A collaboration between the Living Lab at the faculty of Campus Fryslan University of Groningen and Deloitte has produced two research papers. The research was undertaken by second-year students from the bachelor’s programme – Global Responsibility & Leadership (GRL) who take part in the Living Labs at Campus Fryslan. Deloitte, as one of the partner companies of Chapter Zero, provided the students with an opportunity to take a closer look at the climate change strategies among Dutch companies and organisations.
Living Lab Research ‘21/‘22 – Supervisory Board Members on Addressing Climate Change in the Netherlands
The project aimed to evaluate the climate change literacy of Supervisory Board members in the Netherlands. The research revealed that insufficient training on climate change risks and opportunities, competing priorities, and the complexity of climate-related issues as challenges Board members face in addressing climate change. The project’s conclusion points out that Chapter Zero represents a valuable resource for Supervisory Board members. It serves as an effective community-driven tool for non-executive leaders to navigate current challenges and establish improved practices in addressing climate-related issues.
Living Lab Research ‘22/‘23 – Interdisciplinary Sustainability Assessment of the Top Companies in the Netherlands
Students found that many companies struggle to fulfil their responsibility for sustainability. They examined how Non-Executive Business Directors can evaluate sustainability performance in the top 25 Dutch companies. Their research focused on ESG and SDG indicators to determine if companies merely follow regulations or genuinely integrate sustainability into their mission. The assessment of AEX-listed companies’ annual reports revealed strong governance practices but limited environmental action. A gap exists between intentions and actions due to a lack of standardised measurement methods that diffuse internal accountability. The study underscores the importance of transparent and comprehensive reporting, emphasising its potential for long-term value creation, risk management, and improved stakeholder engagement.
