Cisco 700-245 Practice Exams
Last updated on Oct 21,2026- Exam Code: 700-245
- Exam Name: Environmental Sustainability Practice-Building (ESPB)
- Certification Provider: Cisco
- Latest update: Oct 21,2026
Question #1
Which model has the global economy been based on for decades?
- A . Innovate-Accelerate-Eliminate
- B . Evaluate-Speculate-Designate
- C . Take-Make-Dispose
- D . Invent-Market-Sell
Correct Answer: C
C
Explanation:
The global economy has historically been based on the "Take-Make-Dispose" model, which is a linear economy approach. In this model, raw materials are taken from the earth, used to make products, and then disposed of as waste after use. This system leads to a high rate of resource depletion and environmental degradation, contributing to significant waste and pollution problems. The shift toward a circular economy is aimed at moving away from this unsustainable linear model by focusing on reusing, recycling, and reducing waste to create a more sustainable system.
The circular economy encourages keeping materials in use for as long as possible, designing for durability, and minimizing waste.
Environmental Sustainability References:
Ellen MacArthur Foundation. (2021). Circular Economy: Reimagining the "Take-Make-Dispose" Model.
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). (2020). Transitioning from Linear to Circular Economies for Global Sustainability.
World Economic Forum. (2022). Rethinking Global Supply Chains: From "Take-Make-Dispose" to Circularity.
C
Explanation:
The global economy has historically been based on the "Take-Make-Dispose" model, which is a linear economy approach. In this model, raw materials are taken from the earth, used to make products, and then disposed of as waste after use. This system leads to a high rate of resource depletion and environmental degradation, contributing to significant waste and pollution problems. The shift toward a circular economy is aimed at moving away from this unsustainable linear model by focusing on reusing, recycling, and reducing waste to create a more sustainable system.
The circular economy encourages keeping materials in use for as long as possible, designing for durability, and minimizing waste.
Environmental Sustainability References:
Ellen MacArthur Foundation. (2021). Circular Economy: Reimagining the "Take-Make-Dispose" Model.
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). (2020). Transitioning from Linear to Circular Economies for Global Sustainability.
World Economic Forum. (2022). Rethinking Global Supply Chains: From "Take-Make-Dispose" to Circularity.
Question #2
How are Smart buildings leveraging advanced monitoring of building performance and system utilization to lower resource usage and costs?
- A . by using Apple Airtags to track the energy consumption of each employee
- B . by using the building’s network as a sensor for data-driven equipment optimization and quantification of energy consumption
- C . by using analog motion sensors to determine when lights in a room can be dimmed
- D . by using multiple manual interfaces to manage environmental controls
Correct Answer: B
B
Explanation:
Smart buildings are leveraging advanced monitoring by using the building’s network as a sensor to optimize equipment and quantify energy consumption. By collecting and analyzing data from various systems like HVAC, lighting, and security, smart buildings can automatically adjust settings to reduce resource use when not needed, such as dimming lights in unoccupied areas or optimizing heating and cooling based on occupancy patterns. This approach helps reduce energy consumption, improve operational efficiency, and lower costs while supporting sustainability goals.
Using the network as a sensor allows for real-time monitoring and data-driven decision-making, enabling building managers to make informed adjustments that reduce environmental impact.
Environmental Sustainability References:
Cisco. (2021). Smart Buildings and Network-Based Monitoring for Energy Efficiency.
International Energy Agency (IEA). (2020). Smart Building Technology for Energy Optimization and Sustainability.
U.S. Green Building Council. (2021). Leveraging Smart Technologies to Improve Building Performance.
B
Explanation:
Smart buildings are leveraging advanced monitoring by using the building’s network as a sensor to optimize equipment and quantify energy consumption. By collecting and analyzing data from various systems like HVAC, lighting, and security, smart buildings can automatically adjust settings to reduce resource use when not needed, such as dimming lights in unoccupied areas or optimizing heating and cooling based on occupancy patterns. This approach helps reduce energy consumption, improve operational efficiency, and lower costs while supporting sustainability goals.
Using the network as a sensor allows for real-time monitoring and data-driven decision-making, enabling building managers to make informed adjustments that reduce environmental impact.
Environmental Sustainability References:
Cisco. (2021). Smart Buildings and Network-Based Monitoring for Energy Efficiency.
International Energy Agency (IEA). (2020). Smart Building Technology for Energy Optimization and Sustainability.
