About CPSL
Who are we?
CPSL celebrates its 25th anniversary this year.
Founded in 1988, the University of Cambridge Programme for Sustainability Leadership (CPSL) is an institution within the School of Technology of the University of Cambridge and is dedicated to working with leaders from business, government and civil society on the critical global challenges of the 21st century. CPSL contributes to the University’s mission and leadership position in the field of sustainability via a mix of executive programmes and business platforms, informed by world-class thinking and research from the University of Cambridge and other partners.
Over the next 25 years our goal is to help to raise the bar on business action for sustainability – developing an ambitious plan for transforming the economy. We will retain our focus on strategic sustainability capacity-building in companies through leadership development and innovative collaborations with business leaders and policymakers. More than ever, however, we will make use of the extraordinary breadth and depth of knowledge within the University and the wider international research community, acting as a translator and integrator of research into practice.
Governance
CPSL's Management Board is chaired by Professor Chris Gilligan, Head of the School of Biological Sciences, University of Cambridge. The Management Board appoints an Advisory Board to give advice to CPSL on long-term strategy and to act as a sounding board on further developments. Current members of both boards can be viewed here.
What do we do?
CPSL’s expertise lies in convening groups of leaders to help them understand and respond to the most significant challenges facing their organisations and the world today. We do this in different ways to suit the preferences of these leaders and their organisations.
Executive education
Our executive education programmes provide leaders with insight and understanding into global problems such as climate change, water scarcity and food security. Over 6,000 senior executives have undertaken these programmes in Cambridge, Brussels, Cape Town, Melbourne and Atlanta, or in-company for customised programmes. Our Master’s-level accredited programmes offer participants the time to reflect on these issues and to test new ideas back in the workplace.
Business platforms
Our leadership groups help senior practitioners identify what needs to change within their sector or system, and take practical action to achieve this with their peers. Our collaboratories are time-bound problem-solving groups which focus on particular sustainability challenges. Together we call these our business platforms.
Network
Our alumni Network of leaders (the Cambridge Sustainability Network) brings together many of the most influential leaders in the world who share an interest in and a commitment to creating a sustainable future. The Network provides a source of resources and networking opportunities.
Where are we?
We operate from offices in Cambridge, Brussels and Cape Town.