Cisco commits to net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040

Cisco announced that it is committing to reaching net zero for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across all scopes by 2040, 10 years before climate scientists say the planet must reach net zero to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. Cisco’s net zero goal will be supported by near-term targets, including reaching net zero for all global Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 2025.

Other near-term targets will cover the company’s most-material Scope 3 categories, such as the use of sold products and supply chain emissions, and will be made public as they are finalised later in 2021. In addition, the new greenhouse gas reduction goals will follow the latest climate science, and Cisco will report progress on these targets in its annual Corporate Social Responsibility Impact Report.

Cisco’s efforts to advance this purpose will encompass investments and initiatives related to closing the digital divide, advancing social justice, building partner ecosystems of impact, and setting and achieving ambitious sustainability goals like today’s net zero commitment.

“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,” said Reem Asaad, vice president, Cisco Middle East and Africa. “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.”

Since 2008, Cisco has established and achieved objectives to minimize GHG emissions at its sites and throughout its supply chain. Strategies Cisco will use to reach net zero includes:

• Continuing to increase the energy efficiency of our products through innovative product design
• Accelerating the use of renewable energy
• Embracing hybrid work
• Investing in carbon removal solutions
• Further embedding sustainability and circular economy principles across our business

For more than 15 years, Cisco has worked toward a sustainable future by reducing emissions, reducing waste, building more efficient products, and setting and achieving ambitious goals.

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