U.S. Green Building Council. (2021). Leveraging Smart Technologies to Improve Building Performance.
Question #3
What is a concern for sustainability leaders?
- A . reading all blogs posted by marketing
- B . personally monitoring network security and reliability
- C . decreasing productivity to decrease waste
- D . positioning the organization as a sustainability leader
Correct Answer: D
D
Explanation:
A primary concern for sustainability leaders is positioning the organization as a sustainability leader. This involves integrating sustainable practices into the company’s strategy, operations, and culture while also communicating the organization’s environmental impact and initiatives to stakeholders. Sustainability leaders aim to ensure that their organization not only complies with environmental regulations but also stands out in the marketplace as a pioneer in sustainability, which can enhance brand reputation, attract customers, and drive long-term success.
This role also involves balancing economic performance with social and environmental responsibility, navigating evolving sustainability standards, and addressing stakeholder expectations.
Environmental Sustainability References:
Harvard Business Review. (2020).
How Sustainability Leadership Can Drive Competitive Advantage.
McKinsey & Company. (2021). The Role of Sustainability Leaders in Corporate Strategy.
World Economic Forum. (2022). Sustainability Leadership and Corporate Positioning in a Changing Market.
D
Explanation:
A primary concern for sustainability leaders is positioning the organization as a sustainability leader. This involves integrating sustainable practices into the company’s strategy, operations, and culture while also communicating the organization’s environmental impact and initiatives to stakeholders. Sustainability leaders aim to ensure that their organization not only complies with environmental regulations but also stands out in the marketplace as a pioneer in sustainability, which can enhance brand reputation, attract customers, and drive long-term success.
This role also involves balancing economic performance with social and environmental responsibility, navigating evolving sustainability standards, and addressing stakeholder expectations.
Environmental Sustainability References:
Harvard Business Review. (2020).
How Sustainability Leadership Can Drive Competitive Advantage.
McKinsey & Company. (2021). The Role of Sustainability Leaders in Corporate Strategy.
World Economic Forum. (2022). Sustainability Leadership and Corporate Positioning in a Changing Market.
Question #4
Where should a corporation’s sustainability goals and metrics be recorded to understand what the customer wants to accomplish?
- A . Corporate Sustainability Response reports
- B . Corporate Sustainability Responsibility reports
- C . Corporate Social Response reports
- D . Corporate Social Responsibility reports
Correct Answer: D
D
Explanation:
A corporation’s sustainability goals and metrics should be recorded in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) reports. These reports outline the company’s sustainability efforts, including environmental goals, social contributions, and ethical practices. CSR reports provide transparency regarding a company’s sustainability initiatives and track progress toward targets such as reducing carbon emissions, improving resource efficiency, and promoting responsible waste management. Customers can use these reports to understand what a corporation aims to achieve in terms of sustainability and how these goals align with broader environmental and social responsibilities.
Environmental Sustainability References:
Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). (2021). Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting Framework.
Harvard Business Review. (2020). The Importance of CSR Reports in Business Sustainability Efforts. United Nations Global Compact. (2021). CSR Reporting and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Alignment.
D
Explanation:
A corporation’s sustainability goals and metrics should be recorded in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) reports. These reports outline the company’s sustainability efforts, including environmental goals, social contributions, and ethical practices. CSR reports provide transparency regarding a company’s sustainability initiatives and track progress toward targets such as reducing carbon emissions, improving resource efficiency, and promoting responsible waste management. Customers can use these reports to understand what a corporation aims to achieve in terms of sustainability and how these goals align with broader environmental and social responsibilities.
Environmental Sustainability References:
Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). (2021). Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting Framework.
Harvard Business Review. (2020). The Importance of CSR Reports in Business Sustainability Efforts. United Nations Global Compact. (2021). CSR Reporting and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Alignment.
Question #5
Which percentage of a commercial building’s energy costs are lighting and HVAC responsible for, according to the US Department of Energy?
- A . 139%
- B . 50%
- C . 57%
- D . 75%
Correct Answer: C
C
Explanation:
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, lighting and HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems are responsible for approximately 57% of a commercial building’s total energy costs. These two systems are the primary energy consumers in commercial buildings due to their continuous operation in maintaining comfort and lighting in large spaces. HVAC systems, in particular, consume substantial energy for heating, cooling, and air distribution, while lighting systems are significant because of the large number of fixtures and extensive operating hours. Energy efficiency measures, such as switching to LED lighting, implementing occupancy-based controls, and upgrading HVAC systems to more energy-efficient models, are common strategies to reduce energy consumption and lower operating costs in commercial buildings.
