Climate science says we must limit global temperature rise to less than 1.5 degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels to avoid the worst effects of climate change. Cisco is taking steps to help achieve this goal.

Our goals

We have set near- and long-term, science-based targets to reduce our greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

2025

90% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 2025*

2030

30% reduction in Scope 3 emissions from purchased goods and services, upstream transportation and distribution, and use of sold products by 2030**

2040

Net zero GHG emissions across our value chain by 2040***

*Compared to Fiscal Year 2019 (FY19). We will neutralize any remaining emissions by removing an equal amount from the atmosphere

**Compared to FY19

***By reducing our absolute Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions by 90% compared to FY19 and neutralizing any remaining emissions by removing an equal amount from the atmosphere

Our carbon footprint at a glance

Product use: scope 3

Emissions from the energy that Cisco products consume during customer use

Manufacturing and procurement: scope 3

Emissions from manufacturing and warehousing Cisco components and products, and procurement of goods that support our business

Logistics: scope 3

Emissions from the transportation and distribution of Cisco products

Direct operations: scopes 1 and 2

Emissions from the operation of Cisco facilities (electricity, fuel for heating and cooling, etc.)

How we will get to net zero

Accelerate the use of renewable energy

Utilize low-carbon shipping modes

Continue to increase the energy efficiency of our products and solutions

Invest in innovative carbon removal solutions

Electrify our global fleet

Embrace hybrid work

Further embed circular economy principles across our business

Invest in sustainable technology

Validating our goal

External validation

Cisco's 2040 net-zero target and near- and long-term targets are approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) under its new Net-Zero Standard, the world's first framework for corporate net-zero target setting in line with climate science. This builds on our history of setting meaningful goals, measuring our progress and impact, and reporting on them transparently.

The meaning of SBTi validation

SBTi validation demonstrates that we are prioritizing deep emissions reductions to reach net zero. We set a long-term science-based target to reduce our absolute Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions 90% by 2040 compared to our 2019 fiscal year.

  • We will neutralize remaining emissions by removing an equal amount from the atmosphere through credible emissions removal projects.
  • Our approach meets SBTi requirements that net zero be achieved primarily through emissions reductions across Scopes 1, 2, and 3.

Evolution of our net-zero commitment

We publicly announced net-zero goals in September 2021. In July 2022, we enhanced those goals to achieve third-party validation from SBTi. Specifically, we 1) refined the language used to describe our near-term Scope 1 & 2 emissions goal for 2025 to be more specific and to align with SBTi methodology, and 2) we set an additional near-term Scope 3 emissions goal for 2030 to address the use of sold products, which is the largest source of our emissions.

NOTE: Our near-term Scope 1 and 2 target, as validated under the SBTi Net-Zero Standard requirements, is a 90% reduction by 2030 because SBTi requires at least a 5-year timeline for emissions reduction targets. However, our intention is to achieve a 90% reduction by 2025 and maintain that level of decarbonization through 2040.

Net zero news

Sustainability 101

Net zero basics

Net zero reflections

Looking at our progress

Journey to net zero

Cisco sets net zero by 2040 goal.

ESG Reporting Hub and 2023 Cisco Purpose Report

Cisco is putting people, technology, and resources toward Powering an Inclusive Future for All, where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Visit our Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Reporting Hub.

Power an inclusive future for all

We pursue our purpose by closing the digital divide, empowering the future of work, fighting for equality and social justice, and building a regenerative planet.