CDP is a nonprofit organization that runs one of the largest environmental disclosure system. The organization provides standardized questionnaires for companies to disclose consistent, comparable environmental data. CDP scores these disclosures annually, evaluating companies based on both transparency and performance.

The long-term goal for many is to make it onto the coveted “A-List.” However, out of 21,000 companies scored in 2023, just under 400 companies achieved an A rating.

In 2024, CDP scores companies across four main areas:

CDP added biodiversity and plastics to the questionnaire, signaling these areas may be scored in the future.

CDP regularly updates its framework as environmental priorities evolve to reflect new regulations and stakeholder expectations. Anticipating these shifts early is crucial to stay competitive.

In 2023 and 2024, CDP introduced updates that streamline reporting and emphasize higher data quality. Notable changes include:

These shifts aim to reduce the reporting burden for companies while also encouraging deeper engagement with environmental impacts throughout supply chains.

‍CDP’s 5-year strategy hints at more significant changes in the near future, which sustainability leaders should prepare for. These include:

If you’re new to CDP reporting, your first step should be a thorough review of the questionnaire and sector-specific requirements. Make use of essential resources like the 2024 PDF Questionnaire (Modules 1-6, 7, and 8-13), and the Scoring methodology to familiarize yourself with CDP’s expectations.

For returning reporters, a good starting point is to analyze your most recent submission and score when it’s available. Identify gaps and areas for improvement for 2025.

Setting clear internal deadlines, milestones, and team responsibilities early on will be crucial for efficient data collection and reporting. It’s also important to consider how CDP reporting will align with other reporting initiatives, such as CSRD and CBAM, to reduce overlap and increase efficiency.

Once you’ve mapped out your strategy and plan, the next focus is data collection. This involves tracking key environmental metrics, ranging from carbon accounting to water, forests, biodiversity, and plastics. Documenting processes around reporting, data collection, and quality assurance will help you guarantee accuracy and higher data quality. This phase will involve multiple stakeholders, such as the sustainability, finance, IT, HR and operation departments.

Cozero can support with comprehensive data collection, supplier engagement, Scope 3 emissions tracking, and more to make it easier to manage granular sustainability data.

CDP’s scoring framework is designed to foster continual improvement, encouraging companies to enhance their environmental management practices year over year.

First-time reporters should focus on disclosing all available information, even if some data points or initiatives aren’t fully developed. Over time, you can use your CDP score to identify gaps, develop solutions, and align with internal and external stakeholders on key areas for improvement.

As an example, companies that start with basic Scope 1 and 2 emissions reporting should eventually progress to higher levels of detail and verification, expanding into Scope 3 emissions and refining data quality through supplier-specific information.

In Cozero, you can track and report your GHG emissions according to specific data ranges and business units or certain guidelines and regulatory requirements.

Currently, the CSRD E1-4 Report and the CDP Report are integrated into Cozero in “Computed Reports”. The feature simplifies the disclosure process and empowers our customers to align with international sustainability standards effortlessly.

Click “Generate Report”. The progress information next to the report name provides details on the current status. While the report is being computed, the field shows “Processing” and switches to “Available”, once the report has been generated.

In the coming months, extensions and additional reports will be available in this section, expanding our coverage of various regulatory frameworks and standards. With this feature, we aim to help you in navigating the evolving landscape of sustainability reporting.
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