Complete guide to CDP (formerly Carbon Disclosure Project) reporting for UK companies. Disclose climate, water, and forest data through the world's leading environmental disclosure platform, used by 680+ financial institutions managing $130 trillion.
CDP is a global environmental disclosure platform that enables companies, cities, states and regions to measure and manage their environmental impacts. Over 15,000 companies disclosed through CDP in 2024, representing over 60% of global market capitalization.
Used by 680+ financial institutions with $130 trillion in assets for investment decisions
Climate change, water security, and forest protection in one integrated platform
Greenhouse gas emissions and climate risks
Key Sections:
Program Details:
Water management and security risks
Key Sections:
Program Details:
Deforestation risks and forest management
Key Sections:
Program Details:
Comprehensive disclosure with industry-leading practices and ambitious targets.
Criteria:
A-List recognition for transparency, performance, and leadership
Benefits:
Global recognition, investor confidence, competitive advantage
Detailed disclosure demonstrating good management and awareness of environmental issues.
Criteria:
Evidence of action on environmental management
Benefits:
Above-average performance recognition, stakeholder trust
Good level of disclosure showing environmental awareness and some action.
Criteria:
Environmental impact knowledge with some mitigation actions
Benefits:
Baseline performance demonstration
Basic disclosure providing transparency but limited evidence of action.
Criteria:
Disclosure of environmental information without significant action
Benefits:
Transparency credit, stakeholder engagement
Failed to provide sufficient information or declined to participate.
Criteria:
Insufficient or no response to CDP questionnaire
Benefits:
None - reputational risk
CDP data is used by 680+ financial institutions managing $130 trillion in assets.
Key Statistic:
87% of S&P 500 companies disclose through CDP
Systematic identification and management of climate, water, and forest risks.
Key Statistic:
Companies report average $5.5bn in risk exposure through CDP
A-List status signals environmental leadership to customers and stakeholders.
Key Statistic:
A-List companies outperform peers by 7.8% on ROIC
Meet customer disclosure requirements and supply chain sustainability criteria.
Key Statistic:
300+ major companies request CDP data from suppliers
CDP disclosure aligns with TCFD and prepares for mandatory climate reporting.
Key Statistic:
CDP questions mapped to TCFD recommendations
CDP framework drives systematic environmental performance improvement.
Key Statistic:
CDP companies reduce emissions 2x faster than non-disclosers
CDP questionnaires are comprehensive and require detailed environmental data across multiple areas.
Solution:
Start data collection early, use CDP guidance documents, consider external support for first submission.
Completing CDP disclosure requires significant time and coordination across multiple departments.
Solution:
Establish dedicated project team, allocate 100-200 hours for comprehensive response, plan timeline carefully.
Questions require understanding of environmental management, accounting methodologies, and risk assessment.
Solution:
Invest in training, engage environmental consultants, participate in CDP webinars and guidance sessions.
Achieving high CDP scores requires demonstrating leadership and ambitious action on environmental issues.
Solution:
Set science-based targets, implement robust environmental management systems, demonstrate year-on-year improvement.
Scope 3 emissions and supply chain environmental data can be difficult to obtain and verify.
Solution:
Engage suppliers early, use industry databases, implement supplier questionnaires and assessment programs.
CDP disclosure opens in January each year with responses due in July. Start planning now to ensure high-quality disclosure and maximize your CDP score.