Cisco commits to reaching net zero across all scopes of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2040, which includes product use, operations, and supply chain. This is 10 years ahead of when 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 ambitious near-term targets, such as the current goal to reduce 60% of Scope 1 and 2 emissions by FY22 that is approved by the Science Based Target initiative (SBTi). 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 finalized later in 2021.
This announcement marks a major milestone in Cisco’s journey to power an inclusive future for all. 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.”
Cisco has been setting and achieving goals to reduce its GHG emissions at its facilities and across its supply chain since 2008. Some of the company’s strategies to reach net zero include continuing to increase the energy efficiency of products through innovative product design; accelerating the use of renewable energy; embracing hybrid work; investing in carbon removal solutions; and further embedding sustainability and circular economy principles.
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. It is worthy to note that Cisco has achieved 100% renewable energy in several countries around the world and is on track to reach its goal to use electricity generated from renewable sources for at least 85% of Cisco’s global electricity by FY22. The company also set a new goal to reduce supply chain-related Scope 3 GHG emissions by 30 percent absolute by FY30.
