B. 2040

Answer DescriptionExplanation:

Cisco has committed to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2040 across its entire value chain. This ambitious target includes not only reducing direct emissions from its operations (Scope 1) and purchased energy (Scope 2) but also addressing indirect emissions from its products, services, and supply chain (Scope 3). Cisco’s approach includes adopting renewable energy, improving energy efficiency in its products and operations, and working with suppliers to minimize their carbon footprint.

The company’s sustainability strategy is aligned with global efforts to combat climate change, including the goals of the Paris Agreement to limit global warming.

Environmental Sustainability References:

Cisco. (2021). Cisco's Net Zero Commitment: Path to 2040.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2022). Corporate Net Zero Goals and Emissions Reductions.

United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). (2021). Net Zero Emissions Commitments and Corporate Responsibility.

C. Discuss circular economy strategy and goals.

Answer DescriptionExplanation:

When discussing sustainability with a customer, the focus should be on thecircular economy strategy and goals. The circular economy emphasizes reducing waste, reusing materials, and recycling products to minimize environmental impact. This approach aligns with long-term sustainability objectives and helps businesses achieve resource efficiency, reduce carbon footprints, and meet regulatory requirements.

Discussing circular economy strategies allows customers to explore sustainable practices that not only lower environmental impacts but can also reduce costs over time by promoting resource efficiency and longevity in product usage.

Environmental Sustainability References:

Ellen MacArthur Foundation. (2021).Circular Economy: Opportunities for Sustainable Business Growth.

World Economic Forum. (2022).Adopting Circular Economy Strategies for Sustainability and Business Resilience.

Cisco. (2021).The Role of Circular Economy in Technology Sustainability Discussions.

C. lowers emissions

Answer DescriptionExplanation:

Hybrid workstrengthens sustainability practices bylowering emissions. By enabling employees to work from home part-time, hybrid work reduces the need for daily commuting, which cuts down on transportation-related carbon emissions. Additionally, with fewer employees in the office at any given time, businesses can reduce energy consumption in office buildings for lighting, heating, cooling, and equipment usage. As companies shift to this model, it promotes a smaller environmental footprint by optimizing both office space and energy use.

Hybrid work also supports sustainable business strategies by encouraging the use of digital tools and cloud-based technologies, further minimizing the environmental impact of physical operations.

Environmental Sustainability References:

International Energy Agency (IEA). (2020).Impact of Remote and Hybrid Work on Reducing Emissions.

World Economic Forum. (2021).How Hybrid Work Models Contribute to Corporate Sustainability.

Cisco. (2021).The Role of Hybrid Work in Reducing Carbon Emissions.

D. European Green Deal

Answer DescriptionExplanation:

The European Green Deal is a comprehensive policy initiative launched by the European Commission in December 2019, with the objective of making the European Union (EU) the first climate-neutral continent by 2050. It serves as the roadmap for transforming the EU's economy and society to become more sustainable by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, decoupling economic growth from resource use, and ensuring a just transition for all citizens. The deal's ambitious goals are aligned with the Paris Agreement to limit global temperature rise.

Key components of the European Green Deal include:

Climate Action: The EU aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. This is considered a significant step toward reaching net-zero emissions by 2050.

Clean Energy Transition: The Deal encourages the adoption of renewable energy, improvement in energy efficiency, and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

Circular Economy: The European Green Deal promotes the concept of a circular economy, where resources are reused, recycled, and waste is minimized.

Biodiversity Conservation: It also emphasizes the importance of biodiversity, aiming to restore degraded ecosystems, reduce pollution, and enhance the sustainable management of natural resources.

Sustainable Agriculture and Food: Through initiatives like the Farm to Fork Strategy, the EU is striving to ensure a more sustainable food system by reducing the environmental and climate impact of agriculture.

The European Green Deal is supported by legislative packages such as the "Fit for 55" proposals, which include laws and regulations that guide EU member states in achieving their climate goals. These laws touch upon sectors like energy, transportation, industry, and agriculture.

