University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership
We are an impact-led institute within the University of Cambridge that activates leadership globally to transform economies through capacity building, innovation partnerships and policy alignment across industries. We work with leaders and innovators across business, finance and government to accelerate action for a resilient, sustainable future.
Education offering
For over three decades, CISL has been at the forefront of business education for sustainability. Our Open Enrolment, Customised and Online programmes equip organisations with expertise, capabilities and tools to build competitiveness and resilience in complex, transitioning markets. We have a deep understanding of the changing global context through our network of global business leaders who inform our programmes, and access to a wealth of world-leading research into sustainable business. Our programmes draw upon leading academics, practitioners and innovators to help inform business strategy and inspire action.
CEO for the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership
There is a very real risk that as social and environmental challenges escalate, leaders become trapped in firefighting the symptoms of unsustainable practices, unable to get upstream to tackle the root causes. Education has a valuable role to play here, providing an opportunity to broaden leaders’ understanding and perspective, and find confidence to ask bigger questions and make decisions in an era defined by disruption. This allows leaders to see the bigger, longer-range picture, to identify emerging risks and seize opportunities.
Engage with the fundamental question of business' role in a sustainable future and develop a plan to enhance efficiency through decision-making that places sustainability at the core of operations.
Start date:29 Apr 2026
Duration:8 weeks
Commitment:8-10 hours per week
Certification:Digital Certificate of Completion CPD accredited
Explore innovative business models, technologies, and processes for integrating sustainability into food supply chains. Devise practical strategies to drive this transformation within your context.
Start date:29 Apr 2026
Duration:8 weeks
Commitment:7-10 hours per week
Certification:Digital Certificate of Completion CPD accredited
Business and Climate Change: Towards Net Zero Emissions
Intermediate
Tutor-led online
Lead the net-zero transition with confidence. Build a resilient, profitable business model for the net‑zero transition, and leave with a tailored action plan to lead organisational transformation.
Start date:29 Apr 2026
Duration:8 weeks
Commitment:7-10 hours per week
Certification:Digital Certificate of Completion CPD accredited
Gain insight into how to embed purpose in your organisation using impactful communication, storytelling and other techniques to overcome barriers and influence change.
Start date:29 Apr 2026
Duration:8 weeks
Commitment:7-10 hours per week
Certification:Digital Certificate of Completion CPD accredited
Sustainable Real Estate: Creating a Better Built Environment
Intermediate
Tutor-led online
Gain an understanding of the ecological, social and governance aspects that make the real estate sector sustainable. Examine how it can contribute to creating a more resilient and inclusive society.
Start date:29 Apr 2026
Duration:8 weeks
Commitment:7-10 hours per week
Certification:Digital Certificate of Completion CPD accredited
Harness analytics, technology, and lifecycle thinking to secure resources responsibly, strengthen adaptability, and deliver organisational and societal value.
Start date:29 Apr 2026
Duration:8 weeks
Commitment:6-10 hours per week
Certification:Digital Certificate of Completion CPD accredited
Sustainable Marketing, Communications and Brand Management
Intermediate
Tutor-led online
Gain an understanding of greenwashing, the physical impacts of advertising, and develop a plan that places marketing, communications and your brand at the service of people, nature, and the climate.
Start date:29 Apr 2026
Duration:8 weeks
Commitment:8-10 hours per week
Certification:Digital Certificate of Completion CPD accredited
This course is designed to address the growing need and prevalence of sustainability practices in business – giving you the tools to pioneer meaningful change throughout your organisation
Start date:29 Apr 2026
Duration:8 weeks
Commitment:8-12 hours per week
Certification:Digital Certificate of Completion CPD accredited
Learn to align personal and organisational purpose, foster collaboration, and inspire change, culminating in a leadership roadmap for sustainable impact across stakeholders and systems.
Start date:29 Apr 2026
Duration:8 weeks
Commitment:8-10 hours per week
Certification:Digital Certificate of Completion CPD accredited
This online course delivers hands‑on frameworks to build resilience, steer capital towards long‑term value, and equip your team with actionable tools to mobilise finance as a driver of change.
Start date:29 Apr 2026
Duration:8 weeks
Commitment:8-10 hours per week
Certification:Digital Certificate of Completion CPD accredited
Learn to optimise logistics and procurement management; identify opportunities for long-term value creation and address the challenges of modern business practices to drive sustainable change.
Start date:29 Apr 2026
Duration:16 weeks
Commitment:8-12 hours per week
Certification:Digital Certificate of Completion CPD accredited
Sustainable Marketing and Communication Strategy Bundle
Intermediate
Tutor-led online
Transform business operations, marketing practices and communication strategies – minimise environmental and social impact while maximising positive transformation.
Start date:29 Apr 2026
Duration:24 weeks
Commitment:8-12 hours per week
Certification:Digital Certificate of Completion CPD accredited
Combining three CISL courses, senior professionals will learn to build strategic leadership, systems thinking, and practical skills to create resilient, low-carbon models for a sustainable future.
Start date:3 Jun 2026
Duration:27 weeks
Commitment:6-10 hours per week
Certification:Digital Certificate of Completion CPD accredited
Gain the knowledge and tools to navigate global sustainability trends, assess risks and opportunities, and integrate sustainable thinking into business strategy for long-term success.
Sustainable Finance Foundations: Banking, Investment and Insurance
Foundational
Self-paced online
Gain the insights needed to align financial decisions with sustainability, manage risk, unlock opportunities and position your business for resilience in a changing world.
The world is at a tipping point. Gain the skills and knowledge to navigate the renewable energy landscape and confidently lead, drive change, and seize new opportunities in your workplace.
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Find out how we can work together provide expert training for your colleagues. Explore customised and bespoke course packages, designed to help you meet your goals and prepare to meet future challenges.
