Cisco 700-245 Environmental Sustainability Practice-Building(ESPB) Exam Practice Test

Cisco plans to reduce its environmental footprint by implementing a strategy focused on100% product return, repair, remanufacture, refurbish, and recycle. This approach aligns with the principles of thecircular economy, which aims to keep products and materials in use for as long as possible, thereby minimizing waste and resource consumption. By ensuring that products are returned for repair orremanufacturing instead of being discarded, Cisco reduces the need for new raw materials and cuts down on electronic waste, contributing to a more sustainable supply chain.

This commitment also reflects Cisco’s broader goals of reducing carbon emissions, promoting resource efficiency, and fostering sustainability across its product lifecycle.

Environmental Sustainability References:

Cisco. (2022).Circular Economy and Product Lifecycle Strategies for Sustainability.

Ellen MacArthur Foundation. (2021).Cisco's Role in the Circular Economy and Reducing Environmental Impact.

World Economic Forum. (2021).Sustainability Through Circular Practices in Technology Companies.

Partners and customers can reduce their environmental footprint by adopting the following two methods:

Set sustainability goals and post them on the organization's website (C): Establishing clear sustainability goals allows organizations to align their operations with environmental objectives, such as reducing carbon emissions, increasing energy efficiency, or minimizing waste. Publicly posting these goals on the website increases transparency and accountability, encouraging stakeholders to track progress. Setting measurable targets ensures that companies are actively working towards reducing their ecological footprint and contributing to global sustainability efforts.

Move to a hybrid work environment using Cisco Webex (E): Transitioning to a hybrid work environment, which combines remote and in-office work, can significantly reduce an organization’s carbon footprint by minimizing employee commuting and office energy consumption. Tools like Cisco Webex facilitate virtual collaboration, enabling organizations to maintain productivity while reducing the need for travel, thereby cutting down on greenhouse gas emissions and supporting a more sustainable work model.

Environmental Sustainability References:

Cisco. (2021).Cisco Webex and Hybrid Work: Reducing Your Carbon Footprint with Collaboration Technology.

Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). (2020).Setting Corporate Sustainability Goals.

International Telecommunication Union (ITU). (2021).The Role of Hybrid Work in Sustainable Development.

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.

Before meeting with a customer for an exploratory discussion, the most important task to complete isdoing background research. This involves understanding the customer's business, their industry, potential pain points, and any existing sustainability or technology initiatives they may have. Conducting thorough research allows you to tailor the discussion to the customer’s needs, demonstrating that you understand their challenges and are prepared to offer relevant solutions.

Preparation through research enables more productive conversations and increases the likelihood of establishing a strong, trust-based relationship with the customer.

Environmental Sustainability References:

Harvard Business Review. (2021).The Importance of Background Research in Customer Engagement.

McKinsey & Company. (2020).How to Prepare for Successful Customer Meetings: A Research-Driven Approach.

Cisco plans to achievenet-zero emissions for Scope 1 and 2 by 2030, which covers its direct operations, including energy use in its buildings and facilities. Scope 1 refers to direct emissions from owned or controlled sources, such as fuel combustion, while Scope 2 refers to indirect emissions from the generation of purchased electricity, steam, heating, and cooling. To meet this goal, Cisco is focusing on energy efficiency improvements, transitioning to renewable energy sources, and reducing its overall carbon footprint in its global operations.

This target is part of Cisco’s broader commitment to sustainability and aligning with international climate agreements.

Environmental Sustainability References:

Cisco. (2021).Cisco’s Net Zero by 2030 Strategy for Scope 1 and 2 Emissions.

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

World Economic Forum. (2021).Corporate Sustainability and Carbon Neutrality: Cisco’s 2030 Net Zero Goal.

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.

