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Partners and customers can reduce their environmental footprint by adopting the following two methods:

Set sustainability goals and post them on the organization's website (C): Establishing clear sustainability goals allows organizations to align their operations with environmental objectives, such as reducing carbon emissions, increasing energy efficiency, or minimizing waste. Publicly posting these goals on the website increases transparency and accountability, encouraging stakeholders to track progress. Setting measurable targets ensures that companies are actively working towards reducing their ecological footprint and contributing to global sustainability efforts.

Move to a hybrid work environment using Cisco Webex (E): Transitioning to a hybrid work environment, which combines remote and in-office work, can significantly reduce an organization’s carbon footprint by minimizing employee commuting and office energy consumption. Tools like Cisco Webex facilitate virtual collaboration, enabling organizations to maintain productivity while reducing the need for travel, thereby cutting down on greenhouse gas emissions and supporting a more sustainable work model.

Environmental Sustainability References:

Cisco. (2021).Cisco Webex and Hybrid Work: Reducing Your Carbon Footprint with Collaboration Technology.

Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). (2020).Setting Corporate Sustainability Goals.

International Telecommunication Union (ITU). (2021).The Role of Hybrid Work in Sustainable Development.

Cisco plans to reduce its environmental footprint by implementing a strategy focused on100% product return, repair, remanufacture, refurbish, and recycle. This approach aligns with the principles of thecircular economy, which aims to keep products and materials in use for as long as possible, thereby minimizing waste and resource consumption. By ensuring that products are returned for repair orremanufacturing instead of being discarded, Cisco reduces the need for new raw materials and cuts down on electronic waste, contributing to a more sustainable supply chain.

This commitment also reflects Cisco’s broader goals of reducing carbon emissions, promoting resource efficiency, and fostering sustainability across its product lifecycle.

Environmental Sustainability References:

Cisco. (2022).Circular Economy and Product Lifecycle Strategies for Sustainability.

Ellen MacArthur Foundation. (2021).Cisco's Role in the Circular Economy and Reducing Environmental Impact.

World Economic Forum. (2021).Sustainability Through Circular Practices in Technology Companies.

IoT Smart Sensorsdeliver significant benefits, includingoptimizing energy costswith a centralized infrastructure and features such as occupancy-based controls. These sensors enable real-time monitoring and control of lighting, HVAC, and other systems in buildings. Occupancy-based controls, for instance, allow the systems to adjust based on actual room usage, turning off lights or adjusting heating and cooling when areas are unoccupied, thereby reducing unnecessary energy consumption.

Other benefits of IoT Smart Sensors include enhanced operational efficiency, data-driven decision-making, and improved sustainability by minimizing resource use.

Environmental Sustainability References:

International Energy Agency (IEA). (2020).Smart Buildings: Energy Efficiency Solutions with IoT.

Cisco. (2021).IoT Solutions for Smart Buildings and Sustainability.

World Economic Forum. (2022).IoT and Smart Sensors: A Key to Reducing Energy Costs and Carbon Footprints.

According to industry research,55% of partnersare expected to increase their revenue from offering sustainability solutions. Sustainability is becoming a key driver of business growth as companies seek to reduce their environmental impact, comply with regulations, and meet the growing demand for eco-friendly products and services. Partners offering solutions that help organizations become more energy-efficient, reduce carbon emissions, or transition to a circular economy are positioned to capitalize on this shift.

This trend highlights the increasing importance of sustainability in business strategy, as both customers and governments push for more sustainable practices across industries.

Environmental Sustainability References:

IDC. (2021).Sustainability Trends Driving Growth in IT Solutions.

Cisco. (2021).The Financial Benefits of Embracing Sustainability in Business.

McKinsey & Company. (2021).Sustainability: A Key Business Driver for Growth.

Approximately45% of Cisco’s partnerschoose to take advantage of the sustainability practices offered for financial opportunities. These partners recognize the growing demand for sustainable solutions and the potential financial benefits, such as cost savings, enhanced brand reputation, and access to new markets. By aligning with Cisco's sustainability initiatives, including reducing environmental impact and adopting circular economy practices, partners can leverage these opportunities to grow their business while contributing to global sustainability goals.

Environmental Sustainability References:

Cisco. (2021).Partnering for Sustainability: Financial Benefits of Sustainable Practices.

Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). (2020).Corporate Sustainability Practices and Partner Engagement.

McKinsey & Company. (2021).The Business Case for Sustainability: Partner Opportunities.

ABusiness Leaderrelies onITfor recommendations on technology investments. Business leaders, who focus on driving the overall strategy and performance of the company, often turn to IT leaders for expert guidance on technology solutions that can enhance operations, improve efficiency, and support sustainability goals. IT leaders play a crucial role in identifying, evaluating, and recommending technologies that align with the business's needs and objectives, ensuring that the company stays competitive while meeting its technological and sustainability targets.

Environmental Sustainability References:

Gartner. (2021).The Role of IT in Business Strategy and Decision-Making.

Harvard Business Review. (2020).Business Leaders and the Importance of IT in Strategic Technology Investments.

Cisco. (2021).How IT Leaders Drive Business Sustainability and Innovation.

Three key factors driving the growth ofSmart buildingsin the coming years are:

Customer demands (B):Customers are increasingly seeking energy-efficient, sustainable, and tech-enabled spaces that enhance comfort and reduce operating costs. Smart buildings, equipped with IoT and data analytics, provide a higher level of efficiency and adaptability, making them attractive to businesses and consumers.

Government-sponsored smart infrastructure projects (D):Many governments are investing insmart infrastructureprojects to promote sustainability and energy efficiency in urban development. These projects encourage the adoption of smart building technologies to meet sustainability goals, reduce energy consumption, and improve public infrastructure.

Increases in energy costs and consumption (F):Rising energy costs are a significant driver for adopting smart building technologies, which can optimize energy use and reduce utility bills. Advanced systems like smart sensors and automated energy management help minimize waste and ensure efficient use of resources, providing long-term cost savings.

Environmental Sustainability References:

International Energy Agency (IEA). (2021).Smart Buildings: Trends and Drivers for Growth.

World Economic Forum. (2021).Smart Building Technologies and the Future of Urban Development.

Cisco. (2022).Customer and Regulatory Drivers for Smart Building Adoption.

TheSustainability Leaderis central to theCorporate Social Responsibility (CSR)function. This leader is responsible for developing and implementing strategies that address environmental, social, andgovernance (ESG) issues, ensuring that the company operates in a socially responsible and sustainable manner. The Sustainability Leader drives initiatives related to reducing carbon footprints, improving resource efficiency, and promoting ethical practices within the organization, while also aligning CSR activities with business objectives.

Environmental Sustainability References:

Harvard Business Review. (2020).The Role of Sustainability Leaders in Corporate Social Responsibility.

McKinsey & Company. (2021).Sustainability Leadership and the Integration of CSR Strategies.

Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). (2021).Sustainability Leadership in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

Sustainable business practicesare those that focus on long-term success by balancing environmental, social, and economic factors. Two key descriptions are:

Are socially responsible (D):Sustainable practices involve conducting business in a way that benefits society, including fair labor practices, reducing environmental harm, and contributing to the well-being of communities. This ensures a positive impact on both people and the planet.

Should be economically viable (E):Sustainability must also be economically feasible. This means that businesses need to adopt practices that ensure profitability while minimizing resource consumption and waste. Economic viability ensures that sustainability can be maintained in the long term, benefiting both the business and its stakeholders.

Environmental Sustainability References:

United Nations Global Compact. (2020).Social Responsibility and Sustainable Business Practices.

World Economic Forum. (2021).The Triple Bottom Line: Environmental, Social, and Economic Sustainability.

McKinsey & Company. (2021).Sustainability: A Business Imperative for Long-Term Growth.

Globally,90% of wastewaterreturns to the environment untreated. This untreated wastewater, which includes industrial, agricultural, and household waste, leads to widespread pollution of rivers, lakes, and oceans, posing serious risks to ecosystems, human health, and water quality. The lack of proper wastewater treatment is especially prevalent in developing regions, where infrastructure and resources for waste management are often limited.

Effective wastewater management and treatment are crucial for protecting water resources and supporting sustainability goals, such as those outlined in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Environmental Sustainability References:

United Nations World Water Development Report (UNWWDR). (2021).Wastewater: The Untreated Crisis.

World Health Organization (WHO). (2020).Global Wastewater Management and Environmental Impact.

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). (2020).Wastewater Treatment and Sustainable Development.