Companies are moving to a circular economy because it helps mitigate risks and increase supply chain resilience. In a circular economy, companies reduce dependence on raw materials by reusing, recycling, and remanufacturing products, which helps them buffer against supply chain disruptions caused by resource scarcity, price volatility, or geopolitical issues. By keeping materials in use longer and reducing waste, companies also lessen their environmental impact and build more resilient, sustainable business models.
This transition not only decreases environmental risks but also promotes innovation in product design, enhances resource efficiency, and reduces overall production costs. As companies face increasing pressure to align with sustainability regulations and customer demand for greener products, adopting a circular economy becomes a crucial strategy for risk management and operational continuity.
Environmental Sustainability References:
Ellen MacArthur Foundation. (2020).Circular Economy in Business: Risk Mitigation and Resilience.
World Economic Forum. (2021).Building Resilient Supply Chains Through Circular Economy Practices.
McKinsey & Company. (2020).The Business Case for a Circular Economy: Risk Reduction and Competitive Advantage.
Question # 5
What are two descriptions of sustainable business practices? (Choose two.)
Sustainable business practicesare those that focus on long-term success by balancing environmental, social, and economic factors. Two key descriptions are:
Are socially responsible (D):Sustainable practices involve conducting business in a way that benefits society, including fair labor practices, reducing environmental harm, and contributing to the well-being of communities. This ensures a positive impact on both people and the planet.
Should be economically viable (E):Sustainability must also be economically feasible. This means that businesses need to adopt practices that ensure profitability while minimizing resource consumption and waste. Economic viability ensures that sustainability can be maintained in the long term, benefiting both the business and its stakeholders.
Environmental Sustainability References:
United Nations Global Compact. (2020).Social Responsibility and Sustainable Business Practices.
World Economic Forum. (2021).The Triple Bottom Line: Environmental, Social, and Economic Sustainability.
McKinsey & Company. (2021).Sustainability: A Business Imperative for Long-Term Growth.
Question # 6
Which program is available to return products to Cisco that can be powered on?
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.
Question # 7
What are two ways partners and customers can reduce their environmental footprint? (Choose two.)
A.
use plastic water bottles and plastic bags more often
B.
store old equipment and take it to the landfill once a reasonable amount has been collected
C.
set sustainability goals and post them on the organization's website
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.
Question # 8
Which conversation should be held with the customer about sustainability?
A.
Discuss how a linear economy helps drive down waste.
B.
Ask customers if they use LED lights in their homes.
C.
Discuss circular economy strategy and goals.
D.
Discuss how sustainability will cost the customer more money in the long run.
When discussing sustainability with a customer, the focus should be on thecircular economy strategy and goals. The circular economy emphasizes reducing waste, reusing materials, and recycling products to minimize environmental impact. This approach aligns with long-term sustainability objectives and helps businesses achieve resource efficiency, reduce carbon footprints, and meet regulatory requirements.
Discussing circular economy strategies allows customers to explore sustainable practices that not only lower environmental impacts but can also reduce costs over time by promoting resource efficiency and longevity in product usage.
Environmental Sustainability References:
Ellen MacArthur Foundation. (2021).Circular Economy: Opportunities for Sustainable Business Growth.
World Economic Forum. (2022).Adopting Circular Economy Strategies for Sustainability and Business Resilience.
Cisco. (2021).The Role of Circular Economy in Technology Sustainability Discussions.