John Chambers, chairman and CEO of Cisco.
John Chambers, chairman and CEO of Cisco, introduces the One Million Acts of Green program.



John Chambers, chairman and CEO of Cisco, explains how taking action through One Million Acts of Green can impact the environment in a positive way. And in coming together to form the human network, we create the power to change the world where we work, live, learn, and play.


The Human Network Effect
We are stronger together than we can ever be apart.
That’s the Human Network Effect.

The Internet is no longer just a network of computers, it’s a network of people. And, when we come together wonderful things happen. Innovative and sustainable solutions are born.

One Act at a Time
Change can start with just one person. One action.
One Million Acts of Green.

The One Million Acts of Green challenge demonstrates how a network of people is stronger together than they could ever be apart.  As we combine individual acts the positive impact on our planet is much greater. This is an opportunity for people to come together to share, to learn, and to work toward a common meaningful goal.  As a proud partner of this program, Cisco understands that how we operate, whether as a business, an individual or a community, can and will make a difference to the environment.  It is through the human network that we can collaborate and be a force for change around the world.

The Cisco Commitment
As a global company operating in more than 85 countries, Cisco recognizes the need to take responsibility and a leadership role in reducing our overall environmental footprint. This responsibility includes our activities as a major employer and the individual actions of our employees.  While we are exploring internal changes, we know we still have much to achieve. Together Cisco Canada and the One Million Acts of Green community can discover what the power of human network can bring.

Who is Cisco?
Cisco is changing the way people work, live, play and learn in more sustainable ways. Through our technology, we enable people to make powerful connections in business, education, philanthropy and creativity. The foundation of the Internet is formed by our technology. And the Internet isn't a network of computers, it's a network of people.  We call this "The Human Network Effect" – a network of people with the power to change the world we live and work in.  We believe change is a good thing, and that technology can and should improve life. Because of Cisco, people can communicate in ways never before imagined.  It doesn't matter whether walls, borders, mountains, or oceans stand in the way, over the network, people can come together and transform business, communities, governments, schools, and lives. Change can start with just one person. One action. That’s what One Million Acts of Green is all about. Together, we are more powerful than we ever could be apart. When the human network sets out to solve a problem, the result is a Human Network Effect.

Cisco’s Green Initiatives: Q & A

Q1- Does Cisco have its own Environment Policy?
A- Cisco focuses on responsible environmental practices throughout its business. In addition to working to reduce the environmental impacts from our own products and operations, Cisco also leverages its position as a leader in the information, communication and technology (ICT) industry to find solutions to global environmental challenges which are network or technology based.


Q2- Why has Cisco decided to implement smart environmental practices?
A- Environmental commitments have been a priority for Cisco for more than a decade. Cisco believes every corporation has a responsibility to address its environmental impact. Taking action at this time is not only necessary but, it is the right thing to do.

Many forces have contributed to Cisco’s commitment. Moving towards more environmentally sustainable business practices is a grass roots endeavour, with Government (and new regulations), investors, partners, customers, our employees and people in the community all inspiring Cisco to take action


Q3- What is unique about Cisco’s vision towards environmental sustainability?
A- Cisco’s role as a leader in the ICT industry has inspired a unique vision for our environmental commitment. We are driven by how technology and innovation of our architectures can transform the ways in which the world addresses its many environmental challenges.


Q4- What is Cisco’s greenhouse gas footprint?
A- In 2007, Cisco's gross GHG footprint was net 724, 000 metric tons of CO2 equivalents (CO2e). This footprint includes emissions from Cisco's globally owned and leased facilities, vehicles and its airline travel.


Q5- What is Cisco’s corporate global greenhouse gas reduction goal?
A- On June 24, 2008 at Cisco Live! Cisco’s Chairman and CEO John Chambers announced the goal of 25% absolute reduction (to a net footprint of 543 000 metric tons of CO2e in greenhouse gas emissions) by 2012.

Cisco’s goal is validated by third parties such as EPA and Environmental Defence Fund.


Q6: How will Cisco remain transparent as it progresses in attaining its goal?
A- Data will be rolled up on a quarterly basis internally to make sure we are tracking to our goal and we will report annually to the EPA as well as include this information in our annual Corporate Social Responsibility report.


Q7- How will Cisco help its customers meet their environmental goals?
A- Understanding that the network is the platform for sustainability, Cisco is working to create IP-enabled best practices and solutions to share with its customers.

Cisco Connected Real Estate (CCRE) promotes sustainability through connected building and connected workplaces. By using an IP network to converge information, communications and technologies Cisco allows buildings and work spaces to be smart – and green.

Technologies within the Unified Communications portfolio- Cisco TelePresence, Cisco Unified Video Advantage, Cisco Unified MeetingPlace and WebEx enable customers to make environmental investments built upon a foundation of collaboration.

With Cisco’s Energy-Efficient Data Center, Cisco is working to meet the long-term goal of providing measurement, monitoring, and management of power consumption in the data center.


Q8- Does Cisco have other environmental commitments?
A- Cisco engages with many environmental organizations on a variety of levels. Some notable collaborations include:

- Cisco has joined the US Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Climate Leaders program. This is an industry-government partnership that works with companies to develop comprehensive climate change strategies. Through this partnership, Cisco has worked with the EPA to assess its GHG footprint, validate its metrics and establish its GHG reduction goals.

- Cisco has renewed its commitment in 2008 to the Clinton Global Initiative for Connected Urban Development. Through the launch of several pilot programs in cities around the world, Cisco is leveraging technologies and network intelligence to help reduce congestion and open up new ways of thinking about how people move around a city.


Q9- Does Cisco purchase carbon offsets?
A- Cisco does not actively engage in carbon offsetting. While this is a worthy exercise, Cisco is driving to meet its own greenhouse gas reduction goals through use of its own technologies and changes in behaviour, operations.


Q10- What are the main elements of Cisco’s Green Strategy?
A- Cisco’s Eco-Board has worked to narrow the focus of Cisco’s Green Strategy. Cisco’s three main areas driving its environmental strategy are:

a Architecture
a Responsible Operations
a Product Stewardship


Q11- What are some examples of environmental programs already being implemented at Cisco?
A- Cisco has set into action many programs to reduce its own environmental footprint, such as:
- Waste Reduction and Recycling
- Scrap Management
- Product Stewardship (includes customer take-back/WEEE Compliance, Restriction Substances compliance, and Design for Environment)
- Hazardous Material Management
- Energy Management (Focuses on improving energy efficiency in building design and construction)
- Alternate Transportation

For more information on Cisco’s green initiative visit us at:
http://www.cisco.com/web/about/citizenship/environment/index.html

 

We made a difference, Canada

Total Acts of Green
1,798,185
Greenhouse Gases Saved:
106,114,018 kg

Thanks for One Million Acts of Green, Canada

It's been a huge hit. Not only did we smash one million acts in a little over 100 days, thanks to you, we've saved more than 100,000,000 kg of greenhouse gases.
Without you this wouldn't have been such a huge hit. Without you it wouldn't have been One Million Acts of Green.

If you want to continue with One Million Acts of Green, click here to transfer your account.