We set the standard for responsible business leadership.

In a constantly changing world, companies must learn to adapt to the economic transition to a cleaner, more just and sustainable future. The Ceres Company Network draws on our decades of experience and expertise to engage members on integrating sustainable business strategies and solutions that improve their bottom line and protect people and planet.  

We combine our deep bench of business, financial, and policy expertise with insights from investors, companies, policymakers, and other advocacy organizations we work with to support companies on the best ways to advance responsible business practices and policies. Through convenings, events, and constructive dialogues, Ceres connects our members to stakeholders within and across economic sectors, creating opportunities for shared learning and enhanced visibility.   

The Ceres Company Network fosters long-term relationships with our members, anchored in our annual, tailored engagement model. Through these trusted partnerships, we are better able to understand our members’ most pressing sustainability risks and work together to tackle them while seizing the opportunities in the economic transition.

How to join the Ceres Company Network

Prospective companies interested in joining the Company Network engage in a process with Ceres to determine mutual compatibility. This involves submission of a letter of intent, a dialogue between the company’s CEO and Ceres’ CEO and President Mindy Lubber, and final approval by the Ceres Board of Directors. Ceres Company Network members demonstrate commitment to continued engagement, progress, and action on the company’s most material and salient issues.

Members commit to a set of expectations. These baseline expectations build a foundation of collaborative partnership, guide constructive engagement, and define a minimum standard of performance for responsible business leadership for our members. 

Member Business Integration Expectations 

• A clear, consistent, and accessible public acknowledgement by the executive management team recognizing sustainability as a business imperative. 

• Regular and public disclosure of the most material and salient sustainable business priorities, commitments, and performance. 

• Regular, constructive engagement with Ceres on issues of material and salient importance to the company. 

• Ongoing improvement of sustainable business integration as described in the Ceres Roadmap 2030. 

Member Performance Expectations (to be met within two years of joining) 

• Have and disclose scope 1, 2, and 3 greenhouse gas emission reduction targets (including short and mid-term milestones) in line with the most current science. 

• Have and disclose a policy and/or targets, as is sector relevant, to conserve and protect water and natural resources, on a path toward future resource positivity. 

• Have and disclose a policy that clearly articulates respect for the human rights of both direct and indirect employees, preferentially in line with the UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights. 

• Have and disclose targets to improve representation, on a path to achieving equity for women and other historically disadvantaged or underrepresented groups across the workforce. 

If your company is interested in joining the Ceres Company Network, please fill out the form below. To be eligible for membership, your company must be headquartered in North America, or have a major North American presence.  

Annual member fees are determined on a sliding scale based on company annual revenue. Special projects may incur an additional fee.