News

31 March 2022 - The Prince of Wales launches innovation hub for green entrepreneurs at heart of new Cambridge low carbon retrofit officeThe Prince of Wales, Patron of the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership, today welcomed the launch of a ground-breaking innovation hub for SMEs at the opening of the organisation’s new re…

CISL has published a new Equality Action Plan which seeks to unlock greater participation of people from ethnically diverse backgrounds in CISL’s work, ensure fuller representation of their voices, and ensure the Institute counters racism as an employer, client and partner.The plan was drawn up following a staff survey where CISL staff were asked t…

20 January 2022 – The ClimateWise Principles Review shows continued improvement with the group score rising from 65 to 68 per cent.Read the ClimateWise Principles Independent Review 2021The ClimateWise initiative is convened by the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL).  This year’s ClimateWise Principles Independen…

Week 1Week 2CISL's first week at COP26Find out more about the major pledges announced by government, business and finance this weekOn the eve of COP26 our CEO, Clare Shine reflected on the need to use this opportunity to ‘push for bolder faster action in every way we can.’ She said, “A huge amount of action and ambition setting has already happened…

29 September 2021 – The University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership and leaders from across its global network came together to celebrate and thank Founder Director Dame Polly Courtice for her years of leadership. The sun shone as CISL’s staff, senior faculty and partners gathered on the lawns of Kings College to celebrate Polly…

27 April 2021 – Chanel has today announced a new three-year partnership with the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL).This unique multi-faceted partnership will combine tailored sustainability education programmes, innovative operational projects, and scholarships focused on driving greater inclusion. It will draw …

9 March 2021 – The University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL) has announced the start of works on its new visionary headquarters.   This world first for a retrofitted sustainable office building will set new standards for low energy use, carbon emissions and impact on natural resources as well as user experience and well…

23 November 2020 – The University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL) has announced Clare Shine will succeed Dame Polly Courtice as its new Director, effective April 2021.Clare is presently Vice-President and Chief Program Officer at Salzburg Global Seminar, an international non-profit, which challenges current and future le…

23 July 2020 – Robeco is the latest organisation to join the Investment Leaders Group (ILG), a voluntary member initiative striving to create an investment chain that prioritises economic, social and environmental sustainability. The ILG is convened by the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL).Victor Verberk, Deputy…

2 April 2020 – Dame Polly Courtice, Director of the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL), reflects upon the impact of Covid-19 on business, society, and our collective future.Dame Polly Courtice DBE, LVO, was Founder Director of the University of the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (1989–2021). She is now Emeri…

30 January 2020 – The Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL) and the University of Cambridge Whittle Laboratory hosted a meeting for HRH The Prince of Wales, aviation business leaders, senior government officials and academics to announce the university’s ambition to develop the world’s first zero carbon flight.During the meeting …

20 January 2020 – Aris Vrettos has been appointed Director of CISL’s new Centre for Business Transformation. The Centre will convene forward-looking companies, undertake research and explore innovative strategies and mechanisms to enable business to play a transformative role in delivering sustainability within the next decade.Lindsay Hooper, CISL…

A message from CISL Director Dame Polly CourticeAfter thirty-one happy years at CISL I will be stepping down as Director at the end of September 2020.*We have just started the process of finding a new Director who shares our mission and values, and who can lead the Institute into its next phase.For three decades, CISL has been championing the impor…

12 September 2019 – The University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL) launches new leadership group to accelerate climate action in Europe.Dame Polly Courtice DBE, LVO, was Founder Director of the University of the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (1989–2021). She is now Emeritus Director and Senior Ambassa…

17 June 2019 – This year the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL) marked its 30th anniversary by bringing together over 250 leaders at Buckingham Palace to determine the transformative action required to achieve a sustainable, carbon neutral future."Sustainability is now a highly commercially relevant and competitive issue for t…