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Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL)

13 July 2016 – Today, the Natural Capital Protocol, a standardised framework for businesses to identify, measure and value their direct and indirect impacts and dependencies on natural capital is launched in London.

Natural Capital Coalition logo

On 13 July the Natural Capital Coalition, an international collaboration between 200-plus global partners including the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL), will welcome leaders from across the professional spectrum to the launch of the Natural Capital Protocol and related sector guides.

The Natural Capital Protocol helps businesses to understand their relationships with natural resources and how these resources form the foundation of thriving societies and prosperous economic activities. Developed in a unique collaborative effort between 38 organisations with input from hundreds more during piloting and consultation, the Protocol provides a standardised framework for businesses to identify, measure and value their direct and indirect impacts and dependencies on natural capital.

Over the last 18 months, CISL managed the Protocol Pilot Programme which included over 50 companies pilot testing the Protocol to ensure it is robust, practical and relevant for business. Working closely with the companies including The Coca-Cola Company, Kering, Nestlé and Olam International, CISL was able to collect feedback that informed the development of the Protocol. CISL’s expertise in natural resource evaluation has contributed significantly to the success of the process.

Alongside the launch of the Natural Capital Protocol, two additional sector guides on food & beverage and apparel will also be released. The sector guides work as extensions of the Protocol, and guide practitioners through sector-specific challenges and opportunities.

Dr Gemma Cranston, Senior Programme Manager at the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership, said: “The Natural Capital Protocol is a good starting point for business leaders wanting to explore their impacts and dependencies on natural resources. There is a need to keep supporting businesses in applying the Protocol and I hope today will encourage more businesses to get involved. If adopted at scale the Protocol has the power to revolutionise the way that businesses evaluate their operations and make strategic decisions.”

CISL is working with the members of the Natural Capital Leaders Platform to explore operationalising natural capital. Read the report.

Operationalising Natural Capital