A corporation's sustainability goals and metrics should be recorded inCorporate Social Responsibility (CSR) reports. These reports outline the company's sustainability efforts, including environmental goals, social contributions, and ethical practices. CSR reports provide transparency regarding a company’s sustainability initiatives and track progress toward targets such as reducing carbon emissions, improving resource efficiency, and promoting responsible waste management.

Customers can use these reports to understand what a corporation aims to achieve in terms of sustainability and how these goals align with broader environmental and social responsibilities.

Environmental Sustainability References:

Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). (2021).Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting Framework.

Harvard Business Review. (2020).The Importance of CSR Reports in Business Sustainability Efforts.

United Nations Global Compact. (2021).CSR Reporting and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Alignment.

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.

RACHELs(Remote Area Community Hotspot for Education and Learning) have been deployed to61 countriesaround the world. These devices are designed to provide offline access to educational resources in areas with limited or no internet connectivity. By storing educational content such as videos, textbooks, and reference materials, RACHELs play a vital role in bridging the digital divide and supporting educational efforts in remote and underserved regions.

RACHEL devices are particularly beneficial in developing countries and areas affected by infrastructure challenges, allowing communities to access valuable information without needing an active internet connection.

Environmental Sustainability References:

World Possible. (2022).RACHEL: Expanding Educational Access Across 61 Countries.

UNESCO. (2021).RACHEL and the Role of Offline Educational Technology in Developing Regions.

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). (2022).Technology Solutions for Education in Remote Areas.

The global economy has historically been based on the"Take-Make-Dispose"model, which is alinear economyapproach. In this model, raw materials are taken from the earth, used to make products, and then disposed of as waste after use. This system leads to a high rate of resource depletion and environmental degradation, contributing to significant waste and pollution problems. The shift toward acircular economyis aimed at moving away from this unsustainable linear model by focusing on reusing, recycling, and reducing waste to create a more sustainable system.

The circular economy encourages keeping materials in use for as long as possible, designing for durability, and minimizing waste.

Environmental Sustainability References:

Ellen MacArthur Foundation. (2021).Circular Economy: Reimagining the "Take-Make-Dispose" Model.

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). (2020).Transitioning from Linear to Circular Economies for Global Sustainability.

World Economic Forum. (2022).Rethinking Global Supply Chains: From "Take-Make-Dispose" to Circularity.

Approximately45% of Cisco’s partnerschoose to take advantage of the sustainability practices offered for financial opportunities. These partners recognize the growing demand for sustainable solutions and the potential financial benefits, such as cost savings, enhanced brand reputation, and access to new markets. By aligning with Cisco's sustainability initiatives, including reducing environmental impact and adopting circular economy practices, partners can leverage these opportunities to grow their business while contributing to global sustainability goals.

Environmental Sustainability References:

Cisco. (2021).Partnering for Sustainability: Financial Benefits of Sustainable Practices.

Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). (2020).Corporate Sustainability Practices and Partner Engagement.

McKinsey & Company. (2021).The Business Case for Sustainability: Partner Opportunities.

Three factors contributing to organizations evaluating whether to return to the office, continue remote work, or adopt a hybrid model are:

War for talent (B):Companies are competing to attract and retain skilled employees. Offering flexible work arrangements, such as remote or hybrid work, can be a crucial factor in appealing to top talent who prioritize work-life balance and flexibility.

Cost management (D):Remote and hybrid work models can reduce operational costs, such as office space, utilities, and on-site amenities. Organizations are assessing the financial implications of maintaining large office spaces versus allowing more remote work.

The blurring of the workday (E):As employees work remotely, the traditional boundaries between work and personal time have become less distinct. Companies are considering how hybrid models impact productivity, employee well-being, and work-life balance.

Environmental Sustainability References:

Gartner. (2021).Remote Work, the War for Talent, and Organizational Decision-Making.

Harvard Business Review. (2021).How Cost Management Influences Remote and Hybrid Work Decisions.

McKinsey & Company. (2021).The Future of Hybrid Work: Flexibility, Talent, and Work-Life Balance.