CDP – The Carbon Disclosure Project simply explained

The CDP (formerly the Carbon Disclosure Project) is one of the world’s leading platforms for environmental and climate data. Companies, cities and regions use CDP to report transparently on their climate risks, emissions and strategies. Anyone who wants to do business sustainably today can hardly avoid CDP reporting.
ecos supports organisations in Switzerland and beyond in implementing their CDP reporting strategically and efficiently. On this page you will find an introduction to CDP, its meaning and the most important terms – and find out how you can best prepare for it.
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What is the CDP (formerly the Carbon Disclosure Project)?

The CDP is an international non-profit organisation that provides a comprehensive system for the disclosure of environmental information. The aim is to provide investors, companies and other stakeholders with comparable data and thus make progress in climate protection and sustainability measurable.
Companies that report to the CDP answer one or more CDP questionnaires each year, which ask for details on the following topics:

  • Climate change is the questionnaire most frequently completed by companies.
  • Water security is also answered by many companies if there are water-related risks or opportunities.
  • Deforestation (forests) is also relevant for companies with supply chains that rely on forestry raw materials.

Why is CDP reporting important?

More and more investors, business partners and customers are paying attention to how companies manage their climate risks. A good CDP rating or CDP score signals transparency and a sense of responsibility – and is increasingly becoming a prerequisite for financing and partnerships.
CDP Disclosure helps companies to sharpen their climate strategy, recognise opportunities and meet regulatory requirements such as the TCFD framework.

CDP scores, ratings and rankings

The answers to the CDP questionnaire are evaluated and result in a CDP score (e.g. A-D). A high score indicates that the company understands, manages and transparently reports climate risks.
Many companies want to improve their CDP rating in order to increase their credibility and fulfil investor requirements.

CDP Questionnaire & Disclosure: How it works

The annual CDP Questionnaire is comprehensive and complex. It asks questions about:

  • emissions data and reduction targets
  • Governance structures
  • Climate risk analyses
  • Measures to reduce emissions
  • Supply chains and Scope 3

Completion requires careful harmonisation of data, objectives and strategies. This is why many companies opt for CDP consulting in order to organise the process efficiently and successfully.

CDP advice and support

Do you want more than just general information? Do you want to set up your CDP reporting strategically, improve your score and streamline the process?

Find out more about our professional CDP support and advice here.

→ Click here to go directly to our CDP accompaniment offer.