University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership
Business leaders are responsible for driving sustainability in their organizations and industries. To learn how, take a sustainability course with the University of Cambridge on edX today.
Take the lead in creating a sustainable future
In the past, businesses have prioritized short-term returns over long-term opportunity. As global environmental, social, and geopolitical challenges become impossible to ignore by shaking the markets that businesses operate in, it's more critical than ever to focus on creating a sustainable economy.
Start becoming an innovator in your industry. Explore online sustainability leadership courses from the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership on edX today.
CISL: The global voice in sustainability
The University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL) was founded in 1988 with the mission of shaping sustainability leadership and policy worldwide. With hubs in Cambridge, Brussels, and Cape Town, CISL nurtures global business, finance, and government leaders to find innovative solutions for the challenges posed by climate change.
CISL influences climate action through training, thought leadership, and research across three channels:
Business
CISL empowers business leaders to create sustainable pathways to success with strategic partnerships and executive training.
Finance
CISL drives market change by mitigating investment risk and promoting investments in sustainable business solutions.
Influential sectors
CISL works with partners in key sectors, like agriculture, manufacturing, and energy, to develop sustainability solutions.
CISL: Leading transformation at scale
Sustainability mission
CISL aims to impact how people discuss and implement sustainability practices through thought leadership, education, and convening groups. The Institute bridges science, policy, and practice by working with leaders to promote sustainability in their everyday processes.
By considering the short- and long-term consequences of each decision, businesses, governments, and finance leaders can create innovative solutions that influence the standards for sustainability practices in their sectors.
Sustainability mission
CISL aims to impact how people discuss and implement sustainability practices through thought leadership, education, and convening groups. The Institute bridges science, policy, and practice by working with leaders to promote sustainability in their everyday processes.
By considering the short- and long-term consequences of each decision, businesses, governments, and finance leaders can create innovative solutions that influence the standards for sustainability practices in their sectors.
"The course provided a solid foundation in sustainability requirements for any business or industry, with online learning that was flexible and easy to integrate into a busy schedule."
— Aarti B. | Sustainability Expert | CISL Business Sustainability Management
CISL's campaigns for transforming markets
Business Leadership
Organizations must evolve from incremental change to proactively shaping market shifts for long-term value. CISL's Business Leadership campaign leverages the University of Cambridge's strengths in research, education, and collaboration to demonstrate what's possible, drive momentum, and support effective regulation through business and policy alignment.
Rewiring Finance
Despite years of effort, the financial system remains misaligned with sustainability goals. CISL's Rewiring Finance campaign seeks to empower finance leaders to transform market incentives, structures, and rules, enabling a system that supports sustainable economic transformation through strategic policy, product, and market innovations.
Transforming Systems, Sectors, and Places
Systemic change must occur within specific sectors and locations where decisions drive real impact. CISL coordinates technologies, policies, and capabilities to accelerate progress in climate, nature, and health outcomes. Focused on high-impact sectors and strategic locations, the campaign fosters leadership, investment, and innovation to reshape market norms.
"This short course has provided me with the perfect opportunity to understand the specific challenges, opportunities, and innovations that exist in the finance sector. The course also importantly focuses on the personal leadership qualities required to lead what can often feel like daunting organisational changes. The interactive approach of learning, supported by the invaluable ability to network with peers and learn from each other in a 'safe space,' is something I will continue to treasure and call upon."
— Paul W. | Director, Supply Chain Sustainability | CISL Sustainability Finance
Learning paths for leading in a sustainable economy
For individual contributors
- Take an online course with CISL on edX. Explore programs to find the best course for your professional needs.
- Complete CISL's postgraduate studies to learn the skills you need to become a climate-conscious senior business leader.
- Connect with the 30,000-member CISL alumni network and meet sustainability-minded professionals across industries.
For individual contributors
- Take an online course with CISL on edX. Explore programs to find the best course for your professional needs.
- Complete CISL's postgraduate studies to learn the skills you need to become a climate-conscious senior business leader.
- Connect with the 30,000-member CISL alumni network and meet sustainability-minded professionals across industries.
Solutions-oriented networks for CISL graduates
Global insights driving sustainable action
The human, economic, and commercial consequences unfolding all around us show that we are collectively failing to address the sustainability challenge. According to the 2024 CISL Annual Review, global temperatures have already risen 1.5 degrees, forcing global leaders to reckon with climate change and related challenges in their communities and economies.
By working with the industries that have the most impact on the environment, CISL envisions a safe future for people and the planet.
For example, aviation accounts for around 2.5% of global CO2 emissions, while only 10% of the global population flies. Because the number of people who fly is projected to increase, the institute devised a five-year solution that sets a foundation for airlines to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
CISL is committed to working with businesses that have, or are looking to develop, actionable plans and pathways to sustainability. Business as usual is no longer feasible — organizations must be willing to seize opportunities that secure a sustainable future.
CISL's continuing and executive education programs can help you influence other business leaders to invest in a sustainable future. Online courses and seminars can empower you to forge a career path that transforms how an industry views environmental challenges.
| Industry | Median annual salary (USD, May 2024) |
|---|---|
| Green finance | $194,670 |
| Corporate sustainability | $160,940 |
| Retail and manufacturing | $114,480 |
| Energy and utilities | $99,480 |
| Climate technology | $79,620 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
| Occupation | Median annual salary (USD, May 2024) | Projected job growth (2024-34) |
|---|---|---|
| Financial manager | $161,700 | +15% |
| Construction manager | $106,980 | +9% |
| Civil engineer | $99,590 | +5% |
| Environmental scientist | $80,060 | +4% |
| Agricultural or food scientist | $78,770 | +6% |
Source: BLS
"The course is designed to challenge and elevate your thinking with regard to sustainability and sustainable finance, from the individual level to a systems-wide perspective."
— Melisa T. | Senior Manager | CISL Sustainable Finance
Enroll in the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership
Lead change and create lasting impacts in your industry by gaining sustainable leadership skills with CISL courses on edX. Find the best course for your needs today:
- If you're a manager looking to support sustainability at your organization, explore CISL's online courses for managers on edX.
- If you're a director or executive, learn how to transform your business for long-term resilience and impact with CISL's Executive Education programs.
- If you're a finance professional looking for ways to decrease risk while investing in sustainable solutions, find an in-person seminar or online edX course today.