Environmental Sustainability References:
U.S. Department of Energy. (2021). Energy Efficiency Trends in Commercial Buildings.
Energy Star. (2020). Commercial Building Energy Consumption Survey.
American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE). (2020). Reducing Energy Use in Commercial Buildings.
C
Explanation:
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, lighting and HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems are responsible for approximately 57% of a commercial building’s total energy costs. These two systems are the primary energy consumers in commercial buildings due to their continuous operation in maintaining comfort and lighting in large spaces. HVAC systems, in particular, consume substantial energy for heating, cooling, and air distribution, while lighting systems are significant because of the large number of fixtures and extensive operating hours. Energy efficiency measures, such as switching to LED lighting, implementing occupancy-based controls, and upgrading HVAC systems to more energy-efficient models, are common strategies to reduce energy consumption and lower operating costs in commercial buildings.
Environmental Sustainability References:
U.S. Department of Energy. (2021). Energy Efficiency Trends in Commercial Buildings.
Energy Star. (2020). Commercial Building Energy Consumption Survey.
American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE). (2020). Reducing Energy Use in Commercial Buildings.
Question #6
Which deal has set the European Union on track to become the first carbon-neutral continent by 2050?
- A . Sustainability Practices Pack
- B . World Sustainability Deal
- C . European Circular Economy Deal
- D . European Green Deal
Correct Answer: D
D
Explanation:
The European Green Deal is a comprehensive policy initiative launched by the European Commission in December 2019, with the objective of making the European Union (EU) the first climate-neutral continent by 2050. It serves as the roadmap for transforming the EU’s economy and society to become more sustainable by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, decoupling economic growth from resource use, and ensuring a just transition for all citizens. The deal’s ambitious goals are aligned with the Paris Agreement to limit global temperature rise.
Key components of the European Green Deal include:
Climate Action: The EU aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. This is considered a significant step toward reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. Clean Energy Transition: The Deal encourages the adoption of renewable energy, improvement in energy efficiency, and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
Circular Economy: The European Green Deal promotes the concept of a circular economy, where resources are reused, recycled, and waste is minimized.
Biodiversity Conservation: It also emphasizes the importance of biodiversity, aiming to restore degraded ecosystems, reduce pollution, and enhance the sustainable management of natural resources.
Sustainable Agriculture and Food: Through initiatives like the Farm to Fork Strategy, the EU is striving to ensure a more sustainable food system by reducing the environmental and climate impact of agriculture.
The European Green Deal is supported by legislative packages such as the "Fit for 55" proposals, which include laws and regulations that guide EU member states in achieving their climate goals. These laws touch upon sectors like energy, transportation, industry, and agriculture.
Environmental Sustainability References:
European Commission. (2019). The European Green Deal. Retrieved from:
https://ec.europa.eu/green-deal
European Environment Agency. (2020). The European Green Deal: Success Factors and Challenges. United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). (2020). The Role of the European Green Deal in Climate Action.
D
Explanation:
The European Green Deal is a comprehensive policy initiative launched by the European Commission in December 2019, with the objective of making the European Union (EU) the first climate-neutral continent by 2050. It serves as the roadmap for transforming the EU’s economy and society to become more sustainable by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, decoupling economic growth from resource use, and ensuring a just transition for all citizens. The deal’s ambitious goals are aligned with the Paris Agreement to limit global temperature rise.
Key components of the European Green Deal include:
Climate Action: The EU aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. This is considered a significant step toward reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. Clean Energy Transition: The Deal encourages the adoption of renewable energy, improvement in energy efficiency, and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
Circular Economy: The European Green Deal promotes the concept of a circular economy, where resources are reused, recycled, and waste is minimized.
Biodiversity Conservation: It also emphasizes the importance of biodiversity, aiming to restore degraded ecosystems, reduce pollution, and enhance the sustainable management of natural resources.
Sustainable Agriculture and Food: Through initiatives like the Farm to Fork Strategy, the EU is striving to ensure a more sustainable food system by reducing the environmental and climate impact of agriculture.
