Sustainability has become a defining theme in the global discourse, with businesses worldwide recognising the need for responsible practices that not only drive growth but also safeguard the planet. Among the technology giants leading the charge towards a greener future is Cisco. As the anticipation builds for COP28, set to take place in Dubai, Cisco’s commitment to sustainability takes on even greater significance.
In an exclusive interview, Reem Asaad, Vice President of Cisco Middle East and Africa, delves into the company’s profound commitment to sustainability and its ambitious net-zero goals. As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change, Cisco stands at the intersection of technology and environmental responsibility, showcasing how industry leaders can shape a more sustainable tomorrow.
Cisco: Net-zero goals
Cisco’s net-zero goals are multifaceted, covering the use of its products, operations, and supply chain. By 2025, the company aims for a 90 per cent reduction in Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, followed by a 30 per cent reduction in Scope 3 emissions by 2030. The ultimate objective is to achieve net zero across the entire value chain by 2040, emphasising deep emissions reductions across all scopes.
“As a global tech leader, it is critical for Cisco to operate in a way that protects human rights, facilitates diversity, inclusion, and equitable opportunity, empowers vulnerable communities, and protects the planet. We have been reporting on sustainability since 2005 and last year launched our strategy that spans across three pillars: clean energy transition, circular transformation, and resilient ecosystems,” Asaad said. “We are confident in our ability to make a positive contribution by leveraging our technology innovation and expertise. We also believe that the tech industry as a whole has an opportunity to accelerate the transition to a future that is both digital and green,” she added.
Transparency and accountability are paramount in Cisco’s sustainability journey. In 2022, Cisco’s net-zero goal received validation from the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) under its Net-Zero Standard, affirming the company’s commitment to science-based target setting aligned with global emission reduction goals. Reem Asaad said that progress on environmental goals is regularly reported on Cisco’s Environmental, Social Governance (ESG) Reporting Hub and in its annual Purpose Report. Strong governance underpins these priorities, with the establishment of the Cisco Sustainability Council and the creation of a Sustainability Data Foundation ensuring consistency in data and reporting across the business.
Efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
Cisco’s efforts to reduce GHG emissions extend beyond its own operations, primarily focusing on Scope 3 emissions associated with the use of sold products. The company integrates circular design principles, carefully selecting materials, opting for recycled and renewable sources, and enhancing product efficiency. Moreover, Cisco develops technology solutions, such as Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, and cloud-managed services, to assist customers in achieving net-zero and other environmental goals.
“Our hybrid work approach delivers multiple benefits, such as reducing commuting, optimising space utilisation, and designing energy-efficient and carbon-reducing buildings. In addition, Cisco’s Silicon One chip helps customers achieve significant reductions in power consumption, and our smart building solutions help our customers reduce their energy use through low-voltage Power over Ethernet (PoE) smart switches that provide network-based monitoring and control of temperature, lighting, air quality, and other building characteristics,” said Asaad.
Connectivity is a fundamental human right
The conversation with Reem Asaad also highlighted Cisco’s role in addressing the trade-off between expanding connectivity and environmental impact. While acknowledging the critical role of the internet in today’s digital age, Cisco aims to make connectivity more sustainable and environmentally friendly. “We believe internet connectivity is a fundamental human right in today’s digital age. Connectivity is critical to promote a sustainable inclusive future, foster innovation, stimulate job creation and grow GDP; but much work is still be done at a far greater scale to connect the unconnected,” said Asaad.
Automation, edge cloud, chips, and AI play pivotal roles in improving energy performance in networking solutions, making them more efficient. Cisco Silicon One, for instance, contributes to significant power savings. Swisscom estimates it can achieve a 40 per cent power saving by converging down to Cisco infrastructure.
Cisco and COP28
Cisco has always played key roles in multiple United Nations Climate Change Conferences (COP). For instance, the company was the IT Services Provider of COP27. Cisco provided professional and technical services to design, implement and support the wireless network infrastructure at COP27 to enable highly secure connectivity for all attendees and the host nation. Cisco also partnered with COP26 to support a more inclusive and sustainable future.
Looking beyond COP28, Asaad emphasises that sustainability is now a top-of-mind business issue, with 63 per cent of technology professionals globally considering it a crucial business priority. Cisco focuses on investing in resilient ecosystems and enabling communities to adapt to climate realities. Through Global Impact Grants, Cisco collaborates with non-profit organisations like Mercy Corps in Kenya to combat the effects of climate change, showcasing the transformative power of technology in addressing global challenges.
