Energy, Circularity & Responsible AI: Cisco’s Purpose Report

Global technology company Cisco has approximately 90,400 employees, with a presence in more than 90 countries and more than 275 offices.

By combining networking, security, observability and collaboration, Cisco aims to provide critical infrastructure to help organisations thrive in the age of AI.

Throughout its operations, the company embeds sustainability practices to promote decarbonisation and energy efficiency in its supply chain.

Cisco has released its FY25 Purpose Report, which highlights how sustainability is prioritised through its business to benefit its customers, communities and the environment.

Cisco’s sustainability commitments

Cisco’s primary sustainability target is to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by reducing absolute Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions by 90% by 2040, compared to its FY19 base year.

It is tracking its progress through near-term goals, which are to reduce absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 90% by FY25 and to reduce absolute Scope 3 emissions by 30% by FY30.

At the end of FY25, Cisco has met its Scope 1 and 2 goal and has achieved a 35% reduction in Scope 3 emissions.

In order to meet its near-term emissions reduction goal, Cisco took a holistic approach to its global operations, focusing on efficiency and decarbonisation.

In fiscal 2025, it implemented 78 energy efficiency projects that avoid approximately 27,200 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent each year.

The company used AI and advanced analytics to monitor and optimise energy, airflow and cooling in its labs.

It also increased the use of electric vehicles in its fleet of leased company cars for its European employees, from 11% in FY2019 to 66% in FY25.

Mary de Wysocki, Chief Sustainability Officer at Cisco, said on LinkedIn: “In FY25, we delivered meaningful progress across our operations, products and value chain, reaching several important multi-year milestones that support energy efficiency, resilience and long-term value creation.

“I’m proud of the teams and partners behind this progress and the consistency and collaboration it takes to deliver results at scale.

“As we look ahead, we’ll continue focusing on solutions that help our customers operate more efficiently, build resilience and grow responsibly in an increasingly digital and AI-driven world.”

Transforming circular design

Since 2019, Cisco has incorporated its Circular Design Principles into its product and packaging design.

By FY25, the company aimed to have 100% of new Cisco products and packaging meeting the design criteria, which it achieved.

It also exceeded its target of reducing foam used in product packaging by 75%, achieving a 78% reduction in FY25, compared to FY19.

The Circular Design Principles include using recycled materials, designing products for efficient packaging and transportation, optimising the design of components for repair or reuse and focusing on smart energy consumption.

All sustainability, net zero and sustainable supply chain leaders should attend:

• Sustainability LIVE: The Net Zero Summit - QEII Centre, London, March 4-5
• Sustainability LIVE: The US Summit - Navy Pier, Chicago, April 21-22

Co-located with Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE, these events brings together CSOs, ESG leaders and senior decision-makers at a moment when sustainability, supply chains and commercial performance are increasingly interconnected.

Tickets can be booked online today for The Net Zero Summit and The US Summit. Group discounts available.

Promoting responsible AI

Cisco aims to be a leader in secure AI research, with a focus on using the technology in a responsible way.

It prioritises trust and transparency throughout its AI life cycle, while encouraging other organisations to do the same.

Cisco is partnering with government agencies, private sector and international stakeholders to help shape national and international AI strategies, providing knowledge to improve regulations and public policies around AI.

Chuck Robbins, Chair and CEO of Cisco, says: “In this AI era, Cisco’s technology is more relevant than ever and the trust our customers and partners place in us has never mattered more.

“The innovation we are delivering today will undoubtedly shape the world we live in tomorrow and we know that aligning our technology with our Purpose – to Power an Inclusive Future for All – only amplifies our impact.

“We see this every day through all the meaningful ways our solutions make a difference.”