RVBA-CSCONetworking Equipment

Cisco Systems — in detail

Full extracted data, every event in the company's history we've captured, and (soon) external news. The full ratios diagnostic with peer benchmarks lives at /ratios.

Reference sources (5/5)

Source documents
Recent disclosure
Multi-year metrics
Targets
Certifications

External news· 1 ESG-tagged · GDELT

tagged categories: climate · governance · controversy · M&A · regulatory

Source: GDELT 2.0 DOC API · ESG-keyword filtered · 3-month trailing window.

Data by year· every metric + key events per year

Each year shows the firm's reported metrics on the left and the most material events on the right. Up to 10 events per year; the full event log is one click further.

2025

sustainability report ↗cdp response ↗annual report ↗

Energy (kWh)

Renewable electricity %

100%

Nature

waste recycled t	3,469metric tonnes
waste generated t	5,250tonnes
waste recycled t	3,465tonnes
waste landfill t	788tonnes
waste generated t	5,256metric tonnes
waste landfill t	736metric tonnes

Social

community investment amount	650MUSD
supply chain audited pctⓘ	88%
community investment amount	650MUSD
supply chain audited pctⓘ	88%

Governance

board independence pct	90%
board diversity pct	30%
esg linked executive pay yn	0
audit assurance climate levelⓘ	1level
board independence pct	90%
esg linked executive pay yn	0binary
audit assurance climate levelⓘ	1level

Circularity

recycled content input pct	45%
recycled content input pct	45%
packaging recyclable pct	100%

P&L highlights (USD)

Headcount (FTE)	86,200people
Revenue	57B
Cost of revenue	(19.9B)
Gross profit	37.1B
Total operating expenses	(25B)

Balance sheet highlights (USD)

Property, plant & equipment	2.1B
Right-of-use (leased) assets	1.3B
Total assets	122.3B
Total debt	28.1B
Cash & equivalents	8.3B
Minority interest	162M

Market & shares

Market cap (FY-end)

247.5B

Events 2025· 49

Dependent: Customer and ecosystem enablement for grid modernization and energy access

Cisco leverages its networking and IoT products to help digitize, modernize, and secure electric grids and increase energy availability. Through the Cisco Foundation, $100 million over ten years was committed in 2021 for grant funding to nonprofits and impact investing in early-stage companies building innovative climate solutions. Cisco Investments also invests in early-stage companies that help Cisco and customers further their sustainability goals.

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Net-zero by 2040 across value chain

Cisco aims to reach net-zero GHG emissions across its value chain by 2040, reducing absolute Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions by 90% from FY19 base year, neutralizing remaining 10% via removals.

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Primary: Energy efficiency, building electrification, fleet EVs in direct operations

Direct operations (Scope 1 + 2) is <1% of Cisco's footprint but fully within Cisco's control. In FY25 Cisco implemented 78 energy efficiency projects avoiding ~11.5 GWh and ~27,200 tCO2e annually — using AI/analytics to optimize lab energy/airflow/cooling. Completed first building electrification projects in San Jose, CA and Galway, Ireland. Increased European leased-fleet EV share from 11% (FY19) to 66% (FY25). 45 facilities hold LEED or WELL certifications, 21% of the global portfolio.

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100% matched renewable electricity via on-site, PPAs, and EACs

In FY25, Cisco sourced renewable electricity to match 100% of global annual electricity needs at owned and leased facilities using a variety of methods: on-site renewables, long-term PPAs, virtual PPAs, and energy attribute certificates. In India, Cisco's Bangalore campus began receiving power from a new 92 MW solar and wind generation facility (~181,400 MWh/year). In Texas, Cisco served as anchor buyer for two aggregated virtual PPAs covering 172 MW of solar. Combined, these will produce >500,000 MWh of renewable energy per year. Cisco also piloted renewable fuels — biodiesel in Bangalore for ~10% of backup power needs and renewable natural gas at US/UK sites.

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Renewable energy procurement via PPAs and multiple sourcing methods

Cisco sources renewable energy through a variety of methods to drive towards its 2040 net-zero goal. In fiscal 2025, this included new long-term Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) in India and Texas. The company's environmental sustainability strategy, 'The Plan for Possible,' includes access to clean energy as a core pillar. Cisco also collaborates with customers, partners, and suppliers to increase access to clean energy more broadly.

