In a significant move at the Mobile World Congress this year, Orange has taken a step further in its environmental initiatives by enhancing its partnership with Cisco. This collaboration is not new, as Orange Business has been distributing Cisco solutions for over two decades. However, the addition of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) brings a fresh focus on environmental transparency and the shared goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs).
This agreement between Orange and Cisco introduces a novel approach to accountability in their operations. Customers of Orange Business solutions incorporating Cisco products will now receive information on the GHG emissions associated with these solutions. This initiative is designed to facilitate the monitoring of emissions within their joint portfolio and encourage reduction efforts.
Moreover, Cisco commits to providing Orange with data on the carbon footprint of its products. This information is pivotal for Orange as it seeks to understand and mitigate its indirect emissions, also known as scope 3 emissions, which encompass the environmental impact of its extended operations.
The partnership extends beyond emissions data sharing. Orange is set to inform its customers about this data, aiding them in achieving their environmental goals. Furthermore, the collaboration will support Orange and Cisco’s ambitions towards achieving net zero emissions, with Orange aiming for a 45% reduction in emissions across all scopes by 2030 and net zero by 2040, and Cisco targeting net zero across its value chain by the same year.
The agreement also touches on the circular economy, encouraging the procurement of remanufactured equipment through the Cisco Refresh Programme and promoting recycling via Cisco’s Takeback and Reuse Programme. Additionally, the partnership will explore ‘eco-design’ principles for new products and services, emphasizing the importance of lifecycle analysis data provided by Cisco.
Cisco’s CEO, Chuck Robbins, highlighted the partnership’s role in their net zero journey, emphasizing the importance of shared data and practices in meeting their environmental objectives. This collaboration is a testament to the growing trend of transparency and cooperation among companies in addressing their environmental impact, as seen in similar initiatives like the partnership between BT and SAP through the Sustainability Data Exchange.
As the tech industry continues to prioritize sustainability, Orange and Cisco’s enhanced partnership sets a compelling example for integrating environmental considerations into core business strategies, echoing a broader commitment to environmental stewardship within the sector.
