Cisco sets 2012 environmental targets

Cisco has set an environmental target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25 per cent over the next four years.

The plan was announced by Cisco chairman and chief executive John Chambers at Cisco Live, the networking company's annual IT and communications conference.

In his keynote speech, he said that it was the power of IT and technology would allow the Cisco to reach this goal, but on a wider level help the world in its environmental challenges.

"Every corporation has a responsibility to help address the challenges of climate change and to minimize the impact of its operations on the environment," Chambers said.

"Cisco is approaching this challenge not only by curbing our own company's green house gas emissions but also by taking advantage of the power of networking technology to better manage our environmental concerns," he added.

He said that by deploying innovative solutions and using the network as a platform for 21st century greenhouse gas management, Cisco could change its environmental footprint as well as fulfil the green goals of its customers.

The speech also outlined some of the ways that Cisco was going to achieve the greenhouse gas reduction. This involved measurement of energy flows, using more efficient lab equipment and using virtual networks to store' data.

It was also looking to upgrade mechanical and electrical systems as well as adding power-distribution units which would shut down machines not being used. It also planned to use collaboration technology such as its TelePresence software to reduce the need for business travel.

He talked about its likely benefits both from an environmental but also a corporate point of view: "We can work with customers twice as effectively with half the travelling. Understanding isn't just about being green or thinking about travelling costs it's about dramatically different business models."