CISL research and evidence to that ,” he says . He then applies those insights to their research .
“ Sustainability is complex , ambiguous and uncertain ,” Kellard explains . This is in part due to the need for sustainable businesses to engage with an external system that consists of suppliers , customers and regulators . “ We help them identify their challenges and think about how they can resolve them ,” he says . “ But it ’ s always about bringing it back to the core business .”
It is this which he finds both challenging and rewarding . He believes the aim is not just about mitigating risks , such as avoiding potentially negative reactions to the environmental consequences of the actions companies take . It is to unlock previously unrealised opportunities .
“ I think if you ’ re able to meet society ’ s rapidly changing needs within the limits of what our planet can provide , … there are huge opportunities to be gained in terms of connecting and motivating not just with employees , but with customers and suppliers ,” he says . “ It ’ s about unlocking whole new markets and value propositions .”
CISL mainly works with banks and companies , with clients including ASDA , DSM , Lloyds and Anglian Water , providing an essential bridge between academia and business . It neither receives any central funding from university or government , but works with businesses who fund their full-time researchers , or fellows .
“ That ’ s great because it keeps us honest ,” Kellard says . “ One of the things we pride ourselves on is that our research is
CISL
Each year CISL works with business , government and finance leaders in over 250 organisations including consumer brands , global banks and national governments , attracting more than 1,200 delegates into its programmes .
“ We are transforming a 1930 ’ s telephone exchange in central Cambridge into a world-leading example of an ultrasustainable retrofit ”
BEN KELLARD DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS STRATEGY , CISL
both academically rigorous , but also very practical and applicable to the organisations with which we work .”
Most of the work is carried out through leadership groups where businesses pay to join to cover the administrative costs . CISL also receives payment for its education programmes and advisory services on a fee for service basis .
“ That ’ s our business model in the way we meet our client ’ s needs ,” he says . “ We have incredible centres of excellence at the university ,” he says , adding that Cambridge University as a whole is focused on creating a low carbon future , with initiatives such as Cambridge Zero , which is aimed at “ creating a netzero future ”.
Crucially , CISL is also putting its money where its mouth is , moving to a new ground-breaking , climatefriendly accommodation in Cambridge in early 2022 .
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