SPO CISL – Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL)

Transforming Business
for a Sustainable Future

Leading the Way to a Better Tomorrow

Self-paced sustainability courses designed for business leaders and professionals, from the University of Cambridge.

Shaping a successful future

Businesses are operating in an increasingly volatile and uncertain context, one that is affected by social, environmental and economic change. The sustainability transition has an increasing relevancy for all sectors as they try to maintain business stability, security and long-term success on a finite planet.

Leading the way in the transition can offer a strategic advantage. By updating strategies, enhancing operational efficiencies, and aligning with longer term priorities, businesses can navigate these turbulent times more effectively and set themselves up for long-term success and resilience.

Why sustainability matters:

Stay ahead

With fast-evolving regulations and emissions targets for businesses big and small, staying informed is essential. Understanding sustainability will help your business navigate these changes, ensuring compliance and avoiding costly fines while positioning yourself as a proactive leader in your industry.

Understand risks

Climate change and resource scarcity pose real threats to business continuity. By prioritising sustainability, you can identify and manage these risks effectively – ensuring your business remains resilient and prepared for future challenges.

Innovate to improve

Sustainability can be a catalyst for innovation. Businesses that integrate sustainable practices often discover new ways to improve products, services and processes, leading to enhanced efficiency and reduced costs.

Boost your reputation

Today’s consumers – and investors – want to support businesses that prioritise sustainability. By embracing and embedding sustainable practices, you can boost your brand’s reputation and attract a loyal customer base that values social responsibility.

Invest in a brighter future

Future success for organisations of all sizes will be determined by how effectively they adapt their business to meet the challenge of climate change. Investing in sustainable practices now will not only help to secure a better future it will also help to secure a brighter future for our planet.

Did you know?

$194-$66 billion

The climate adaptation finance gap is widening and now stands at $194–366 billion
(United Nations Environment Programme 2023).

$4-5 trillion

In order to avert climate catastrophe, clean energy investments of ~USD4-5 trillion are required annually between now and 2030
(World Economic Forum 2023b).

$110 billion

In the first half of 2023 alone, natural catastrophe losses reached USD110 billion
(Munich Re 2023)

Business transformation for the right reasons

The University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL) is your partner to navigate the transition to a sustainable economy, for success now and long into the future. As an impact-led institute, CISL has pioneered sustainable business practices since 1988. Renowned for our integrity and innovation, we empower leaders to drive essential transitions towards a sustainable economy.

Why choose CISL?

  • Cutting-edge expertise: Our courses are rooted in the latest research from world-class Cambridge academics and expert industry practitioners.
  • Learning pathways that suit you. From 8-hour, asynchronous e-learning modules, to full academic Masters programmes and a range of executive education courses, CISL offers learning opportunities across your organisation.
  • Impact-driven approach: Courses designed with a results-driven approach, facilitating practical, actionable outcomes.
  • Recognised learning: Support your team’s professional development with a digital badge or certificate from CISL, to demonstrate commitment to sustainable finance.

Choosing the right programme
for you and your team

Through our flexible online modules, you can harness CISL’s cross-sector expertise, proven frameworks, and industry foresight. We enable your teams to share a fundamental understanding of key global issues, and in turn help your organisation to innovate.


Successful completion of these e-learning modules provides a digital badge for each learner. Through the admin portal, organisations can assess their team’s progress at any time. Once all learners have completed their modules, admins will also receive aggregated
feedback on the course experience, supporting your future learning strategy.

Course details

Course Prices From | £139 +VAT (Discounts available for bulk purchases)

Self-paced Learning | 6-8 hours per course

12-Month Access | Complete at your own pace within 1 year.

Accreditation | Earn a badge of accreditation upon completion.

If your organisation is looking to deliver sustainability learning across its workforce, let’s talk.

Sustainable Business Foundations

Explore the core concepts of sustainability and how they apply to business operations, strategy, and performance.

Sustainable Finance Foundations

Develop a crucial foundational understanding of the risks of the global sustainability crisis and opportunities for a sustainable transition in the finance sector.

Renewable Energy Foundations

Understand the transition to renewable energy sources and the role of finance in supporting this critical shift.

Sustainability Innovation Strategy

Discover innovative strategies for fostering sustainability within your organisation. Course coming soon.

Hear from alumni of CISL’s education courses

“This training has been nothing short of amazing and truly eye opening. My vision towards my work environment and its impact has completely changed. I’m very glad I signed up for it.”

Learner, Sustainable Finance Foundations

“This course has truly helped me have a better vision of sustainable finance approaches such as multi-stakeholder initiatives, blended finance and investment banking. I greatly appreciated learning more about the key sustainability challenges that the insurance sector is facing today. I strongly recommend this course!”

Learner, Sustainable Finance Foundations

“The course opened my eyes to the great challenge we face to encourage businesses to become more sustainable. It has made me question my own habits, and thoughts, and given me ideas on how I can be more sustainable in a personal and business setting. The course is excellently structured, and provides clear solutions to the challenges we are facing.”

Learner, Sustainable Business Foundations

“The course presents foundational knowledge in a clear and practical manner, followed by inspiring examples and experiences from leaders in the field. I highly recommend it!”

Learner, Sustainable Business Foundations

Meet the CISL leadership team

Lindsay Hooper

Executive Director and Interim CEO, CISL

“CISL’s work to activate leadership for a sustainable future couldn’t be more important following a year of record global temperatures and sustained biodiversity loss – with major technological and geopolitical shifts transforming the context in which progress towards global goals must be achieved. In this decade of action, CISL has a critical role to play in educating, convening and fostering innovation in support of the systemic shifts we urgently need to see.”

Here to Support You

Your learning journey with CISL

Discovery Call

Schedule a call with our team to discuss your needs.

Tailored Solutions

We provide a customised learning plan for your organisation.

Seamless Onboarding

Our dedicated team assists you throughout the onboarding process.

Continuous Support

Receive ongoing support to ensure your team’s success.

Watch Onboarding Video

Let’s Talk

Ready to embark on your sustainability journey? Contact us today!