At Cisco, we are investing in resilient ecosystems today to help create a stronger and more sustainable future. Research from the World Resources Institute indicates that every US$1 invested in climate adaptation and nature-based resilience can generate an average of US$10.50 in environmental and social benefits over the following decade. Cisco’s approach to ecosystem resilience focuses on helping communities respond to climate challenges, develop skills for evolving economies, and conserve and restore biodiversity and natural habitats.

In 2021, the Cisco Foundation committed US$100 million over a 10-year period to support a broad range of innovative climate solutions. This commitment is being delivered through several complementary approaches:

Cisco Investments, the company’s venture capital arm, has also expanded its focus to include emerging technology companies whose solutions can advance Cisco’s sustainability ambitions as well as those of its customers. Among the first companies to receive funding were CorPower Ocean, which develops technology for generating clean energy from ocean waves, and DEScycle, which works to address electronic waste at the local level. Together, these investments demonstrate Cisco’s broader effort to support a more sustainable and inclusive economy.

Rhinos, elephants, gorillas, pangolins and many other endangered species face growing threats to their survival.

Since 2015, Cisco has worked with the Connected Conservation Foundation (CCF) to help protect vulnerable wildlife. Through this partnership, 46 protected areas in 13 countries have been equipped with IoT and connectivity technologies that enable conservation teams and rangers to monitor areas, respond to threats and combat poaching in real time.

The initiative goes beyond wildlife protection. In 2025, Cisco and CCF introduced the Protected Area Technician Training Program, a free global course delivered through Cisco Networking Academy. The program is designed to equip local communities with technical skills that can lead to careers in conservation technology while strengthening the capacity to protect natural environments.

Healthy communities and ecosystems depend on reliable access to water, making responsible water management an important part of Cisco’s sustainability strategy.

Cisco works to reduce water consumption within its own operations while encouraging responsible stewardship throughout its supply chain. During fiscal 2025, the company reduced water withdrawals associated with its direct operations by 11%.

Cisco also promotes responsible water management among suppliers. As a founding and active member of the Responsible Business Alliance (RBA), Cisco has adopted the RBA Code of Conduct as its Supplier Code of Conduct, including provisions focused specifically on water stewardship. Its approach is also aligned with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6, which focuses on clean water and sanitation, as well as the framework developed by the Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS).

In fiscal 2025, Cisco continued expanding its supply-chain involvement in the AWS Collective Action Accelerator. The initiative brings organizations operating in the same geographic areas together to collaborate on water stewardship, share costs and achieve greater collective impact.

Cisco’s water-related efforts also extend to customers that use its technologies to improve resource efficiency. Compagnie Intercommunale Liégeoise des Eaux (CILE), a Belgian public water utility serving approximately half a million people, sought to improve operational performance and decision-making by developing a connected sensor network spanning around 3,500 kilometers of pipelines.

Cisco technology helped CILE establish its own IoT telecommunications network. The resulting smart water infrastructure enables more efficient operations, helps reduce costs and contributes to the region’s longer-term sustainability objectives.

Cisco continues to focus on reducing waste across its global facilities while increasing the reuse and recycling of materials.

During fiscal 2025, Cisco generated approximately 5,250 metric tonnes of waste across its operations. Around 85% of this material was diverted from landfills worldwide through activities including reuse, recycling, composting and donations.

These initiatives form part of Cisco’s broader effort to reduce the environmental impact of its operations while using technology, investment and partnerships to support more resilient communities and ecosystems.

We've all experienced it: a favorite electronic device, like your go-to headphones, stops working. Instead of enhancing your music experience, they become what’s often referred to as "e-waste."

Understanding E-Waste and Its Importance
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines e-waste as used electronics nearing the end of their lifecycle, which may be discarded, donated, or recycled. While commonly used, the term e-waste is only a subset of used electronics, many of which hold valuable materials that can be refurbished, reused, or recycled, reducing landfill contributions and improper disposal locally or internationally.

The European Commission highlights that e-waste contains a mix of materials, some hazardous, which can pose serious environmental and health risks if not properly managed. Additionally, modern electronics often contain rare and valuable resources, such as critical raw materials, that can be recovered and reused. Effective waste management not only enhances resource efficiency but also supports the transition to a circular economy and secures the supply of these essential materials.

The Scale of the E-Waste Problem
The United Nations Global E-Waste Monitor 2024 revealed that in 2022, a record 62 million tonnes of e-waste was generated—an 82% increase since 2010, with projections reaching 82 million tonnes by 2030. Alarmingly, only 22.3% of 2022's e-waste was properly collected and recycled, leaving $62 billion worth of recoverable resources unaccounted for and contributing to global pollution.

To transition to a circular economy, it is crucial to improve resource efficiency by reclaiming valuable raw materials from e-waste.

Reducing E-Waste
To combat the issue, we must promote the return of products to manufacturers for reuse, refurbishment, or recycling—a practice often referred to as "product takeback." Proper e-waste management not only advances environmental sustainability but also minimizes the ecological impact of discarded electronics. Collaborative efforts among industries, recyclers, and other stakeholders have significantly improved environmentally sound e-waste management practices.

Cisco's Role in Tackling E-Waste
As part of its environmental sustainability strategy, The Plan for Possible, Cisco is shifting toward a regenerative, circular business model. This involves extending product lifecycles, embedding circularity into design processes, and offering innovative solutions like as-a-service models to maximize value throughout a product's lifecycle.

Cisco's Circular Design Principles, aimed at creating reusable and environmentally friendly products, will be incorporated into 100% of new products and packaging by fiscal year 2025. The company also operates a Takeback and Reuse Program, a free service that ensures nearly all returned products are either reused or recycled.

Cisco engages employees in its circular economy efforts through initiatives like Recycle IT Day, an annual event since 1995 that has recycled over 3,283 metric tonnes of used electronics.

Toward a Circular Future
A successful shift to a circular economy requires collaboration across the value chain. Customers, partners, and suppliers all play a vital role—whether by returning used products, advocating for circular business models, or innovating sustainable materials. Together, we can turn the tide on e-waste and make a meaningful impact on our planet.
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