According to Cisco's Environmental Sustainability documents, the average carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions produced per person each year is around 7 tons. This figure encompasses all CO2 emissions resulting from individual activities and consumption patterns, including transportation, energy use, and other factors contributing to one's carbon footprint. Cisco's commitment to reducing carbon emissions involves both their corporate practices and encouraging individual responsibility to lower CO2 emissions globally.

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.

Cisco's Purpose Report has been described by several names, including CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility), Social Impact, and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance). These reports cover Cisco's initiatives and progress in sustainability, social responsibility, and governance, providing transparency and accountability in their efforts to create a positive impact on society and the environment https://blogs.cisco.com/csr/powering-an-inclusive-future-a-message-from-ceo-chuck-robbins

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

Circular Solutions impact the enterprise-wide Circular Economy program by shaping and pioneering technology solutions and services that enable circular economy value creation for customers. This includes developing innovative products and services that facilitate reuse, repair, and recycling, thereby reducing waste and enhancing resource efficiency. Cisco’s commitment to circular solutions is integral to its overall sustainability strategy and efforts to promote a circular economy​

https://blogs.cisco.com/csr/stepping-up-our-work-on-circularity

Cisco uses criteria such as facility size and lab area when determining sites for ISO 14001 certification. This approach ensures that their Environmental Management Systems (EMS) are implemented in locations with significant potential environmental impacts, allowing for effective management and continual improvement of their environmental performance. Cisco’s commitment to ISO 14001 certification is part of their broader environmental strategy to comply with international standards and improve sustainability practices across their operations

https://advisera.com/14001academy/blog/2016/10/31/iso-140012015-how-to-set-criteria-for-environmental-aspects-evaluation/

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.

Before 2021, Cisco's Purpose Report was known as the CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) Report. This report documented Cisco’s initiatives and achievements in various areas of corporate responsibility, including environmental sustainability, social impact, and governance. The renaming to Purpose Report reflects a broader and more integrated approach to these efforts, emphasizing Cisco's commitment to creating positive impacts through its business operations and sustainability programs.

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