Business Leaders
taking ownership
of the climate challenge
Business Leaders
taking ownership
of the climate challenge
Next event
Our purpose
Chapter Zero is a network of company chairs, committee chairs and non-executive directors, committed to developing their knowledge of the implications of climate change for UK business. Given the far-reaching impact and implications, our purpose is to enable these directors to understand better how it is likely to affect their companies and sectors, and to encourage their boards to hold informed and strategic discussions and respond effectively to the climate change challenge. The name of the network, Chapter Zero, reflects the drive towards a net zero carbon economy and the major role business will play in achieving it.
Our aim
To help non-executive directors become more familiar with the potential risks and opportunities for businesses, covering the full spectrum of commercial activity as a consequence of climate change.
We provide a space where the non-executive community can enhance its knowledge, understanding and experience of this complex and critical business challenge. We do this through:
- providing learning events with experienced speakers where members can build their knowledge and their network
- toolkits and other resources which facilitate boardroom discussions
- providing access to relevant new content
WEF principles
The World Economic Forum (“WEF”) published guidance for boards on how to establish climate governance at its 2019 annual meeting in Davos. Chapter Zero is the UK chapter of WEF’s Climate Governance Initiative and, as such, our work supports non-executive directors in putting these Principles into practice.
1. Climate accountability on boards
2. Command of the (climate) subject
3. Board Structure
4. Material risk and opportunity assessment
5. Strategic & organisational integration
6. Incentivisation
7. Reporting and disclosure
8. Exchange
Our Chairs
Chapter Zero is supported by chairs of leading organisations who recognise the massive challenge climate change poses to UK businesses.

Sarah Bates
Chair of Merian Global Investors and Polar Capital Technology Trust

John Kingman
Chair of Legal & General plc

Mark Tucker
Chair of HSBC plc

David Tyler
Chair of Hammerson plc
News and updates
Chapter Zero – Bulletin 004
We have an excellent programme of events planned for 2020, with the focus on looking more deeply into scenarios, risk...
Chapter Zero – Bulletin 003
This is our third Chapter Zero Bulletin and our membership is growing daily. We are now more than halfway to our target of 500...
Chapter Zero – Bulletin 002
This is our second Chapter Zero Bulletin. There has been a huge amount of interest in the network, and membership is growing...
Our UK partners

