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Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL)

publications

Our latest thought leadership and research aims to inform and equip decision makers across business, finance and policy to lay the foundations for a sustainable economy. 

Read more at: Circular Solar: The Opportunities For Increased Circularity In The Solar PV Industry

Circular Solar: The Opportunities For Increased Circularity In The Solar PV Industry

5th March 2025 – New report from CISL, E.ON Group Innovation and IfM Engage explores the challenges and circular solutions associated with the expected increase in end-of-life solar PV waste over the coming years, highlighting the need to avoid causing an environmental crisis by addressing the climate crisis.


Read more at: The ClimateWise Principles Independent Review 2024

The ClimateWise Principles Independent Review 2024

5 February 2025 - The ClimateWise Principles Independent Review for 2024 represents a landmark year of reporting against an ambitious and challenging set of new Principles.


Read more at: Future of Boards Phase 2

Future of Boards Phase 2

29 January 2025 – The University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL), in partnership with the global law firm DLA Piper, is launching Phase 2 of the Future of Boards research study to support company boards and investors to align business success with sustainability outcomes.


Read more at: Investing in Tomorrow: A Guide to Building Climate-Resilient Investment Portfolios

Investing in Tomorrow: A Guide to Building Climate-Resilient Investment Portfolios

15 January 2025 - The climate crisis demands immediate attention—not only to mitigate risks but to adapt and build resilience. This guide serves as a roadmap for investors to build climate resilience within their portfolios and invest in systemic resilience through engagement with the broader ecosystem.


Read more at: CISL’s Annual Review 2023-24

CISL’s Annual Review 2023-24

19 December 2024 - This report sets out examples of how CISL has worked over the past year in pursuit of a sustainable economy.


Read more at: CISL’s 2024 Competitive Sustainability Index: Shaping a new model of European competitiveness ‘Beyond Draghi’

CISL’s 2024 Competitive Sustainability Index: Shaping a new model of European competitiveness ‘Beyond Draghi’

10 December 2024 - In the wake of the Draghi and Letta reports, and Commission President Von der Leyen’s prioritisation of competitiveness at the core of her second-term political agenda, the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL) is launching the updated 2024 edition of the Competitive Sustainability Index (CSI).


Read more at: CISL's COP29 Asks

CISL's COP29 Asks

4 November 2024 – The United Nations’ COP29 conference in Azerbaijan is taking place against a backdrop of geopolitical turbulence and growing urgency. Our four policy ‘asks’ set out what the globe needs in order to secure a safe and stable future for all.


Read more at: Is reaching net zero a growth and prosperity plan? Economics, tools and actions for a rapidly changing world

Is reaching net zero a growth and prosperity plan? Economics, tools and actions for a rapidly changing world

24 October 2024 – A policy briefing by the University of Cambridge Zero Policy Forum and London School of Economics (LSE), with contributions from Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership, argues the UK government should invest in green infrastructure now or watch productivity lag behind China, the United States and other countries already running away with the benefits.


Read more at: CISL COP16 Briefing

CISL COP16 Briefing

22 October 2024 – With a CISL delegation attending COP16 to shift the dial on nature, our COP16 briefing urges leaders to move from greater transparency and commitment to action from governments, business and finance.


Read more at: Better business: Re-thinking business models for nature positive outcomes

Better business: Re-thinking business models for nature positive outcomes

15 October 2024 - Tweaking business practices such as procurement decisions is not addressing the impact of business on nature at the speed and scale required to meet 2030 nature targets. Transitioning to nature positive aligned business models can accelerate the action needed while addressing companies’ risks and enabling new economic opportunities.