Voluntary Global

CDP: Global Environmental Disclosure System

CDP operates the world's largest environmental disclosure system, maintaining the richest and most comprehensive dataset on corporate and governmental environmental action. Since 2000, CDP has mobilised stakeholders across enterprise, capital markets, policy, and science.

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Overview

CDP (formerly Carbon Disclosure Project) is an independent, not-for-profit organisation running the global disclosure system for investors, companies, cities, states and regions to manage their environmental impacts. The platform covers climate change, water security, forests, and plastics. Organisations can disclose through CDP either at the request of Capital Markets Signatories (major investors) or as Self-Selected Companies demonstrating voluntary commitment. With operations across 50+ locations and 90+ countries, CDP provides the standardised framework that enables meaningful comparison and drives environmental action globally.

Key Points

  • World's largest environmental disclosure system
  • Covers climate, water, forests, and plastics
  • Scoring system from A (Leadership) to F (Non-Response)
  • Aligned with TCFD, GHG Protocol, and GRI frameworks
  • Prepares organisations for mandatory reporting requirements

Disclosure Pillars

Key areas of disclosure required under CDP

1

Climate Change

Comprehensive disclosure on greenhouse gas emissions, climate risks and opportunities, governance, strategy, and targets.

  • Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions reporting
  • Climate risk assessment and management
  • Science-based targets progress
  • Low-carbon transition planning
2

Water Security

Disclosure on water management, risks, and stewardship across operations and supply chains.

  • Water withdrawal and consumption
  • Water-related risks and opportunities
  • Water stewardship initiatives
  • Supply chain water management
3

Forests

Reporting on deforestation risks and sustainable commodity sourcing practices.

  • Deforestation-linked commodities
  • Traceability and certification
  • Forest protection commitments
  • Supply chain due diligence
4

Plastics

Disclosure on plastic use, waste, and circular economy initiatives.

  • Plastic production and use
  • Waste and recycling metrics
  • Circular economy strategies
  • Packaging reduction commitments

Implementation Timeline

Key dates and milestones for CDP compliance

1
Step 1

Register on CDP Portal

Create an account and register your organisation on the CDP online response system

2
Step 2

Complete Disclosure Questionnaire

Questionnaires open in April with an early July deadline. Answer sector-specific questions on environmental management and performance

3
Step 3

Verify Environmental Data

100% verification is required for Scope 1 & 2 emissions. Third-party verification is encouraged for higher scores

4
Step 4

Submit Response

Submit your completed response by the deadline. Late submissions may affect scoring

5
Step 5

Receive CDP Score

Scores are released at year-end or early the following year. A-list companies are publicly recognised

Key Benefits

Why organisations choose to comply with CDP

Stakeholder Expectations

Meet growing demands from investors, customers, and supply chain partners for environmental transparency.

Peer Benchmarking

Compare your environmental performance against industry peers and identify areas for improvement.

A-List Recognition

Achieve public recognition as an environmental leader through CDP's prestigious A-list designation.

Framework Alignment

CDP questionnaires align with TCFD, GHG Protocol, and GRI, streamlining multiple reporting requirements.

Supply Chain Engagement

Use CDP Supply Chain program to collect environmental data from suppliers and drive improvements.

Mandatory Preparation

Build the processes and data infrastructure needed for emerging mandatory climate reporting requirements.

Key Stakeholders & Institutions

Capital Markets Signatories

Institutional investors who request corporate disclosure through CDP

Supply Chain Members

Companies engaging suppliers through CDP Supply Chain program

Cities & Regions

Sub-national governments disclosing through CDP-ICLEI partnership

Accredited Solutions Providers

Consultants and software providers supporting CDP disclosure

TCFD

Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures - framework alignment

GRI

Global Reporting Initiative - standards harmonisation partner

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about CDP compliance

What are the CDP scoring levels?
CDP uses an A to F scoring scale: A (Leadership) demonstrates best practices and environmental stewardship; B (Management) shows good environmental management; C (Awareness) indicates understanding of environmental issues; D (Disclosure) represents the initial reporting step; F indicates insufficient information or no response.
Is CDP disclosure mandatory?
CDP disclosure is currently voluntary for most organisations. However, companies may be requested to disclose by investors (Capital Markets Signatories) or customers (Supply Chain members). The global trend is toward mandatory environmental reporting, and CDP helps prepare organisations for future requirements.
What does CDP disclosure cost?
Administrative fees range from $1,055 to $6,500 depending on the service tier (Essential, Foundation, or Enhanced). Some exemptions apply for organisations only requested through Supply Chain membership or certain investor programs.
How do I achieve an A-list score?
A-list companies demonstrate leadership through comprehensive disclosure, verified emissions data, science-based targets, and evidence of environmental best practices. Third-party verification of emissions is typically required for A-list consideration.
What verification is required?
100% verification is required for Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions to be scored. Third-party verification is encouraged and typically required for higher scores. CDP provides guidance on acceptable verification standards.
When are CDP questionnaires open?
CDP questionnaires typically open in April each year, with a submission deadline in early July. Scores are released at year-end or early in the following year. A-list companies are publicly announced.
Can private companies disclose through CDP?
Yes, private companies can disclose through CDP's Private Markets platform or as Self-Selected Companies. This demonstrates voluntary commitment to environmental transparency and helps prepare for future reporting requirements.
How does CDP align with TCFD?
CDP questionnaires are aligned with TCFD recommendations, covering governance, strategy, risk management, and metrics and targets. Completing CDP disclosure provides much of the information needed for TCFD-aligned reporting.

Key Terminology

A-List

CDP's highest recognition for companies demonstrating environmental leadership and best practices.

Capital Markets Signatories

Institutional investors who request corporate environmental disclosure through CDP.

Self-Selected Company (SSC)

Companies that voluntarily choose to disclose through CDP without investor request.

Supply Chain Program

CDP program enabling companies to collect environmental data from their suppliers.

Science-Based Targets

Emission reduction targets aligned with climate science to limit global warming.

TCFD

Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures - framework for climate reporting.

Related Frameworks

AASB S2

Australian mandatory climate disclosures

Learn more →

AASB S1

Australian general sustainability disclosures

Learn more →

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