Businesses are being invited to work with the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL) to identify commercial opportunities from protecting the natural environment.
CISL has published a report targeting international companies that rely heavily on natural resources such as water, soil and timber. The report highlights action already taken by businesses, including Nestlé, Asda and Mars, to enhance natural capital, and where they are generating business benefit.
The institute is hoping to build the case for companies to manage more sustainably natural capital impacted by their operations and supply chains.
Polly Courtice, director at CISL, said that many of the businesses the institute works with are already implementing measures to reduce their impact on natural capital, but that many more companies need to be involved.
“By developing a body of evidence in partnership with a group of companies we aim to translate the management of natural capital into tangible commercial benefits – highlighting in real terms the financial savings, security of supply, and brand enhancement on offer,” she said.