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Dependent: Circular transformation to reduce embodied carbon and extend product life

Cisco is transitioning from a linear to a circular business model by applying circular design principles to products and packaging, extending product life cycles, and recovering and redeploying hardware. Cisco aims to enable customers and partners to adopt circularity through its portfolio of offerings. This approach reduces resource extraction and end-of-life waste across the value chain.

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100% renewable electricity matching via PPAs, on-site solar, and EACs

In FY25 Cisco achieved 100% renewable electricity matching at owned and leased facilities for the first time, using on-site renewables, contractual arrangements like power purchase agreements, and energy attribute certificates. New long-term PPAs include a 92 MW solar+wind facility serving the Bangalore campus (~181,400 MWh/year) and two aggregated virtual PPAs in Texas totaling 172 MW of solar with 100 MW going to two new projects coming online in 2027. Combined, these projects will produce more than 500,000 MWh/year. Cisco also piloted biodiesel in Bangalore backup generation and renewable natural gas in US and UK sites.

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Achieved FY25 Scope 1 & 2 90% reduction goal

Cisco achieved 90% reduction (89.7%) in absolute Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions vs FY19 base year, meeting its near-term target on the path to net-zero by 2040.

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Fiscal 2025 restructuring plan — 7% workforce reduction announced

In Q1 FY2025, Cisco announced a restructuring plan expected to impact approximately 7% of global workforce with estimated pre-tax charges up to $1 billion, to be substantially completed by end of FY2025.

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Dependent: Supply chain decarbonisation via supplier collaboration and RBA standards

Cisco is committed to respecting human rights and environmental standards throughout its supply chain. As a founding member of the Responsible Business Alliance (RBA), Cisco has adopted the RBA Code of Conduct as its Supplier Code of Conduct and evaluates supplier conformance through self-assessments, third-party audits, and collaborative solutions. The company also collaborates with suppliers to increase access to clean energy at their sites, which is a key assumption underpinning the 2040 net-zero goal.

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2024

cdp response ↗annual report ↗sustainability report ↗

Climate · carbon footprint (tCO2e)

Scope 1	32,562
Scope 2 (market-based)	28,418
Scope 3	17.1M
Cat 1 · Purchased goods	4.1M
Cat 2 · Capital goods	135,438
Cat 3 · Fuel + energy	76,353
Cat 4 · Upstream transport	643,904
Cat 5 · Waste in operations	400
Cat 6 · Business travel	219,934
Cat 7 · Employee commuting	78,362
Cat 8 · Upstream leased	0
Cat 9 · Downstream transport	3,443
Cat 10 · Processing of sold	0
Cat 11 · Use of sold products	11.9M
Cat 12 · End-of-life	4,261
Cat 13 · Downstream leased	0
Cat 14 · Franchises	0
Cat 15 · Investments	0
Gross carbon footprint	17.2M
Net carbon footprint	17.2M

Energy (kWh)

Electricity	1.4B
Fuel (stationary + mobile)	124.5M
Heat / steam	471,000
Total energy	1.6B
Renewable energy	(1.4B)
Non-renewable / hydrocarbon	178.9M
Renewable electricity %	96%

Nature

water withdrawal m3	2,690m3
waste generated t	2,878metric tonnes
waste recycled t	1,353metric tonnes
waste landfill t	691metric tonnes

Social

supply chain audited pctⓘ	90%
community investment amount	20MUSD

Governance

esg linked executive pay yn	1
board diversity pct	40%
board independence pct	75%
audit assurance climate levelⓘ	1level
board independence pct	90%
board diversity pct	40%
esg linked executive pay yn	1

Circularity

recycled content input pct	41%
packaging recyclable pct	96%

P&L highlights (USD)

Headcount (FTE)	90,400people
Revenue	53.8B
Cost of revenue	(19B)
Gross profit	34.8B
Total operating expenses	(22.6B)

Balance sheet highlights (USD)

Property, plant & equipment	2.1B
Right-of-use (leased) assets	1.1B
Total assets	124.4B
Total debt	31B
Cash & equivalents	7.5B
Minority interest	99M

Market & shares

Market cap (FY-end)

211.1B

Events 2024· 60

Carbon removal to neutralise residual emissions under 2040 net-zero plan

Cisco's net-zero goal involves reducing absolute Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions by at least 90% compared to FY19 and then neutralising any remaining emissions by removing an equal amount from the atmosphere. The same approach applies to the FY25 near-term Scope 1&2 target: Cisco intends to neutralise any remaining emissions by removing an equal amount from the atmosphere. Specific removal mechanisms are not detailed in this report.

