate of employee turnover by age group, gender, and region Yes Key Performance Indicators
Cisco and our Employees
Labor/Management Relations
LA4 Percentage of employees covered by collective bargaining agreements No
LA5 Minimum notice period(s) regarding significant operational changes, including whether it is specified in collective agreements No
Occupational Health and Safety
LA7 Rates of injury, occupational diseases, lost days, and absenteeism, and number of work-related fatalities by region Yes Key Performance Indicators
Wellness around the globe
Family Assistance
LA8 Education, training, counseling, prevention, and risk-control programs in place to assist workforce members, their families, or community members regarding serious diseases Yes Balancing Life, Promoting Wellness
Workplace Flexibility
Wellness around the Globe
Fitness and Ergonomics
Family Assistance
Global Safety and Security
Training and Education
LA10 Average hours of training per year per employee by employee category Yes Diversity Education
Developing Leaders at Every Level
The C-Lead Model
Executive Development
Manager and High-Potential Development
Career Development
Diversity and Equal Opportunity
LA13 Composition of governance bodies and breakdown of employees per category according to gender, age group, minority group membership, and other indicators of diversity Yes Cultivating Inclusion and Diversity
Employee Resource Groups
Diversity Education
LA14 Ratio of basic salary of men to women by employee category No
SOCIAL PERFORMANCE: HUMAN RIGHTS
No. Question/Indicator: Reported: Links
Investment and Procurement Practices
HR1 Percentage and total number of significant investment agreements that include human rights clauses or that have undergone human rights screening Yes Cisco and Society
HR2 Percentage of significant suppliers and contractors that have undergone screening on human rights and actions taken Yes Supplier Code of ConductNew Browser Window
CSR, Business Resiliency, and Responsible Risk Management
Non-Discrimination
HR4 Total number of incidents of discrimination and actions taken No
Freedom of Association and Collective Bargaining
HR5 Operations identified in which the right to exercise freedom of association and collective bargaining may be at significant risk, and actions taken to support these rights Yes Supplier Code of ConductNew Browser Window
CSR, Business Resiliency, and Responsible Risk Management
Child Labor
HR6 Operations identified as having significant risk for incidents of child labor, and measures taken to contribute to the elimination of child labor Yes Supplier Code of ConductNew Browser Window
CSR, Business Resiliency, and Responsible Risk Management
Forced and Compulsory Labor
HR7 Operations identified as having significant risk for incidents of forced or compulsory labor, and measures to contribute to the elimination of forced or compulsory labor Yes Supplier Code of ConductNew Browser Window
CSR, Business Resiliency, and Responsible Risk Management
SOCIAL PERFORMANCE: SOCIETY
No. Question/Indicator: Reported: Links
Community
SO1 Nature, scope, and effectiveness of any programs and practices that assess and manage the impacts of operations on communities, including entering, operating, and exiting Yes Cisco and Society
Corruption
SO2 Percentage and total number of business units analyzed for risks related to corruption Yes Responsible Management and CSR Governance
Engaging Our Employees
Cisco Code of Business ConductNew Browser Window
SO3 Percentage of employees trained in organization’s anti-corruption policies and procedures Yes Responsible Management and CSR Governance
Engaging Our Employees
Cisco Code of Business ConductNew Browser Window
SO4 Actions taken in response to incidents of corruption Yes Accountability and Responsibility
Responsible Management and CSR Governance
Cisco Code of Business ConductNew Browser Window
Public Policy
SO5 Public policy positions and participation in public policy development and lobbying No
Compliance
SO8 Monetary value of significant fines and total number of non-monetary sanctions for non-compliance with laws and regulations No
SOCIAL PERFORMANCE: PRODUCT RESPONSIBILITY
No. Question/Indicator: Reported: Links
Customer Health and Safety
PR1 Life cycle stages in which health and safety impacts of products and services are assessed for improvement, and percentage of significant products and services categories subject to such procedures Yes Environmentally Responsible Products and Supply Chains
Products and Service Labelling
PR3 Type of product and service information required by procedures, and percentage of significant products and services subject to such information requirements No
Marketing Communications
PR6 Programs for adherence to laws, standards, and voluntary codes related to marketing communications, including advertising, promotion, and sponsorship No
Compliance
PR9 Monetary value of significant fines for non-compliance with laws and regulations concerning the provision and use of products and services No