Cisco 700-245 Practice Test - Questions Answers

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.

A primary concern for sustainability leaders is positioning the organization as a sustainability leader. This involves integrating sustainable practices into the company's strategy, operations, and culture while also communicating the organization's environmental impact and initiatives to stakeholders. Sustainability leaders aim to ensure that their organization not only complies with environmental regulations but also stands out in the marketplace as a pioneer in sustainability, which can enhance brand reputation, attract customers, and drive long-term success.

This role also involves balancing economic performance with social and environmental responsibility, navigating evolving sustainability standards, and addressing stakeholder expectations.

Environmental Sustainability References:

Harvard Business Review. (2020). How Sustainability Leadership Can Drive Competitive Advantage.

McKinsey & Company. (2021). The Role of Sustainability Leaders in Corporate Strategy.

World Economic Forum. (2022). Sustainability Leadership and Corporate Positioning in a Changing Market.

A Business Leader relies on IT for 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.

Cisco has pledged to achieve net-zero emissions by 2040 across 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.

Three key factors driving the growth of Smart buildings in the coming years are:

Customer demands (B): Customers are increasingly seeking energy-efficient, sustainable, and tech-enabled spaces that enhance comfort and reduce operating costs. Smart buildings, equipped with IoT and data analytics, provide a higher level of efficiency and adaptability, making them attractive to businesses and consumers.

Government-sponsored smart infrastructure projects (D): Many governments are investing in smart infrastructure projects to promote sustainability and energy efficiency in urban development. These projects encourage the adoption of smart building technologies to meet sustainability goals, reduce energy consumption, and improve public infrastructure.

Increases in energy costs and consumption (F): Rising energy costs are a significant driver for adopting smart building technologies, which can optimize energy use and reduce utility bills. Advanced systems like smart sensors and automated energy management help minimize waste and ensure efficient use of resources, providing long-term cost savings.

Environmental Sustainability References:

International Energy Agency (IEA). (2021). Smart Buildings: Trends and Drivers for Growth.

World Economic Forum. (2021). Smart Building Technologies and the Future of Urban Development.

Cisco. (2022). Customer and Regulatory Drivers for Smart Building Adoption.

Cisco's Customer Recycling Solutions program 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.

Approximately 45% of Cisco's partners choose 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.

The Sustainability Leader is central to the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) function. This leader is responsible for developing and implementing strategies that address environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues, ensuring that the company operates in a socially responsible and sustainable manner. The Sustainability Leader drives initiatives related to reducing carbon footprints, improving resource efficiency, and promoting ethical practices within the organization, while also aligning CSR activities with business objectives.

Environmental Sustainability References:

Harvard Business Review. (2020). The Role of Sustainability Leaders in Corporate Social Responsibility.

McKinsey & Company. (2021). Sustainability Leadership and the Integration of CSR Strategies.

Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). (2021). Sustainability Leadership in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

Operating a more sustainable practice offers two significant benefits:

Allows partners to meet Request for Proposal (RFP) requirements (A): Many organizations, especially in the public and corporate sectors, now require sustainability commitments in their RFPs. By incorporating sustainable practices, partners can better meet these requirements, which increases their chances of winning contracts and expanding business opportunities.

Provides access to green recovery funds (C): Governments and financial institutions are increasingly offering green recovery funds or incentives to organizations that focus on sustainability. These funds help businesses transition to more sustainable operations, offering financial support for green initiatives like energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy adoption, and waste reduction. Access to such funds can provide a competitive advantage and reduce operational costs.

Environmental Sustainability References:

European Commission. (2021). Green Recovery: Supporting Businesses to Transition to Sustainability.

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). (2022). Sustainable Procurement and Meeting RFP Requirements.

World Bank. (2021). Green Funds for Economic Recovery and Sustainable Business Development.