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Annual limited assurance (ISAE3000) on Scope 1, 2, 3 and water/waste data by ERM

Cisco obtained third-party limited assurance under ISAE3000 from ERM on 100% of Scope 1, Scope 2 (both market- and location-based), all disclosed Scope 3 categories, total water withdrawals, and waste data. Annual process, completed August 2024.

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FY24 Cat 1 reduced to 4,054,081 tCO2e from FY19 base of 6,873,154 tCO2e

Cisco calculates Cat 1 via hybrid method: financial share of suppliers' CDP-reported Scope 1+2 (Tier 1&2, 11% data from suppliers) plus EEIO for Tier 3+ and indirect procurement. No explicit methodology change stated but Cat 1 value reflects supplier GHG performance improvements.

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Category 11 use-of-sold emissions down to 11.9 Mt from 17.9 Mt FY19 baseline

Cat 11 (use of sold products) calculated using product energy consumption x units sold x 5-year assumed lifetime. Reduction reflects energy efficiency improvements in sold products. Cisco expects year-over-year fluctuation based on product mix and volume.

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ISO 14064-1 and GHG Protocol standards used for FY24 GHG inventory

Cisco uses ISO 14064-1, GHG Protocol Corporate Accounting Standard, Scope 2 Guidance, and Corporate Value Chain (Scope 3) Standard for emissions calculation methodology.

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Scope 1+2 (market) combined 60,980 tCO2e in FY24 - 74% below FY19 baseline

Combined Scope 1 + market-based Scope 2 = 60,980 tCO2e in FY24, down from 233,032 tCO2e in FY19 base year. 82% of the FY25 target achieved. Primary driver is renewable electricity procurement (60,073 tCO2e reduction attributed to renewable energy change alone).

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Planned permanent carbon removals to neutralize residual Scope 1+2 emissions by FY2025

Cisco's net-zero strategy explicitly states intent to neutralize any remaining Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions after the 90% reduction by permanently removing an equal amount from the atmosphere through credible GHG emissions removal projects. The company states it will invest in innovative carbon removal solutions as part of its transition plan. Cisco does not currently purchase or cancel carbon credits for neutralization; it plans durable removal approaches. No project-based carbon credits were retired in FY24. Residual emissions after the 90% cut are expected to be small relative to base year.

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Primary: Facility energy efficiency via EnergyOps program

The Global Energy Management and Sustainability (GEMS) team manages a multi-year EnergyOps program implementing energy efficiency and renewable energy projects across Cisco's real estate portfolio. In FY24, Cisco invested US$7.8 million to implement 27 energy efficiency projects, avoiding approximately 1.3 GWh of energy consumption and 850 tCO2e. Projects include LED upgrades, HVAC optimization, hot/cold aisle containment in labs, electrification of heating systems with heat-recovery chillers, AI-based energy analytics, and emergency demand response participation. The program has a 4.3-year average simple payback threshold, with a marginal abatement cost curve used to evaluate projects.

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Primary: Business travel reduction supporting Scope 3 Cat 6 trajectory

Cisco's business travel emissions were 219,934 tCO2e in FY24, down from 389,528 tCO2e in the FY2019 base year. The company uses a combination of fuel-based, distance-based, and spend-based methodologies covering air, rail, ground transport, and hotel stays. Cisco embraces hybrid work as part of its net-zero strategy, reducing the need for in-person travel. Webex collaboration platform enables hybrid workflows and reduced commuting, with estimated 0.27 tCO2e per employee-year in avoided commuting emissions. Business travel is included in the long-term net-zero Abs3 target.