Environmental Sustainability References:

European Commission. (2019).The European Green Deal.Retrieved from:https://ec.europa.eu/green-deal

European Environment Agency. (2020).The European Green Deal: Success Factors and Challenges.

United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). (2020).The Role of the European Green Deal in Climate Action.

C. increased mobility of employees in a hybrid work model

Answer DescriptionExplanation:

Theincreased mobility of employees in a hybrid work modelis a driving factor for the new security paradigm focused onzero trust. As more employees work remotely or in a hybrid setup, accessing company networks and resources from various locations and devices, traditional perimeter-based security models become insufficient.Zero trustis a security framework that requires continuous verification of users, devices, and applications, regardless of their location, to protect against unauthorized access and cyber threats.

Increased mobility, along with cloud adoption, has amplified the need for robust security measures that ensure trust is never assumed and that all interactions are authenticated and verified.

Environmental Sustainability References:

Cisco. (2021).Zero Trust and the Hybrid Workforce: Securing the Future of Work.

Forrester Research. (2020).Zero Trust: A New Approach to Cybersecurity in the Hybrid Work Era.

Gartner. (2021).Zero Trust and Its Role in Enterprise Mobility and Security.

D. Business Leader

Answer DescriptionExplanation:

ABusiness Leaderrelies onITfor recommendations on technology investments. Business leaders, who focus on driving the overall strategy and performance of the company, often turn to IT leaders for expert guidance on technology solutions that can enhance operations, improve efficiency, and support sustainability goals. IT leaders play a crucial role in identifying, evaluating, and recommending technologies that align with the business's needs and objectives, ensuring that the company stays competitive while meeting its technological and sustainability targets.

Environmental Sustainability References:

Gartner. (2021).The Role of IT in Business Strategy and Decision-Making.

Harvard Business Review. (2020).Business Leaders and the Importance of IT in Strategic Technology Investments.

Cisco. (2021).How IT Leaders Drive Business Sustainability and Innovation.

D. Customer Recycling Solutions

Answer DescriptionExplanation:

Cisco'sCustomer Recycling Solutionsprogram is available to return products to Cisco that can be powered on. This program allows customers to return end-of-life Cisco equipment for proper recycling, refurbishment, or reuse, ensuring that products are handled in an environmentally responsible manner. The initiative supports Cisco’s sustainability goals by reducing electronic waste and promoting the circular economy, where products are recovered and given a second life instead of being discarded. This program aligns with Cisco’s broader commitment to reducing its environmental footprint and contributing to sustainable product lifecycle management.

Environmental Sustainability References:

Cisco. (2021).Customer Recycling Solutions: Supporting a Circular Economy.

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). (2021).E-Waste Management and Corporate Recycling Programs.

Ellen MacArthur Foundation. (2020).Product Return and Recycling Programs in Circular Economy Practices.

D. are socially responsible
E. should be economically viable

Answer DescriptionExplanation:

Sustainable business practicesare those that focus on long-term success by balancing environmental, social, and economic factors. Two key descriptions are:

Are socially responsible (D):Sustainable practices involve conducting business in a way that benefits society, including fair labor practices, reducing environmental harm, and contributing to the well-being of communities. This ensures a positive impact on both people and the planet.

Should be economically viable (E):Sustainability must also be economically feasible. This means that businesses need to adopt practices that ensure profitability while minimizing resource consumption and waste. Economic viability ensures that sustainability can be maintained in the long term, benefiting both the business and its stakeholders.

Environmental Sustainability References:

United Nations Global Compact. (2020).Social Responsibility and Sustainable Business Practices.

World Economic Forum. (2021).The Triple Bottom Line: Environmental, Social, and Economic Sustainability.

McKinsey & Company. (2021).Sustainability: A Business Imperative for Long-Term Growth.