Richard Burrett

Richard Burrett is a Fellow at the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL), where he engages with international companies at Board and Senior Executive levels and tutors on the Master of Studies in Sustainability Leadership program. He additionally lectures on sustainability at Durham University and Porto Business School, maintaining cross-institutional academic engagement.

Education:

• BA in Modern Languages from Durham University
• MBA from Durham University
• MST in Social Innovation from the University of Cambridge

Research Focus: His scholarly work centers on sustainable business transformation, with deep expertise in integrating environmental and social risk frameworks into financial systems. Drawing from his Equator Principles development at ABN AMRO and leadership in sustainable finance initiatives, he examines market-based conservation mechanisms, sustainable banking models, and systemic transitions toward net-zero economies. His interdisciplinary approach bridges corporate strategy, financial innovation, and climate resilience.

Professional Leadership: As Co-founder of Cambridge Social Impact Consulting and Senior Adviser to Earth Security Group, he drives strategic sustainability implementation. His tenure as Chief Sustainability Officer at Earth Capital (2010-2024) and Independent Non-Exec Director at Triodos Bank UK (2019-2025) demonstrates sustained influence in sustainable finance. He previously co-chaired the UN Environment Programme Finance Initiative (2010-2012) and served on Forest Trends' board, advancing global sustainability standards.