700-245 Cisco Environmental Sustainability Practice-Building(ESPB) Free Practice Exam Questions (2025 Updated)

Cisco has pledged to achievenet-zero emissions by 2040across its entire value chain, including Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions. This comprehensive target includes reducing direct emissions (Scope 1), emissions from purchased energy (Scope 2), and indirect emissions across the supply chain and product lifecycle (Scope 3). Cisco’s strategy includes increasing energy efficiency, adopting renewable energy, and developing circular economy practices to ensure this goal is met. The company is also committed to meeting interim goals by 2030, reducing Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 90%.

Environmental Sustainability References:

Cisco. (2021).Cisco's 2040 Net-Zero Emissions Pledge.

United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). (2021).Corporate Commitments to Achieve Net-Zero by 2040.

World Economic Forum. (2021).Pathways to Net-Zero: Cisco’s Leadership in Climate Action.

A partner can establish a sustainability practice bysetting sustainability goals and publicizing them on their webpage. This not only demonstrates a commitment to environmental responsibility but also increases transparency and accountability. Setting clear, measurable goals, such as reducing energyconsumption or increasing the use of renewable resources, helps guide the partner’s internal operations and builds trust with clients and stakeholders. Publicizing these goals on the website allows customers, investors, and partners to see the company’s sustainability efforts, which can lead to new business opportunities and compliance with industry standards.

Environmental Sustainability References:

Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). (2021).Sustainability Goal Setting and Corporate Transparency.

United Nations Global Compact. (2020).Communicating Corporate Sustainability Commitments.

McKinsey & Company. (2021).Sustainability Practices and Public Accountability in Business.

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.

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.

At the headquarters of Cisco's partner,Charter, a key feature added to support a responsible and sustainable environment was anoptimal building layout for space utilization. Optimizing space utilization is a sustainability practice that reduces the environmental footprint by minimizing the amount of space required for operations, which in turn lowers energy consumption for heating, cooling, and lighting. A well-planned layout also improves operational efficiency, reduces costs, and encourages sustainable practices within the building, such as increased natural lighting and better ventilation, contributing to a more energy-efficient workspace.

This sustainable design choice supports both environmental and operational goals by lowering resource consumption and fostering a more responsible, energy-efficient infrastructure.

Environmental Sustainability References:

U.S. Green Building Council. (2020).Sustainable Building Design and Space Utilization Best Practices.

Cisco. (2021).Sustainable Facilities and Space Optimization Strategies.

A principle of the circular economy is to encourage customers to consume less by promoting resource efficiency, waste reduction, and sustainable consumption patterns. The circular economy model seeks to minimize the use of raw materials and reduce waste by designing products to last longer, promoting reuse, recycling, and sharing, and encouraging more responsible consumption habits. It opposes the linear economy, where products are made, used, and discarded.

Key principles of the circular economy include:

Design out waste and pollution: Products are designed in a way that they can be reused, repaired, or recycled, thus reducing waste generation.

Keep products and materials in use: This involves extending the life cycle of products by encouraging repair, refurbishment, remanufacturing, and recycling.

Regenerate natural systems: The circular economy aims to create positive environmental benefits, such as restoring biodiversity and reducing pollution through better resource management.

By encouraging consumers to use fewer resources, adopt durable products, and consider repair and recycling options, the circular economy promotes a sustainable future. This practice is essential to reduce the environmental impact associated with resource extraction and waste generation.

Environmental Sustainability References:

Ellen MacArthur Foundation. (2017). What is the Circular Economy?

European Commission. (2020). A New Circular Economy Action Plan for a Cleaner and More Competitive Europe.

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). (2019). Circular Economy for Sustainable Development.

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.

Globally,90% of wastewaterreturns to the environment untreated. This untreated wastewater, which includes industrial, agricultural, and household waste, leads to widespread pollution of rivers, lakes, and oceans, posing serious risks to ecosystems, human health, and water quality. The lack of proper wastewater treatment is especially prevalent in developing regions, where infrastructure and resources for waste management are often limited.

Effective wastewater management and treatment are crucial for protecting water resources and supporting sustainability goals, such as those outlined in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Environmental Sustainability References:

United Nations World Water Development Report (UNWWDR). (2021).Wastewater: The Untreated Crisis.

World Health Organization (WHO). (2020).Global Wastewater Management and Environmental Impact.

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). (2020).Wastewater Treatment and Sustainable Development.

AnIT Leaderis the type of leader who collaborates across the organization on technology needs and advises business leaders on technical solutions. IT leaders play a critical role in managing the organization’s technology infrastructure, ensuring that it supports business goals while also driving digital transformation. They work closely with various departments to understand their technology requirements and recommend solutions that improve operational efficiency, enhance security, and support sustainability initiatives, such as reducing the company’s carbon footprint by adopting energy-efficient technologies or implementing smart building systems.

Environmental Sustainability References:

Gartner. (2021).IT Leadership in the Age of Digital Transformation.

Cisco. (2022).The Role of IT in Sustainability and Digital Transformation.

McKinsey & Company. (2021).The Evolving Role of IT Leaders in Sustainable Business Strategies.

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.

Cisco’sCustomer Recycling Solutionsprogram is designed to help customers return equipment that can no longer be powered on or is at the end of its life cycle. This program ensures that products are responsibly recycled or refurbished, supporting the circular economy and minimizing electronic waste. By offering this service, Cisco helps customers properly dispose of non-functioning equipment, keeping it out of landfills and contributing to environmental sustainability goals.

Environmental Sustainability References:

Cisco. (2021).Customer Recycling Solutions: Supporting Responsible Equipment Disposal.

Ellen MacArthur Foundation. (2020).Circular Economy and E-Waste Management.

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). (2021).Sustainable E-Waste Solutions for IT Equipment.