The Innovation Center in Barcelona supports the UN sustainable development goals

A year ago Xavier Azemar spoke to us on his blog about Cisco's commitment to building a sustainable future. In it, he shared the news that our foundation would donate 100 million dollars over the next 10 years for projects and technologies that promote a sustainable and inclusive recovery, as well as the operation of the Cisco Innovation Center in Barcelona.

On this occasion, I want to share with you how from the Innovation Center , using Cisco Meraki technology and in collaboration with the startup ecosystem, we create solutions for the sustainability of the planet.

First of all, I would like to tell you about the United Nations SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals).

On September 25, 2015, world leaders adopted a set of global goals to eradicate poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. Each objective has specific goals that must be achieved in the next 15 years and that, to achieve them, everyone has to do their part: governments, society and, of course, companies like Cisco.

For this reason, we have set ourselves very ambitious but necessary goals to, among other things, take care of the planet. I will share some examples of affordable and clean energy, responsible consumption and production, climate action and the necessary alliances. Find below some examples of all the initiatives in which we are involved.

Objectives of "Climate Change and Greenhouse Gases (GHG)":

• Get to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040
• Reduce total Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions worldwide by 60% by fiscal year 2022.
• Use electricity generated from renewable sources for at least 85% of our global electricity by fiscal year 2022.
• Reduce Scope 3 GHG emissions related to Cisco's supply chain by an absolute 30% by fiscal year 2030.

Objectives of "Circular design and life cycle management:"

• Reduce the use of virgin plastic by 20% by fiscal year 2025.
• Reduce all foam used in Cisco product packaging by 75%, measured by weight, by fiscal year 2025.
• Design 100% of new Cisco products and packaging to incorporate Circular Design Principles by fiscal year 2025.

Our collaboration with Back2Blu

Within the framework of co-innovation for sustainability, from the Cisco Innovation Center we collaborate with a wide variety of actors: clients, universities, startups, partners, etc.

In this case, I want to introduce you to Back2Blu , a startup that has developed an online sustainability platform that helps transform private companies and public administrations into sustainable organizations. miAgenda2030 is an integrated solution within back2blu that allows multiple indicators to be defined, implemented and monitored, associated with action plans for the fulfillment of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) drawing on multiple sources of information (manually or automatic) including the new Cisco Meraki MT-14 sensors.

The role of our sensors

Cisco Meraki MT14 , part of the Meraki MT sensor portfolio, provides real-time indoor air quality monitoring to promote smart spaces and create safe environments. MT14 detects the presence of chemicals, debris, extreme temperature, humidity and noise. If air quality declines for any reason, MT can immediately notify or automate the building's HVAC to increase ventilation and keep people safe.

Combining the capabilities of back2blu and Cisco Meraki, miagenda2030 allows:

• Create sustainability improvement plans
• Track impact on the SDGs
• Generate sustainability reports
• Use artificial intelligence as the basis of predictive projection
• Prepare massive and secure ingestion (certificate via blockchain)
• Track indicators
• Better decision support

Back2blu is an example of how from the Innovation Center we can work to continue promoting an inclusive future, where a global effort is needed. It is for this reason that our corporate social responsibility efforts align with many of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

The success of the SDGs requires global cooperation and local commitment. Ideas that fit perfectly with the values and strategy of the Innovation Center, where back2blu is an example of co-innovation with the local ecosystem.

What do you think about this project? I read you in comments.