The European Green Deal is supported by legislative packages such as the "Fit for 55" proposals, which include laws and regulations that guide EU member states in achieving their climate goals. These laws touch upon sectors like energy, transportation, industry, and agriculture.
Environmental Sustainability References:
European Commission. (2019). The European Green Deal. Retrieved from:
https://ec.europa.eu/green-deal
European Environment Agency. (2020). The European Green Deal: Success Factors and Challenges. United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). (2020). The Role of the European Green Deal in Climate Action.
Question #7
- A . Talk to the customer’s competitors.
- B . Research social media posts.
- C . Ask the customer if they are willing to give money to environmental philanthropies.
- D . Talk to other vendors that work with the customer.
Correct Answer: B
B
Explanation:
Researching social media posts can provide valuable insights into a customer’s public-facing sustainability efforts, values, and initiatives. Many organizations use social media to communicate their corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategies, environmental goals, and sustainability achievements. By examining these posts, you can better understand the customer’s priorities and how sustainability fits into their overall business strategy, which can be helpful when tailoring your discussions or solutions to align with their needs.
This approach helps you stay informed about the customer’s latest initiatives, challenges, and engagement with environmental issues.
Environmental Sustainability References:
Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). (2021). The Role of Social Media in Corporate Sustainability Communication.
Harvard Business Review. (2020). Leveraging Social Media for Insights into Customer Sustainability Goals.
McKinsey & Company. (2021). Social Media and Corporate Sustainability: Understanding Customer Priorities.
B
Explanation:
Researching social media posts can provide valuable insights into a customer’s public-facing sustainability efforts, values, and initiatives. Many organizations use social media to communicate their corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategies, environmental goals, and sustainability achievements. By examining these posts, you can better understand the customer’s priorities and how sustainability fits into their overall business strategy, which can be helpful when tailoring your discussions or solutions to align with their needs.
This approach helps you stay informed about the customer’s latest initiatives, challenges, and engagement with environmental issues.
Environmental Sustainability References:
Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). (2021). The Role of Social Media in Corporate Sustainability Communication.
Harvard Business Review. (2020). Leveraging Social Media for Insights into Customer Sustainability Goals.
McKinsey & Company. (2021). Social Media and Corporate Sustainability: Understanding Customer Priorities.
Question #8
What is a driving factor for the new security paradigm focused on zero trust?
- A . increased lack of corporate loyalty
- B . move to a decentralized batch cloud environment
- C . increased mobility of employees in a hybrid work model
- D . the recent release of the ZenFab ransomware virus
Correct Answer: C
C
Explanation:
The increased mobility of employees in a hybrid work model is a driving factor for the new security paradigm focused on zero trust. As more employees work remotely or in a hybrid setup, accessing company networks and resources from various locations and devices, traditional perimeter-based security models become insufficient. Zero trust is a security framework that requires continuous verification of users, devices, and applications, regardless of their location, to protect against unauthorized access and cyber threats.
Increased mobility, along with cloud adoption, has amplified the need for robust security measures that ensure trust is never assumed and that all interactions are authenticated and verified.
Environmental Sustainability References:
Cisco. (2021). Zero Trust and the Hybrid Workforce: Securing the Future of Work.
Forrester Research. (2020). Zero Trust: A New Approach to Cybersecurity in the Hybrid Work Era.
Gartner. (2021). Zero Trust and Its Role in Enterprise Mobility and Security.
C
Explanation:
The increased mobility of employees in a hybrid work model is a driving factor for the new security paradigm focused on zero trust. As more employees work remotely or in a hybrid setup, accessing company networks and resources from various locations and devices, traditional perimeter-based security models become insufficient. Zero trust is a security framework that requires continuous verification of users, devices, and applications, regardless of their location, to protect against unauthorized access and cyber threats.
Increased mobility, along with cloud adoption, has amplified the need for robust security measures that ensure trust is never assumed and that all interactions are authenticated and verified.
Environmental Sustainability References:
Cisco. (2021). Zero Trust and the Hybrid Workforce: Securing the Future of Work.
Forrester Research. (2020). Zero Trust: A New Approach to Cybersecurity in the Hybrid Work Era.
Gartner. (2021). Zero Trust and Its Role in Enterprise Mobility and Security.
Question #9
What is a principle of circular economy?
