The transition to zero is underway. The private sector has a critical role in delivering this transition and there is a growing body of evidence to demonstrate that it makes business sense to act.
Forward looking companies understand this. They are harnessing climate action as driver of innovation, risk management and competitiveness – recognising that setting a course to net zero can provide a powerful guiding light in turbulent times as well as delivering commercial benefits. Yet, there is no blueprint for change and change is not happening fast enough.
The necessary speed and scale of the transition will require unprecedented co-operation and effort from all companies and sectors. It will require transformation towards a new economy that puts people, nature and the climate at the heart of global value creation.
What we do
Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL) plays a key role working with its partners to accelerate this transition. Through our foresight, education, convening and innovation we help hundreds of companies and thousands of individuals every year to deliver transformational change and impact for a net zero economy.
CISL insights
Programmes and courses for business
CISL’s flagship international programme equips leaders with the knowledge, commitment and inspiration to turn sustainability
trends into strategic business decisions.
Online short course to help business professionals upskill themselves in climate change risk, adaptation measures, and low carbon innovation.
Supporters
Cambridge Zero harnesses the full range of the University’s research and policy expertise, developing solutions that work for our lives, our society and our economy.
Chapter Zero is building a community of non-executive directors and equipping them to lead crucial UK boardroom discussions on the impacts of climate change.
We Mean Business coalition is a global nonprofit coalition working with the world’s most influential businesses to take action on climate change.
Resources and research
The role of private capital in building a low carbon Energy Union
26 February 2015
February 2015 – With Commission cabinets, the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership identified the need for additional thinking on the role of private capital in building an Energy Union. This brief discussion paper addresses the necessary systemic and regulatory reforms that would stimulate private capital flows into the proposed European-wide Energy Union. It has been divided into two parts: a high-level strategic assessment of the challenge, and a formula for unlocking private capital.
A Vision for a Strong, Sustainable UK Economy
26 January 2015
27 January 2015 – These case studies illustrate that members of The Prince of Wales's Corporate Leaders Group have found that action to reduce emissions can deliver growth and benefits to consumers.
26 January 2015
27 January 2015 – The first ten years of The Prince of Wales’s Corporate Leaders Group.
Better Growth, Better Climate – Business Briefing on The New Climate Economy Synthesis Report
23 January 2015
January 2015 and September 2014 – This briefing presents the findings of The Global Commission on the Economy and Climate as documented in their New Climate Economy Synthesis Report, ‘Better Growth, Better Climate’ as a short and relevant summary for a business audience.
The Future in Practice: The State of Sustainability Leadership
13 January 2015
December 2012 – The State of Sustainability Leadership is the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL)’s annual collection of ideas and research into how business and policy leaders are tackling the challenges of the 21st century.
The Corporate Climate Communiqués since 2007
4 December 2014
Since 2007 The Prince of Wales's Corporate Leaders Group (CLG) has created Communiqués which set out the business case for an ambitious, robust, effective and equitable UN climate framework and offers a progressive global consensus on the shape of an agreement.
BSP London Lecture 2004, delivered by UK Prime Minister, the Rt Hon Tony Blair MP
23 October 2014
September 2004 – The UK Prime Minister at the time, the Rt Hon Tony Blair MP, delivered the London Lecture of The Prince of Wales’s Business & Sustainability Programme (BSP)
BSP London Lecture 2007, delivered by H. Lee Scott Jr
23 October 2014
February 2007 – It is clear that there are no simple answers. And with rapidly rising international concern about issues such as climate change, it is also clear that the hopes and expectations of the role business will play have never been higher. Which is one of the reasons why the Business & Sustainability Programme exists.
23 October 2014
November 2010 – This Communiqué is being issued by the business leaders of global companies, including many of the companies that endorsed The Copenhagen Communiqué just over a year ago.
23 October 2014
October 2011 – This Communiqué – the fifth such statement – is being issued to governments by leaders of over 200 companies from around the world. As business leaders, we are committed to action on climate change, sustainable development and the green economy. Green growth offers the potential to create a more prosperous and resilient economy, and deliver innovation, new industries and jobs. We continue to broaden understanding amongst our peers of the economic case for green growth and the urgency of meeting the 2°C challenge.
