Recently, CBTS earned a Sustainability Specialization with Cisco. The specialization is a training program for Cisco’s partners in sustainable business practices such as the circular economy, achieving sustainability goals, and meeting government environmental mandates. The timing is vital. According to experts, the circular economy will reach a market value of $4.5 trillion by 2030. This also comes as governments and markets shift strategies to address environmental concerns on an unprecedented scale.
Download the Environmental Sustainability Specialization and Takeback Incentive Ebook now.
As a part of the Sustainability Specialization, CBTS signed onto Cisco’s Sustainability Pledge. The goals outlined in this pledge include:
- Achieving net zero across Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions by 2040.
- Ensuring 100% of its products and packaging incorporate Circular Design Principles by FY2025.
- Accomplishing 100% return on end-of-use hardware.
“We are proud to earn this specialization, which supports our sustainability leadership and helps our clients reduce their environmental footprint by ensuring the technology they consume is reused or recycled,” said Jeff Lackey, President of CBTS.
This blog will examine details of the sustainable business practices that the Sustainability Specialization emphasizes. Additionally, we will explore the business opportunities unlocked for CBTS and their partners by participating.
The takeback incentive
Cisco’s Takeback Incentive is a program that offers discounts of up to 7% on newly registered products. The products return to Cisco at the end of use, and the discount is applied to replacement products.
The Takeback Incentive illustrates a dedication to the circular economy. Keeping hardware out of landfills through remanufacturing or recycling is a powerful way to generate cost-effective, sustainable business practices and pass those savings onto partners.
The Takeback Incentive also protects against hardware ending up on the gray market. Illegal hardware sales are estimated to be $2.5-3B yearly. The Takeback Incentive closes that loop and stamps down on bootleg competition.
Learn about CBTS social impact initiatives
How sustainable business practices generate new opportunities
The Sustainability Specialization creates opportunities for CBTS and its partners to stand out from the competition in many ways, including:
Meet government requirements
Governments across the globe are creating new stimuli designed to encourage growth in green business and sustainability. Companies can access these funds by participating in programs like Cisco’s Takeback Initiative.
Enter new lines of business
Companies actively seek new ways to transform business practices through environmental and social good programs (ESG). Engaging in the circular economy and sustainable business practices is socially responsible and can be an icebreaker when reaching out to new business prospects. If nothing else, the Cisco Sustainability Specialization is a conversation starter for sales teams.
Expand service offerings
Customers often don’t know what to do with old hardware. Takeback programs are a great way to boost service levels and add value to existing customer relationships. Advising customers on ways to reuse, recycle, or refurbish obsolete technology are other ways to leverage the Sustainability Specialization.
Support partners’ efforts to reduce carbon emissions
Reducing emissions is vital for the world—and businesses in particular. CBTS is pleased to be able to advise its clients and partners with the expertise gained through this Specialization.
Win more proposals
A growing trend among businesses is to only source from sustainable and socially responsible companies. Certifications like this one from Cisco build credibility and meet customer expectations.
Also read: >How Cisco Meraki + CBTS NaaS team up to deliver cost-efficient modernization for your network
Working towards a circular economy
Across the globe, companies of all shapes and sizes are stepping up to meet the threat posed by climate change. However, the time is fast approaching when companies who are not rapidly evolving to embrace sustainable business practices will be left in the dust.
According to an internal survey at Cisco, 41% of its partners were already engaged in some form of takeback or recycling services, and 45% expected to generate significant revenue from sustainability offerings.
CBTS is proud to offer a range of technology services for clients looking to advance their application modernization journey, including consulting, cloud, security, communications, and infrastructure solutions. A team of CBTS experts manages all services. The Sustainability Specialization from Cisco is only the latest in a long and fruitful partnership with Cisco. Additionally, CBTS has dozens of strategic partnerships with industry leaders, including Microsoft, Dell, Amazon, and many more.
Get in touch to see how CBTS can advise you on adopting sustainable technology business practices or providing other tech solutions.