Environmental Sustainability
Sustainability and protecting the environment are a Cisco priority.
Our approach to protecting the environment
An inclusive future takes everyone, including future generations, into account. Cisco has set long-term goals to address the environmental impacts from our products and business operations.
Environmental impact
We look for opportunities to minimize our impact on the environment in every corner of our business and supply chain and seek ways technology can reduce energy use and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. See what we made possible in 2020.
55%
55 percent reduction in Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions (FY22 goal is 60 percent).
83%
83 percent of electricity came from renewable sources (FY22 goal is 85 percent).
85%
85 percent system energy efficiency for large rack-mounted equipment (FY22 goal is 87 percent).
Increasing efficiency and reducing emissions across operations
Building energy efficiency
In the last five years, we have implemented over 440 energy efficiency projects that reduce costs and emissions.
Renewable energy
We are procuring renewable energy in the regions where we operate through a variety of onsite and offsite sources.
Product energy efficiency
We are developing more efficient thermal systems, reducing power loss, and offering higher-efficiency power supplies.
Innovation to address environmental challenges
Cisco’s Global Problem Solver Challenge
Cisco strives to foster big thinking and ideas to help the planet beyond our walls.
Cisco’s Innovate Everywhere Challenge
Employees can submit ideas to improve product efficiency and solve GHG emission challenges.
Product design
Cisco customers are asking for more energy-efficient products, and we are responding.
Empowering employees to take part in sustainability efforts
Earth Aware
A two-month employee volunteerism and awareness campaign invites employees to celebrate the Earth.
SustainX
An internal thought leadership forum, featuring leaders across industries sharing ideas for a sustainable tomorrow.
Cisco Green Team
The Cisco Green Team Network (GTN) is a global employee-run organization that leads sustainability projects.
Cisco GreenHouse
An interactive sustainability platform that helps employees live more sustainably and network with peers.
Virtual collaboration
Cisco’s virtual collaboration technologies are helping companies transition to remote work during COVID-19 and reduce GHG emissions.
Water and waste initiatives
Conserving water
Managing our water footprint through water efficiency projects and supporting local water restoration projects.
Managing our waste
We have diverted 80 percent of our waste from landfill through recycling, composting, and donations.
Circular economy and supply chain sustainability
A responsible, resilient supply chain is critical to our business success and supports our ability to transition from a linear economy to a circular economy.
Explore our sustainability stories
Sustainably managed companies
Cisco ranks third on The Wall Street Journal's list of 100 Most Sustainably Managed Companies in the World.
First wind energy project
Cisco has signed its first long-term wind energy power purchase agreement (PPA), our third PPA overall.
Paul Hawken inspires
Paul Hawken shared the very real ways we can drawdown carbon emissions and reverse global warming now.
Product Takeback and Reuse program
Cisco experts explain how our Product Takeback and Reuse program works and how it helps customers.
Research Triangle Park update
Cisco is working towards renewable energy, water neutrality, and zero waste goals at our RTP campus.
America’s most sustainable companies
Cisco made the top ten of Barron’s 100 Most Sustainable Companies in America for the third year in a row.
Global sustainability leaders
Cisco was recognized by Corporate Knights and as part of CDP's A-List for excellence in sustainability.
Connected Bees at Cisco’s Triangle Park
Our newest residents support the growing pollinator population in North Carolina.
Connected Conservation
Connected Conservation is dedicated to protecting endangered species and improving local communities.
2020 CSR Impact Report and ESG Hub
Cisco is putting people, technology, and resources to work in service of an inclusive future where technology gives everyone the tools to thrive. Visit our Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Hub.
