Which enterprise-wide program at Cisco includes Circular Design, Circular Solutions, and Ecosystem
Leadership?
C
Explanation:
Cisco’s enterprise-wide program that includes Circular Design, Circular Solutions, and Ecosystem
Leadership is known as the Circular Economy program. This initiative aims to promote sustainable
practices by designing products for longevity, reducing waste through reuse and recycling, and
collaborating with partners to create a sustainable ecosystem. The program is a core part of Cisco's
environmental sustainability strategy, as outlined in their Environmental Sustainability Specialization
(ESS) Program and related documents(
Cisco Blogs
).
https://blogs.cisco.com/tag/environmental-
sustainability-specialization
How is Cisco proving its commitment to recycling?
A
Explanation:
Cisco’s commitment to recycling is demonstrated through its adoption of the circular economy
model. This approach goes beyond traditional recycling by emphasizing the reuse, refurbishment,
and recycling of products and materials. Cisco’s initiatives such as the Takeback and Reuse program,
and the Refresh program, exemplify this commitment. These efforts are part of Cisco’s broader
strategy to minimize waste and promote sustainability, as detailed in Cisco's sustainability reports
and the Cisco Environmental Sustainability resources.
Which two gases are considered greenhouse gases? (Choose two.)
B, D
Explanation:
Fluorinated gases and methane are two significant greenhouse gases (GHGs). Methane is a potent
GHG that contributes to global warming and is a focus of many environmental sustainability efforts,
including Cisco’s GHG emission reduction initiatives. Fluorinated gases, although present in smaller
quantities, have a high global warming potential and are also targeted in sustainability strategies.
Cisco’s commitment to reducing GHG emissions is a key part of their environmental goals, as
outlined in their Net Zero Emissions strategy.
What are three reasons companies are moving to a circular economy? (Choose three.)
B, C, D
Explanation:
Companies are moving to a circular economy for several key reasons:
Increase Revenue: By adopting circular economy principles, companies can create new revenue
streams through innovative product offerings and services. This model encourages the sale of
refurbished or remanufactured products, which can attract cost-conscious customers and open new
market segments.
Cut Costs: Circular economy practices often lead to significant cost savings by reducing waste and
improving resource efficiency. By designing products that are easier to repair, reuse, and recycle,
companies can lower production costs and minimize waste disposal expenses.
Differentiate Themselves to Customers: Companies that embrace circular economy principles can
enhance their brand reputation and differentiate themselves in the marketplace. Consumers are
increasingly looking for sustainable products and are more likely to support companies that
demonstrate a commitment to environmental responsibility.
These reasons are supported by Cisco’s sustainability initiatives which focus on promoting a circular
economy, enhancing resource efficiency, and reducing waste through various programs such as the
Refresh and Takeback and Reuse programs. More details can be found on Cisco’s sustainability
webpage and their corporate social responsibility reports.
In 2020, which percentage of Cisco's manufacturing partners in mainland China set up programs to
manage the suppliers' environmental performance using the IPE Blue Map?
D
Explanation:
In 2020, 100% of Cisco's manufacturing partners in mainland China set up programs to manage their
suppliers' environmental performance using the IPE Blue Map. This initiative was part of Cisco’s
broader effort to improve supply chain sustainability and transparency. The IPE Blue Map helps
identify and remediate environmental violations, ensuring that suppliers adhere to stringent
environmental standards. Cisco's commitment to environmental stewardship and responsible supply
chain management is detailed in their corporate social responsibility (CSR) reports and
environmental sustainability documents.
Which percentage of plastic packaging used globally is recycled?
A
Explanation:
Globally, only 14% of plastic packaging is recycled. This low recycling rate highlights the significant
challenges in managing plastic waste and underscores the importance of adopting circular economy
practices. Cisco is actively working to address these challenges through initiatives aimed at reducing
packaging waste and increasing the use of recyclable materials. This information is consistent with
global environmental reports and Cisco's own sustainability efforts aimed at improving resource
efficiency and reducing waste.
What is an internationally accepted standard for Environmental Management Systems?
D
Explanation:
The internationally accepted standard for Environmental Management Systems (EMS) is the ISO
14001 certification. This standard helps organizations improve their environmental performance
through more efficient use of resources and reduction of waste, gaining a competitive advantage and
the trust of stakeholders. ISO 14001 provides a framework for organizations to protect the
environment and respond to changing environmental conditions in balance with socio-economic
needs. Cisco, like many other leading organizations, adheres to this standard to ensure its
environmental management practices are effective and continuously improving. More information
can be found in Cisco’s sustainability and environmental documentation on their ESG Reporting Hub.
Which percent of Cisco component and manufacturing suppliers will achieve a zero-waste diversion
rate at one or more sites by 2025?