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Dependent: Supply chain GHG engagement: require suppliers to set absolute reduction targets

Cisco requires all suppliers with >$1M annual spend to report Scope 1+2 emissions through CDP, obtain third-party verification, and set public absolute GHG reduction targets. In FY24, 90% of component, manufacturing, and logistics suppliers by spend had a public absolute GHG reduction goal, exceeding Cisco's 80% target for FY25. Cisco co-hosted a 2024 Hanoi seminar with 70 supply-chain partners on renewable energy and water stewardship. Over FY23-24, Cisco guided suppliers through energy audits, lighting and VFD upgrades, and solar roll-outs, cutting an estimated 695 tCO2e per quarter. Cisco prefers suppliers align to a 1.5°C science-based methodology. Supplier GHG performance drives reduction in Cat 1 purchased goods emissions.

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2023

cdp response ↗sustainability report ↗

Climate · carbon footprint (tCO2e)

Scope 1	39,514
Scope 2 (market-based)	81,806
Scope 3	22.1M
Cat 1 · Purchased goods	5M
Cat 2 · Capital goods	130,218
Cat 3 · Fuel + energy	108,760
Cat 4 · Upstream transport	1M
Cat 5 · Waste in operations	583
Cat 6 · Business travel	216,735
Cat 7 · Employee commuting	14,586
Cat 8 · Upstream leased	0
Cat 9 · Downstream transport	91,409
Cat 10 · Processing of sold	0
Cat 11 · Use of sold products	15.6M
Cat 12 · End-of-life	9,124
Cat 13 · Downstream leased	0
Cat 14 · Franchises	0
Cat 15 · Investments	0
Gross carbon footprint	22.2M
Net carbon footprint	22.2M

Energy (kWh)

Electricity	1.5B
Fuel (stationary + mobile)	157.4M
Heat / steam	780,000
Total energy	1.6B
Renewable energy	(1.3B)
Non-renewable / hydrocarbon	283M
Renewable electricity %	92%

Nature

water withdrawal m3	2,464m3
waste landfill t	577metric tonnes
waste generated t	2,621metric tonnes
waste recycled t	1,179metric tonnes

Social

community investment amount

461MUSD

Governance

esg linked executive pay yn	1
esg linked executive pay yn	1

Circularity

recycled content input pct

24%

P&L highlights (USD)

Headcount (FTE)	84,900people
Revenue	57B
Cost of revenue	(21.2B)
Gross profit	35.8B
Total operating expenses	(20.7B)

Balance sheet highlights (USD)

Property, plant & equipment	2.1B
Right-of-use (leased) assets	971M
Total assets	101.9B
Total debt	8.4B
Cash & equivalents	10.1B

Events 2023· 43

Updated Scope 3 Category 11 (Use of sold products) methodology

Cisco updated its methodology in fiscal 2023 for calculating Scope 3 Category 11: Use of sold products to further align with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol. Due to increased product sales, there was an increase in GHG emissions in fiscal 2023, thus progress decreased from fiscal 2022.

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Plan for Possible environmental strategy launched

Cisco revealed The Plan for Possible, its next-generation environmental sustainability strategy with three priorities: transition to clean energy, evolve to regenerative circular model, invest in resilient ecosystems.

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Joined Eco-Skies Alliance for sustainable aviation fuel

In January 2023, Cisco joined the Eco-Skies Alliance with United Airlines to invest in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), sending a demand signal to support SAF production.

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RE100 member pursuing 100% renewable electricity via PPAs, VPPAs, EACs, and on-site solar globally

Cisco is a member of RE100 and committed to 100% renewable electricity. In FY2023, Cisco purchased and generated 1,333,117 MWh of renewable electricity globally, covering ~91% of purchased electricity. Key instruments include virtual PPAs (solar in Blythe, CA and wind in Mesquite, TX via US-RECs/Green-e), physical PPAs (solar in Karnataka, India and Duke Green Rider NC program), retail green electricity contracts (UK with REGOs, Belgium with GOs, India bundled), and unbundled RECs/EACs in US, Canada (Wind LGCs), Mexico (I-RECs), Israel, Singapore (TIGRs), Australia (LGCs). Cisco plans to execute over 500 MW of new long-term renewable energy contracts by end of FY2025, and install approximately 5 MW of new onsite solar across campuses. India operates 1,081 kW of onsite solar across eight buildings.

