The World Economic Forum (WEF) Climate Governance Initiative is about to launch Chapter Zero in the Netherlands, following the example of fifty other countries. All Dutch corporate commissioners are invited to join, with the aim of supporting them in pushing their companies to be ‘Paris proof’. The initiators and founders of Chapter Zero Netherlands are Deloitte, Baker McKenzie and the University of Groningen.

Chapter Zero is a community for and by board members and is based on the eight principles of Effective Climate Governance; just transition. This includes strategic integration, accountability, diversity and engagement with stakeholders. “Our goal is to build a great community of commissioners who encourage and learn from each other,” said Gisella van Vollenhoven, President of Chapter Zero Netherlands. “We see that the urgency around climate is growing in the boardroom, but the interpretation of being a member of the Board of Trustees doesn’t always line up with that. To this end, we can build sector-specific knowledge on climate change and transition and use appropriate instruments, such as remuneration systems, management profiles and reports. But most importantly, sharing successful and unsuccessful practical experiences is important.”

Lots of attention for the launch event

Yesterday’s official launch of the Dutch Zero Chapter was accompanied by an event at the Kingdom Institute of the Tropics (KIT) in Amsterdam. Thirty commissioners, six external leaders from science, business and civil society attended. Notable Dutch administrators also attended the event. Van Vollenhoven: “I appreciate that Dutch politicians and people are paying attention to this initiative. To me, this underscores the need for the formation and importance of commissioners; I really look forward to the positive changes that we will bring about together.”

Climate on the agenda

Chapter Zero seeks to effectively implement climate. To this end, organizes events, webinars, roundtable sessions, workshops and training courses. Members of the Supervisory Board determine what is on the agenda. Van Vollenhoven: “Not only do we share relevant knowledge and experience, but also provide the right tools so that supervisory directors can carry out discussions in the right way. In this way we enable them to fully fulfill their climate responsibilities. This allows them to take steps to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions that result directly and indirectly from their business activities. This while continuing their healthy business operations.

About Chapter Zero

Chapter Zero is an international organization founded by the WEF’s Climate Governance Initiative and is a community of and for commissioners. In 2019, the first branch was established in England in collaboration with the University of Cambridge. More than twenty chapters are now active in more than fifty countries and nearly 2,500 commissioners have joined Chapter Zero. The initiators and founders of Chapter Zero Netherlands are Deloitte, Baker McKenzie and the University of Groningen.