C
Explanation:
Cisco has set a goal for 70% of its component and manufacturing suppliers to achieve a zero-waste
diversion rate at one or more sites by 2025. This initiative is part of Cisco’s broader effort to promote
sustainability and reduce waste across its supply chain. Achieving a zero-waste diversion rate means
that virtually all waste materials are reused, recycled, or composted, and nothing is sent to landfills
or incineration without energy recovery. This target is part of Cisco's ongoing commitment to
environmental sustainability, as detailed in their corporate social responsibility reports and
environmental sustainability strategies
https://blogs.cisco.com/csr/environmental-impact-in-ciscos-
supply-chain
Why are many municipal recycling programs not accepting foams?
A
Explanation:
Many municipal recycling programs do not accept foams because they are difficult to recycle. Foam
products, such as polystyrene (commonly known as Styrofoam), are lightweight and bulky, making
them challenging to handle and process in recycling facilities. The recycling process for foams is also
not cost-effective due to the low density and high contamination risk, leading many programs to
exclude them from acceptable materials. Instead, these foams often end up in landfills, contributing
to environmental pollution. Cisco’s sustainability initiatives address such challenges by focusing on
the reduction and reuse of materials to minimize waste
https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/CISCO-SYSTEMS-INC-4862/news/Cisco-
Environmental-impact-in-Cisco-s-supply-chain-32945811/
How much recyclable waste is recycled every year?
A
Explanation:
Globally, about 25% of recyclable waste is actually recycled each year. This relatively low rate
highlights significant challenges in waste management systems and underscores the need for
improved recycling infrastructure and policies. Various factors contribute to this issue, including
contamination of recyclable materials, insufficient recycling facilities, and lack of public awareness
about proper recycling practices. The statistics on global recycling rates and related issues can be
found in reports from the EPA and OECD
https://www.epa.gov/facts-and-figures-about-materials-
waste-and-recycling/national-overview-facts-and-figures-materials
https://www.oecd.org/en/about/news/press-releases/2022/02/plastic-pollution-is-growing-relentlessly-as-waste-management-and-recycling-fall-short.html
Where did Cisco rank in the Gartner Supply Chain top 25 for 2021?
A
Explanation:
In a uniquely challenging year, Cisco set new standards in innovation — and for its core purpose of
powering an inclusive future for all.
This was especially true across the company’s vast global supply chain, where a staggering number of
components, semi-finished goods, and finished products are moved and assembled with great
efficiency, equity, and respect for the environment.
All of this factored in Gartner’s decision to name Cisco No. 1 in its Supply Chain Top 25 — for the
second year in a row.
https://newsroom.cisco.com/c/r/newsroom/en/us/a/y2021/m05/q-a-with-john-kern-svp-for-supply-chain-operations.html
By which year does Cisco plan a 30% absolute reduction in Cisco supply chain-related Scope 3 GHG
emissions?
B
Explanation:
Cisco has set a goal to achieve a 30% absolute reduction in supply chain-related Scope 3 GHG
emissions by 2030. This ambitious target is part of Cisco’s broader environmental sustainability
strategy, which aims to reduce its overall carbon footprint and enhance sustainability across its
supply chain. Cisco collaborates with suppliers to report and reduce GHG emissions, aligning with
science-based targets to ensure meaningful impact. Detailed information on this goal can be found in
Cisco’s environmental sustainability reports(
Cisco Blogs
)(
MarketScreener
).
https://blogs.cisco.com/csr/environmental-impact-in-ciscos-supply-chain
How many tons of plastic end up in the ocean every year?
B
Explanation:
Every year, approximately 14 million tons of plastic end up in the ocean. This significant amount of
plastic pollution poses a severe threat to marine ecosystems and biodiversity. Efforts to reduce
plastic waste and improve waste management practices are crucial in mitigating this environmental
issue. The data on plastic pollution and its impact on oceans are highlighted by organizations such as
the OECD and various environmental research reports(
OECD
)(
RubyHome
).
https://www.oecd.org/en/about/news/press-releases/2022/02/plastic-pollution-is-growing-relentlessly-as-waste-management-and-recycling-fall-short.html
What has helped Cisco drive down Scope 3 emissions over the last 15 years?
B
Explanation:
Cisco has driven down Scope 3 emissions over the last 15 years primarily through its use of the
circular economy. By focusing on the principles of reuse, refurbishment, and recycling, Cisco has
significantly reduced the environmental impact of its products and operations. This approach has led
to lower emissions throughout the product lifecycle, including manufacturing, usage, and end-of-life
stages. Cisco's circular economy strategy is a key component of its sustainability initiatives, as
highlighted in their environmental reports and sustainability strategies
https://blogs.cisco.com/csr/net-zero-methodology-yes-it-is-complicated-but-worth-doing-
thoroughly
Which percentage of customers are willing to pay more for products manufactured sustainably?
C
Explanation:
66% of customers are willing to pay more for products that are manufactured sustainably. This
reflects a growing consumer awareness and demand for environmentally responsible products.
Companies like Cisco leverage this trend by emphasizing their sustainability practices and
incorporating them into their product development and marketing strategies. This data is supported
by various consumer surveys and market research studies on sustainability preferences(
Cisco Blogs
)
(
Impakter
).
https://blogs.cisco.com/csr/net-zero-methodology-yes-it-is-complicated-but-worth-
doing-thoroughly