Leading the IT Industry in Combating Climate Change – Cisco Achieves 100% Renewable Energy in U.S.

At Cisco, our purpose is defined by our commitment to powering an inclusive future for all. And for us, that is not just a statement – it defines how we run our business. We are focused on building an internet that is accessible to all, protects our planet’s limited resources, and minimizes the IT industry’s impact on the environment. Today, I am proud to share that our efforts are making a real impact – Cisco has achieved 100% renewable energy for our U.S. operations this fiscal year.

But we are just getting started. We know that to make a difference in the fight against climate change and waste, we have to look beyond our walls. Today, our products are the foundation of every major cloud, data center, mobile network, video call, store, office, and digital operation in the world. Well over 90% of Cisco’s impact on the planet is driven by emissions associated with the 24/7 use of those products. That’s why we partner with the EPA and Department of Energy to qualify products under the Energy Star program.

As the world’s largest provider of networking, collaboration and security technologies, we have the opportunity and responsibility to help the millions of customers, partners, and suppliers who rely on us to decrease their environmental footprints. Our breakthrough innovations in hardware, software, and silicon will help every government, community, and industry achieve their ambitious carbon goals.

For example, Cisco’s Silicon One solution delivers first of its kind capabilities, providing a pathway towards the future of a faster, more efficient, and more inclusive internet for all. In the case of a cloud data center with 110,000 servers, the implementation of Cisco Silicon One could save up to 580kW of energy and up to $9.75 million dollars in energy costs.

We are also committed to moving from a linear economy, where products are used and then thrown away, to a circular economy that makes better use of our limited natural resources. Our holistic approach extends from how we design, build, and deliver products, to how we value the assets we have and turn them into new products. We also apply Cisco technology to support our customers in their own circular transformations.

To support and measure the impact of initiatives currently underway, we’re working to achieve ambitious goals and have committed the necessary resources to accelerate contributions to a circular economy well into the future. Our fiscal year 2025 goals include:

• 100 percent of new Cisco products and packaging to incorporate circular design principles
• 20 percent decrease in the use of virgin plastic (FY18 base year)
• 50 percent improvement in product packaging cube efficiency (FY19 base year)
• 75 percent reduction in Cisco packaging foam use measured by weight (FY19 base year)

Those goals represent just some of the many ways Cisco’s endeavors create a more sustainable, inclusive, and equitable world. Moving forward, we will also focus on local projects across the U.S. that add new renewable power to the grid – like our most recent wind power purchase in Texas.

These efforts reflect just one of the many steps we are taking in support of the global commitments made under the Paris Climate Agreement five years ago. Our hope is that when it comes to protecting the environment, Cisco’s most significant impact will be helping the IT industry have no impact at all.

To learn more about the progress we’re making to power a more inclusive future through CSR, visit our ESG Reporting Hub and read our CSR Impact Report

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