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Primary: Facility energy efficiency via EnergyOps program (HVAC, lighting, electrification)

Cisco's Global Energy Management and Sustainability (GEMS) team manages a multi-year global EnergyOps program implementing energy efficiency and renewable energy projects across Cisco's real estate portfolio. In FY2023, 27 projects were implemented (3 completed, 24 in progress), avoiding approximately 4.9 GWh of energy and over 2,100 tCO2e, with a US$4.1 million investment. Projects include LED lighting upgrades, HVAC optimization, hot/cold aisle containment in labs, AI-based energy monitoring, emergency demand response programs in Texas and California, and employee engagement campaigns. Cisco also plans to convert natural gas heating systems to electric over FY2023-FY2025 as part of its electrification strategy.

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High-quality carbon removal offsets for residual ≤10% emissions

Cisco's approach to reaching net zero is anchored in reducing emissions across the value chain. The goal is to reduce all scopes of emissions by at least 90 percent by 2040 and use high-quality carbon removal offsets to neutralize no more than 10 percent of residual emissions. Cisco Foundation has committed US$100M to climate solutions including coastal carbon capture (Vesta) and agroforestry/regenerative agriculture (PlantVillage).

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Primary: Circular product design and Cisco Green Pay circularity-as-a-service

Cisco embeds 25 Circular Design Principles across material use, modularization, packaging, smart energy consumption, and disassembly/repair/reuse. 27% of new products meet circular design criteria (FY25 goal: 100%). Cisco Green Pay launched FY22 — an IT payment solution providing path to acquire Cisco products with sustainability; Cisco reuses/remanufactures/recycles loaned equipment at contract end. Cisco Refresh sells remanufactured products with like-new warranties.

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91% renewable electricity; joined RE100; targeting more PPAs

In fiscal 2023, approximately 91 percent of Cisco's global electricity came from renewable energy sources, including 100 percent in the United States, Canada, and various other countries. India reached 81 percent renewable. Cisco joined the RE100 initiative committing to 100% renewable electricity, and is a founding member of the Asia Clean Energy Coalition. Cisco plans to invest approximately US$39 million in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and electrification projects between FY23 and FY25. Engages via Clean Energy Buyers Alliance (CEBA) and EPA Green Power Partnership.

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25M learners through Networking Academy by FY32

New goal as of FY23 to provide digital and cybersecurity skills training to 25 million learners over the next 10 years through Cisco Networking Academy.

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50% recycled plastic content by FY25

Set a goal that by FY25, 50% of the plastic used in our products (by weight) will be made of recycled content. New goal as of FY23.

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2022

sustainability report ↗cdp response ↗

Climate · carbon footprint (tCO2e)

Scope 1	34,931
Scope 2 (market-based)	108,373
Scope 3	17.6M
Cat 1 · Purchased goods	4.8M
Cat 2 · Capital goods	0
Cat 3 · Fuel + energy	92,562
Cat 4 · Upstream transport	835,024
Cat 5 · Waste in operations	569
Cat 6 · Business travel	81,815
Cat 7 · Employee commuting	7,249
Cat 8 · Upstream leased	0
Cat 9 · Downstream transport	79,164
Cat 10 · Processing of sold	0
Cat 11 · Use of sold products	12M
Cat 12 · End-of-life	6,552
Cat 13 · Downstream leased	0
Cat 14 · Franchises	0
Cat 15 · Investments	0
Gross carbon footprint	17.7M
Net carbon footprint	17.7M

Energy (kWh)

Electricity	1.5B
Fuel (stationary + mobile)	139.8M
Total energy	1.6B
Renewable energy	(1.3B)
Non-renewable / hydrocarbon	308.3M
Renewable electricity %	89%

Nature

waste landfill t	612tonnes
water withdrawal m3	2.4Mm3
waste recycled t	1,101tonnes
waste generated t	2,447tonnes

Social

community investment amount	494MUSD
supply chain audited pctⓘ	78%

P&L highlights (USD)

Headcount (FTE)	83,300people
Revenue	51.6B
Cost of revenue	(19.3B)
Gross profit	32.3B
Total operating expenses	(18.3B)

Events 2022· 52

First Chief Sustainability Officer appointed

Mary de Wysocki appointed as Cisco's first Chief Sustainability Officer.

