Validating our goal
External validation
Cisco's 2040 net-zero target and near- and long-term targets are approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) under its new Net-Zero Standard, the world's first framework for corporate net-zero target setting in line with climate science. This builds on our history of setting meaningful goals, measuring our progress and impact, and reporting on them transparently.
The meaning of SBTi validation
SBTi validation demonstrates that we are prioritizing deep emissions reductions to reach net zero. We set a long-term science-based target to reduce our absolute Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions 90% by 2040 compared to our 2019 fiscal year.
- We will neutralize remaining emissions by removing an equal amount from the atmosphere through credible emissions removal projects.
- Our approach meets SBTi requirements that net zero be achieved primarily through emissions reductions across Scopes 1, 2, and 3.
Evolution of our net-zero commitment
We publicly announced net-zero goals in September 2021. In July 2022, we enhanced those goals to achieve third-party validation from SBTi. Specifically, we 1) refined the language used to describe our near-term Scope 1 & 2 emissions goal for 2025 to be more specific and to align with SBTi methodology, and 2) we set an additional near-term Scope 3 emissions goal for 2030 to address the use of sold products, which is the largest source of our emissions.
NOTE: Our near-term Scope 1 and 2 target, as validated under the SBTi Net-Zero Standard requirements, is a 90% reduction by 2030 because SBTi requires at least a 5-year timeline for emissions reduction targets. However, our intention is to achieve a 90% reduction by 2025 and maintain that level of decarbonization through 2040.