- A . use more natural resources
- B . encourage customers to consume less
- C . discard products and materials after one year
- D . use the latest version of technology
Correct Answer: B
B
Explanation:
A principle of the circular economy is to encourage customers to consume less by promoting resource efficiency, waste reduction, and sustainable consumption patterns. The circular economy model seeks to minimize the use of raw materials and reduce waste by designing products to last longer, promoting reuse, recycling, and sharing, and encouraging more responsible consumption habits. It opposes the linear economy, where products are made, used, and discarded.
Key principles of the circular economy include:
Design out waste and pollution: Products are designed in a way that they can be reused, repaired, or recycled, thus reducing waste generation.
Keep products and materials in use: This involves extending the life cycle of products by encouraging repair, refurbishment, remanufacturing, and recycling.
Regenerate natural systems: The circular economy aims to create positive environmental benefits, such as restoring biodiversity and reducing pollution through better resource management.
By encouraging consumers to use fewer resources, adopt durable products, and consider repair and recycling options, the circular economy promotes a sustainable future. This practice is essential to reduce the environmental impact associated with resource extraction and waste generation.
Environmental Sustainability References:
Ellen MacArthur Foundation. (2017).
What is the Circular Economy?
European Commission. (2020). A New Circular Economy Action Plan for a Cleaner and More Competitive Europe.
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). (2019). Circular Economy for Sustainable Development.
B
Explanation:
A principle of the circular economy is to encourage customers to consume less by promoting resource efficiency, waste reduction, and sustainable consumption patterns. The circular economy model seeks to minimize the use of raw materials and reduce waste by designing products to last longer, promoting reuse, recycling, and sharing, and encouraging more responsible consumption habits. It opposes the linear economy, where products are made, used, and discarded.
Key principles of the circular economy include:
Design out waste and pollution: Products are designed in a way that they can be reused, repaired, or recycled, thus reducing waste generation.
Keep products and materials in use: This involves extending the life cycle of products by encouraging repair, refurbishment, remanufacturing, and recycling.
Regenerate natural systems: The circular economy aims to create positive environmental benefits, such as restoring biodiversity and reducing pollution through better resource management.
By encouraging consumers to use fewer resources, adopt durable products, and consider repair and recycling options, the circular economy promotes a sustainable future. This practice is essential to reduce the environmental impact associated with resource extraction and waste generation.
Environmental Sustainability References:
Ellen MacArthur Foundation. (2017).
What is the Circular Economy?
European Commission. (2020). A New Circular Economy Action Plan for a Cleaner and More Competitive Europe.
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). (2019). Circular Economy for Sustainable Development.
Question #10
Which two resources provide information about an organization’s position and plans around sustainability? (Choose two.)
- A . online blog posts
- B . corporate tax reports
- C . employee retention statistics
- D . corporate salaries
- E . company websites
Correct Answer: A, E
A, E
Explanation:
Two key resources that provide information about an organization’s sustainability position and plans are:
Online blog posts (A): Companies frequently use blogs to share their sustainability initiatives, progress, and future goals. These posts often highlight achievements, such as reducing carbon emissions or improving energy efficiency, and communicate their commitment to stakeholders.
Company websites (E): The corporate website is one of the most comprehensive sources of information about a company’s sustainability strategy. Organizations often dedicate sections of their websites to sustainability, where they detail their environmental policies, sustainability reports, and plans for reducing their environmental impact.
Environmental Sustainability References:
Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). (2020). Corporate Sustainability Communication through Websites and Blogs.
Harvard Business Review. (2021).
How Companies Use Digital Platforms to Showcase Sustainability Efforts.
McKinsey & Company. (2021). Communicating Corporate Sustainability: The Role of Digital Channels.
A, E
Explanation:
Two key resources that provide information about an organization’s sustainability position and plans are:
Online blog posts (A): Companies frequently use blogs to share their sustainability initiatives, progress, and future goals. These posts often highlight achievements, such as reducing carbon emissions or improving energy efficiency, and communicate their commitment to stakeholders.
Company websites (E): The corporate website is one of the most comprehensive sources of information about a company’s sustainability strategy. Organizations often dedicate sections of their websites to sustainability, where they detail their environmental policies, sustainability reports, and plans for reducing their environmental impact.
Environmental Sustainability References:
Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). (2020). Corporate Sustainability Communication through Websites and Blogs.
Harvard Business Review. (2021).
How Companies Use Digital Platforms to Showcase Sustainability Efforts.
McKinsey & Company. (2021). Communicating Corporate Sustainability: The Role of Digital Channels.