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Near-term Scope 1+2 90% reduction by FY25

Reduce absolute Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions 90% by FY25 (FY19 base year). 39% reduction achieved through FY22.

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SBTi-validated net zero by 2040 goal

Cisco's net zero by 2040 goal achieved validation from the SBTi under its new Net-Zero Standard, requiring 90% absolute reduction of Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions by 2040 (FY19 base year). Cisco among first technology hardware companies validated under SBTi Net-Zero Standard.

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Scope 3 30% reduction by FY30

Reduce absolute Scope 3 emissions from purchased goods and services, upstream transportation and distribution, and use of sold products by 30% by FY30 (FY19 base year). Expands previous supply chain-only goal to include use of sold products. 22% reduction achieved through FY22.

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Engineering Sustainability Office created

In FY22 Cisco created a new Engineering Sustainability Office to accelerate decarbonization across the value chain and design sustainable products.

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Removals via Cisco Foundation nature-based investments

Cisco Foundation committed US$100M over 10 years to fund climate solutions; at end of FY22 ~US$11M committed to early-stage decarbonization technology and nature-based solutions. Grantees include Seacology's Dominican Republic Mangrove Initiative for carbon sequestration and coastal protection. Net-zero goal requires neutralizing remaining emissions by removing an equal amount from the atmosphere.

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Dependent: Upstream transport shift from air to ocean

Upstream transportation and distribution accounts for 4% of Cisco's Scope 3 emissions. Over recent years Cisco has focused on shifting transport from air to ocean shipping where possible to reduce emissions intensity.

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Dependent: Supplier engagement on emissions and renewables

Purchased goods/services represents 23% of footprint. By FY25 target 80% of component, manufacturing and logistics suppliers by spend to have public absolute GHG reduction targets — 78% achieved in FY22. Began engaging Asia-Pacific suppliers on renewable energy in FY22. Founding member of Asia Clean Energy Coalition. Suppliers required to report progress to CDP annually.

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SBTi-validated net-zero target for 2040 approved

In 2022, Cisco's net-zero goal to achieve net-zero GHG emissions across all scopes of its value chain by 2040 was approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) Net-Zero Standard. The goal prioritizes reductions across all scopes of emissions.

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Permanent carbon removals to neutralize residual Scope 1 and 2 emissions at FY2025 and net-zero at FY2040

Cisco's net-zero strategy explicitly incorporates permanent carbon removal to neutralize any remaining Scope 1 and 2 emissions that cannot be abated by FY2025, with remaining value-chain emissions neutralized by FY2040. The company states it will 'neutralize any remaining Scope 1 and 2 emissions by permanently removing an equal amount from the atmosphere through credible GHG emissions removal projects.' The strategy also references 'investing in innovative carbon removal solutions' as one of the key levers. No specific removal volume or technology (e.g. DAC, BECCS) has been contracted yet in this reporting period.

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2021

cdp response ↗sustainability report ↗

Climate · carbon footprint (tCO2e)

Scope 1	26,694
Scope 2 (market-based)	147,801
Scope 3	20.4M
Cat 1 · Purchased goods	5.4M
Cat 2 · Capital goods	0
Cat 3 · Fuel + energy	105,740
Cat 4 · Upstream transport	756,169
Cat 5 · Waste in operations	509
Cat 6 · Business travel	7,283
Cat 7 · Employee commuting	4,575
Cat 8 · Upstream leased	0
Cat 9 · Downstream transport	102,983
Cat 10 · Processing of sold	0
Cat 11 · Use of sold products	14M
Cat 12 · End-of-life	9,339
Cat 13 · Downstream leased	0
Cat 14 · Franchises	0
Cat 15 · Investments	0
Gross carbon footprint	20.6M
Net carbon footprint	20.6M

Energy (kWh)

Renewable energy	(1.3B)
Renewable electricity %	85%

Nature

water withdrawal m3	2.9Mm3
waste recycled t	78% diverted

Social

workforce female pct	28%
workforce management female pct	26%
community investment amount	477MUSD
workforce board female pct	36%

Governance

board diversity pct

18%

P&L highlights (USD)

Headcount (FTE)	78,600people
Revenue	50B

Events 2021· 28

SBTi-validated near-term Scope 1&2 target: 90% reduction by FY2025

Cisco set a near-term SBTi-approved target (Abs1) to reduce absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions 90% by FY2025 vs FY2019 base year, in line with 1.5°C. Approved by SBTi July 2022. As of FY23 end, 48% reduction achieved; 53.68% of target achieved.

