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BUSINESS PROFILE CISCO USES THE CLOUD To Save the Earth
Cisco Systems, more commonly referred to as “Cisco,” is a tech-industry giant. Put simply, they build the hardware and write the code that makes cloud computing a reality. There’s a good chance your business already relies on Cisco in some capacity, whether it be for your Wi-Fi, firewalls, communications, or data analytics. As important as it is to their business, Cisco’s head isn’t in the clouds. In fact, this multibillion-dollar company from Silicon Valley is redefining what it means to be sustainable by using policies that are, well, down-to-earth. A GLOBAL MISSION Cisco has adopted a philosophy of corporate social responsibility (CSR). This means the company places ethical and philanthropic responsibilities at the center of their business strategy. As Cisco puts it, “We empower social-change agents with technology and expertise. Our goal: accelerate global problem solving to benefit people, society, and the planet.” Okay. Sounds great. Many companies have lofty- sounding goals that play up the good they do in the world. But Cisco has fully committed to CSR, doing far more than simply donating to charity and having photo ops. They’ve committed to a multifaceted campaign that uses their systems and skills to contribute to a greener planet. ACTIONS NOT WORDS It’s one thing to say your company will benefit the planet and another to earn the title of Most Sustainable Company in the United States, awarded by Barron Magazine. It takes a big-picture approach for a conglomerate as large as Cisco to be so environmentally friendly. That’s why Cisco has committed to aggressively reducing their greenhouse emissions. Renewable energy already accounts for 80 percent of the
company’s worldwide electricity use, and they are on track to cut 1 million tons of greenhouse gases from their supply chain in less than two years. This is a company that practices what it preaches. SAVING RHINOS WITH THE CLOUD Part of Cisco’s environmental initiative has been to protect one of the oldest species to still roam the earth: South African rhinos. Due to extensive poaching, it is estimated that these endangered animals will be extinct by 2025. Rather than donate money to conservation efforts and pose with a big check, Cisco cut out the middleman and went to work doing what they do best: building technology to solve problems.
BUT WHY?
No one is going to come out and ask, “Why is this company saving rhinos?” But even the least cynical entrepreneur goes through the cost-benefit analysis of why an IT company would commit astronomical resources to environmental and philanthropic efforts. To understand just how savvy Cisco is being, you have to view their efforts as long-term investments in the world where we all live. When Cisco committed to CSR, it wasn’t out of pure philanthropic goodwill. Even their own marketing department is straightforward about the fact that they stand to gain from their environmental efforts. As a company, Cisco embraces the idea that a healthy planet and healthy global market is good for business. Cisco is part of a new breed of companies which recognize that corporations are not separated from the larger ecosystem. Global economies are impacted by climate, biodiversity, and socioeconomics. Rather than simply respond to these titanic forces, Cisco has opted to play a proactive role in protecting the world they do business in. THE TAKEAWAY Cisco’s approach to issues they are passionate about acts as a model for companies aspiring to do more. Rather than write a check to an NGO or wildlife fund, they took action using the skill sets and the resources their company already had. In doing so, Cisco set themselves apart as global leaders in both the IT world and in corporate responsibility. So next time you are faced with a global issue, don’t leave it by the wayside as someone else’s responsibility. Instead, find a way you and your team can contribute to finding solutions and making the world we all live in a better place.
Partnering with Dimension Data, Cisco put a new spin on “data security.” Together, the tech companies built a sophisticated network of drones, seismic sensors, thermal cameras, and biometric scanners to turn the tables on poachers. Since the project’s implementation, poaching has been cut by 96 percent according to the Pretoria reserve in South Africa. There are plenty of species at risk of poaching in the world today, and Cisco has no intention of stopping with rhinos. In fact, this project was the first step of a larger effort the company has named Connected Conservation. With resounding success, they are moving to scale their efforts to protect elephants and many wildlife preserves.
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