Tuesday 14 September 2021

Cisco commits to net zero emissions by 2040

Networking hardware company Cisco has set a target for net zero greenhouse gas emissions across all scopes by 2040.

That includes emissions reductions across its product use, operations as well as supply chain, with a commitment to reach net zero for all global Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2025.

Other near term targets will cover Scope 3 categories for the company, such as use of sold products and supply chain emissions and will be made public when finalised later this year.

Cisco intends to continue to increase the energy efficiency of its products through innovative product design, boost the use of renewable energy, invest in carbon removal solutions and further embed sustainability and circular economy principles across its business.

It has achieved 100% renewable energy in several countries and is on track to reach its goal for at least 85% of renewable power use globally by FY2022.

For Scope 3 emissions, the company was one year ahead of schedule in 2019 in reaching its goal to avoid one million metric tonnes of CO2 equivalent in its supply chain through a range of initiatives including utilising more ocean shipments, redesigning product packaging and implementing energy management systems.

Fran Katsoudas, Chief People, Policy & Purpose Officer, Cisco said: “The devastating effects of the climate disasters over the past few weeks could not be a clearer sign of the urgent need to address climate change now.

“As a global technology leader, we must set the standard for sustainable business practices and support our customers, partners and suppliers in their efforts to reduce their impact on the environment as well.”