Environmental Sustainability Practice-Building(ESPB) Questions and Answers
What are two potential benefits of operating a more sustainable practice? (Choose two.)
Options:
allows partners to meet Request for Proposal requirements
adds more Cisco gear to the grey market
provides access to green recovery funds
reduces entry into the current line of business
helps increase taxes to reduce waste
Answer:
A, CExplanation:
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.
What is a principle of circular economy?
Options:
use more natural resources
encourage customers to consume less
discard products and materials after one year
use the latest version of technology
Answer:
BExplanation:
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.
What type of leader relies on IT for recommendations on technology investments?
Options:
Sustainability Leader
IT Leader
Procurement Leader
Business Leader
Answer:
DExplanation:
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.
What did the study in Sweden show could happen just by transitioning from 15% to 30% virtual meetings?
Options:
Sweden could reduce its C02 emissions by 550\000T.
Employee satisfaction could increase by 40%.
The average length of the meetingwould be reduced by 27%.
Traffic congestion in Sweden would reduce by 10%.
Answer:
AExplanation:
A study in Sweden demonstrated that by transitioning from15% to 30% virtual meetings, the country could reduce itsCO2 emissions by 550,000 tons (T). This significant reduction is primarily attributed to decreased travel for in-person meetings, which cuts down on transportation-related emissions. Virtual meetings, facilitated by digital collaboration tools, allow companies and employees to reduce commuting, business travel, and the associated carbon footprint.
This transition is not only environmentally beneficial but also aligns with global sustainability goals to lower greenhouse gas emissions and support a more sustainable work culture.
Environmental Sustainability References:
Swedish Environmental Protection Agency. (2021).Impact of Virtual Meetings on Sweden's Carbon Emissions.
Cisco. (2020).Reducing CO2 Emissions with Virtual Collaboration: A Case Study in Sweden.
World Economic Forum. (2021).Virtual Meetings and Their Role in Sustainable Business Practices.
Which three factors contribute to employees asserting their preferences and organizations evaluating whether to return to the office, continue remote work, or go hybrid? (Choose three.)
Options:
shortened workdays
war for talent
increased employee travel
cost management
the blurring of the workday
increased demand on the workforce
Answer:
B, D, EExplanation:
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.
By which year does Cisco plan to achieve net zero for our global Scope 1 and 2 emissions, which covers its direct operations?
Options:
2025
2030
2035
2040
Answer:
BExplanation:
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.
What is a driving factor for the new security paradigm focused on zero trust?
Options:
increased lack of corporate loyalty
move to a decentralized batch cloud environment
increased mobility of employees in a hybrid work model
the recent release of the ZenFab ransomware virus
Answer:
CExplanation:
Theincreased mobility of employees in a hybrid work modelis a driving factor for the new security paradigm focused onzero trust. As more employees work remotely or in a hybrid setup, accessing company networks and resources from various locations and devices, traditional perimeter-based security models become insufficient.Zero trustis a security framework that requires continuous verification of users, devices, and applications, regardless of their location, to protect against unauthorized access and cyber threats.
Increased mobility, along with cloud adoption, has amplified the need for robust security measures that ensure trust is never assumed and that all interactions are authenticated and verified.
Environmental Sustainability References:
Cisco. (2021).Zero Trust and the Hybrid Workforce: Securing the Future of Work.
Forrester Research. (2020).Zero Trust: A New Approach to Cybersecurity in the Hybrid Work Era.
Gartner. (2021).Zero Trust and Its Role in Enterprise Mobility and Security.
How are Smart buildings leveraging advanced monitoring of building performance and system utilization to lower resource usage and costs?
Options:
by using Apple Airtags to track the energy consumption of each employee
by using the building's network as a sensor for data-driven equipment optimization and quantification of energy consumption
by using analog motion sensors to determine when lights in a room can be dimmed
by using multiple manual interfaces to manage environmental controls
Answer:
BExplanation:
Smart buildingsare leveraging advanced monitoring byusing the building’s network as a sensorto optimize equipment and quantify energy consumption. By collecting and analyzing data from various systems like HVAC, lighting, and security, smart buildings can automatically adjust settings to reduce resource use when not needed, such as dimming lights in unoccupied areas or optimizing heating andcooling based on occupancy patterns. This approach helps reduce energy consumption, improve operational efficiency, and lower costs while supporting sustainability goals.
Using the network as a sensor allows for real-time monitoring and data-driven decision-making, enabling building managers to make informed adjustments that reduce environmental impact.
Environmental Sustainability References:
Cisco. (2021).Smart Buildings and Network-Based Monitoring for Energy Efficiency.
International Energy Agency (IEA). (2020).Smart Building Technology for Energy Optimization and Sustainability.
U.S. Green Building Council. (2021).Leveraging Smart Technologies to Improve Building Performance.
Which feature was added to the headquarters of Cisco's partner, Charter, to support a responsible and sustainable environment?
Options:
optimal building layout for space utilization
reduction in hot water allowance to conserve energy
Smart vehicles
wireless components used to track people to determine who was leaving lights on
Answer:
AExplanation:
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.
What are two ways partners and customers can reduce their environmental footprint? (Choose two.)
Options:
use plastic water bottles and plastic bags more often
store old equipment and take it to the landfill once a reasonable amount has been collected
set sustainability goals and post them on the organization's website
consider an internal training on a linear economy
move toa hybrid work environment usingCisco Webex
Answer:
C, EExplanation:
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.
Where should a corporation's sustainability goals and metrics be recorded to understand what the customer wants to accomplish?
Options:
Corporate SustainabilityResponse reports
Corporate Sustainability Responsibility reports
Corporate Social Response reports
Corporate Social Responsibility reports
Answer:
DExplanation:
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.
Which type of leader is central to the Corporate Social Responsibility function?
Options:
Procurement Leader
Sustainability Leader
Business Leader
ITLeader
Answer:
BExplanation:
TheSustainability Leaderis central to theCorporate Social Responsibility (CSR)function. This leader is responsible for developing and implementing strategies that address environmental, social, andgovernance (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).
