Chapter Zero is for non-executive directors and chairs who are integrating climate action into business strategy.
Together with our network of expert partners we provide the most relevant information, stimulating events and practical toolkits to enable our members to become effective climate leaders.
Our community supports each other through knowledge, challenge and inspiration.
Showcasing some of our expert partners
From awareness to action: a five-step events programme
Key takeaways from our five-part series of events with McKinsey, to bring the best thinking to boardrooms on achieving net zero and effecting meaningful change
Six takeaways on implementing a successful transition
Reflections from Oliver Hemming of Deloitte on our popular roundtable series on the net zero transition
Chapter Zero opens the market
A market open at the London Stock Exchange and announcement of the development of a Transition Planning Toolkit, funded by the LSEG Foundation
Welcome
A message from our CEO
Chapter Zero was set up in 2019 by a group of NEDs who knew their businesses must respond to climate change.
They could see that NEDs hold a unique position with the potential to make this happen, but to do so need relevant information tailored to their role. They decided to found Chapter Zero and build a community of NEDs who were equipped, ready and prepared to act.
As they were coming together in the UK, the World Economic Forum was publishing its report on ‘How to set up effective climate governance on corporate boards’. The report contains eight principles and guiding questions for boards to address to embed climate governance in their business. With a shared view on the importance of the board’s role when it comes to addressing climate change, a fruitful partnership has followed.
Chapter Zero was developed with the support of the Hughes Hall Centre for Climate Engagement, University of Cambridge. In 2020 Chapter Zero received philanthropic funding and employed a permanent team of staff. Chapter Zero is a not-for-profit business wholly owned by Hughes Hall, University of Cambridge.
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Chapter Zero is the UK chapter of the Climate Governance Initiative
The Climate Governance Initiative was developed in collaboration with the World Economic Forum. There are now more than 30 Chapters in over 70 countries. Together, the CGI Chapters are supporting NEDs around the world to help address climate considerations in the boardroom. Each Chapter has signed up to the CGI Charter.
The full list of Chapters can be found here.
Chapter Zero is independent
Our philanthropic funding is managed through the Centre of Climate Engagement at Hughes Hall, University of Cambridge, and we are grateful to our funders including the Children's Investment Fund Foundation, the IKEA Foundation, and other philanthropic Trusts.
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Membership
A community stepping forward to take the lead on climate.
Our people
Learn more about the Chapter Zero team.
Knowledge Hub
Take the Directors' Climate Journey through the Knowledge Hub.
Become a member
Register to become a memberHow can a company profit from solving the world’s problems, not creating them?
Paul Polman, Former CEO, Unilever; Co-founder and Chair Emeritus of IMAGINE