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Cisco Foundation $100M climate solutions commitment

The Cisco Foundation announced a 10-year, US$100 million commitment to fund nonprofit grants and impact investing in climate solutions, focused on decarbonization and community engagement.

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SBTi near-term Scope 1&2 target: 90% reduction by FY2025

Cisco set a near-term SBTi-validated target to reduce absolute Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 90% by FY2025 vs FY2019 base year. Target submitted to SBTi April 2022, approved July 2022. As of FY24, 74% absolute reduction achieved vs 82% of target achieved relative to base year.

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Dependent: Supply chain decarbonisation (Scope 3 purchased goods)

Purchased goods and services (incl. capital goods) = 25% of total emissions. Cisco requires manufacturing and component suppliers to disclose corporate-wide GHG emissions annually via CDP supply chain. Goal: 80% of component, manufacturing and logistics suppliers by spend to have public absolute GHG reduction targets by FY25 (on track at 38%). Goal: reduce supply chain Scope 3 by 30% absolute by FY30 (on track at 27%, FY19 base year). Co-hosted CDP training for China suppliers; contributed to RBA Code accountability mechanisms for supplier GHG targets.

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SBTi-approved near-term Scope 1+2 target: 90% reduction by FY2025

Cisco set a near-term science-based target (Abs 1) to reduce absolute Scope 1 and Scope 2 (market-based) emissions 90% by FY2025 vs FY2019 base year. Target was submitted to SBTi April 2022 and approved July 2022. As of FY2023, 48% absolute reduction achieved vs FY2019 baseline.

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SBTi-approved near-term Scope 3 target: 30% reduction by FY2030 vs FY2019 (Cats 1, 4, 11)

Target Abs2: 30% absolute reduction in Scope 3 emissions from purchased goods and services (Cat 1), upstream transportation (Cat 4), and use of sold products (Cat 11) by FY2030 vs FY2019 base year (base 25,723,708 tCO2e). SBTi-approved. These categories cover ~76% of Cisco's Scope 3 emissions.

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Investing in carbon removal solutions via Cisco Foundation

The Cisco Foundation has committed US$100 million over 10 years to invest in climate solutions including carbon removal. Cisco will apply an innovation lens to promising removal solutions through the Cisco Global Problem Solver Challenge (which offered a $50,000 Greenhouse Gas Solutions Prize in 2021). Removals are framed as one of five pillars supporting the 2040 net zero goal alongside efficiency, renewables, hybrid work and circularity.

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Refined Scope 3 calculation methodology

Cisco refined methodology for calculating several Scope 3 categories; distribution across categories changed compared to fiscal 2020. Expects continued changes as processes improve.

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32 LEED-certified facilities

By end of fiscal 2021, 32 Cisco facilities were certified by LEED, CASBEE, BREEAM, or comparable green building certification (3.7M sq ft, ~20% of portfolio), with 7 more in progress.

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Primary: Operational energy efficiency in real estate portfolio

Scope 1+2 = 1% of footprint but committed to net zero by 2025. Invested US$45M between FY18-FY22 in hundreds of efficiency projects (improved lab airflow, LED lighting, mechanical equipment optimization). Over 5 years: 360 projects, 118 GWh energy avoided, 52,250 tCO2e avoided. 32 LEED/CASBEE/BREEAM certified facilities (3.7M sq ft, ~20% of portfolio). Met FY22 Scope 1+2 60% reduction goal (FY07 base year) one year early.

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2020

sustainability report ↗

Climate · carbon footprint (tCO2e)

Scope 1	38,743
Scope 2 (market-based)	163,645
Cat 1 · Purchased goods	5.8M
Cat 2 · Capital goods	0
Cat 3 · Fuel + energy	110,917
Cat 4 · Upstream transport	846,694
Cat 5 · Waste in operations	1,114
Cat 6 · Business travel	182,638
Cat 7 · Employee commuting	49,463
Cat 8 · Upstream leased	0
Cat 9 · Downstream transport	103,854
Cat 10 · Processing of sold	0
Cat 11 · Use of sold products	14.4M
Cat 12 · End-of-life	8,470
Cat 13 · Downstream leased	0
Cat 14 · Franchises	0
Cat 15 · Investments	0
Gross carbon footprint	—
Net carbon footprint	—
Avoided emissions (Scope 4)	8,600

Energy (kWh)

Renewable electricity %

83%

Nature

water consumption m3	358,000m3
waste generated t	5,863tonnes
waste recycled t	4,714tonnes
waste landfill t	1,149tonnes
water withdrawal m3	3Mm3

Social

ethnicity minority pct	48%
community investment amount	458MUSD
workforce board female pct	30%
workforce management female pct	24%
workforce female pct	27%

Governance

board diversity pct

20%

P&L highlights (USD)

Headcount (FTE)	77,000people
Revenue	49.3B

Events 2020· 18

Supplier GHG reduction target program

80% of Cisco component, manufacturing, and logistics suppliers by spend will have a public, absolute GHG emissions reduction target by FY25

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Social Justice Beliefs and 12 Actions launched

In summer 2020, Cisco established Social Justice Beliefs and launched 12 Actions including $150M HBCU commitment, $50M Aspire Fund for diverse-led startups, supplier diversity doubling target.

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Dependent: Customer-enabled emissions via remote collaboration (Webex)

Webex collaboration technology enables avoided business travel emissions. National Trust estimated single virtual meeting saved 1000 miles. Sweden could reduce 550,000 tonnes CO2 with 30% virtual meetings. Hosted 14 billion meeting minutes in March 2020, 26 billion in October 2020 vs 7 billion in October 2019.

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Primary: Product energy efficiency (use phase)

Product use is the largest contributor to Cisco's GHG footprint per LCA. New Cisco 8201 router (Silicon One) uses 415W vs 11 MWh predecessor NCS 6008, 26x less power, with 35% more bandwidth. Goal to improve large rack-mounted system power efficiency from 77% to 87% by FY22. Innovations include ASIC node size reduction, intelligent power management, high-bandwidth memory, and 80 Plus Platinum/Titanium power supplies.

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Dependent: Product takeback, refurbishment, reuse via Cisco Refresh

Cisco joined PACE Capital Equipment Coalition in 2018 pledging 100% product return upon request. In FY20, 15.29% of returns refurbished/resold/reused (+2.15pp YoY), 84.55% recycled. Over 120M components reintroduced to market via harvesting. Cisco Refresh remanufactured equipment sold in 80+ countries.

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Dependent: Supply chain emissions engagement via CDP

Cisco engages component, manufacturing, and logistics suppliers via CDP Supply Chain Program for >10 years. Goal: 80% suppliers by spend with public absolute GHG targets by FY25 (33% in FY20, +10 points YoY). Goal: 30% absolute reduction in supply-chain Scope 3 by FY30 (FY19 baseline).

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Renewable energy procurement hierarchy: on-site, PPAs, RECs

Cisco applies a hierarchy that favors purchases with greatest impact: first on-site projects, then off-site PPAs or green power utility programs, then RECs. In FY20 signed first long-term wind PPA (10 MW Mesquite Star wind farm, Texas) and 8 short-term renewable deals in India bringing India to 60% renewable. Achieved 83% global renewable electricity in FY20, 100% in U.S. and parts of Europe. Goal: 85% by FY22.

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1 billion people positive impact goal

Positively impact 1 billion people through social impact grants and signature programs by 2025. As of FY20, 527 million people impacted.

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Circular Design Principles for new products

100% of new Cisco products and packaging to incorporate Circular Design Principles by FY25

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US$300M five-year Social Justice commitment

In 2020, Cisco created Social Justice Beliefs and Actions—a five-year, US$300 million commitment to address inequities and drive generational change, including 12 Social Justice Actions covering representation, pay parity, HBCU support, supplier diversity, etc.

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