CDP reporting: What to know and how to get started

What is CDP reporting?

CDP reporting is the process for companies, cities, states, and regions disclose their environmental data through the CDP (formerly known as the Carbon Disclosure Project). It is one of the most widely used global frameworks for carbon disclosure reporting, and it’s trusted by thousands of investors, customers and regulators.

Companies use CDP to disclose information on their greenhouse gas emissions, climate risks, targets, and value chain engagement. These responses are scored annually, offering an independent view of how well your business is managing its environmental impact.

While participation is technically voluntary, many companies now report because they’ve been requested to by investors, customers, or financial institutions. Submissions are scored each year and can be made public or private. In 2023, over 23,000 organisations disclosed through CDP, including nearly three-quarters of the world’s largest listed companies.

Who needs to report to CDP?

Though voluntary, many companies receive formal requests to disclose from investors, customers or financial institutions. These requests are issued through CDP’s platform and are increasingly common across sectors.

Other businesses choose to report proactively to demonstrate leadership, improve internal systems or prepare for mandatory ESG reporting. This includes mid-market manufacturers, suppliers to large corporates and brands navigating frameworks like CSRD or ISSB. Even private companies are disclosing more frequently as value chain transparency becomes a procurement expectation.

If your company is looking to strengthen its climate credentials, CDP reporting is quickly becoming a baseline.

How the CDP reporting process works

Each year, CDP runs a structured disclosure cycle. Whether your company has been formally requested to report or is disclosing voluntarily, the process follows a defined sequence.

CDP publishes updated questionnaires and scoring methodology at the start of the year. These are tailored by sector and geography to ensure relevance. Most companies will respond to the Climate Change questionnaire, though some also disclose on Water, Forests, Plastics or Biodiversity, depending on their operations.

Once the reporting window opens, submissions are made through CDP’s Online Response System (ORS), and companies are evaluated on the completeness and quality of their responses. Disclosures are scored and, if submitted publicly, used by investors, procurement platforms and ESG assessors

Steps to submit your CDP report

1. Register and access your questionnaire

You’ll first need to confirm participation by registering through the CDP portal. Once registered, you’ll be given access to a sector and region-specific questionnaire. This will include climate-related topics such as emissions, governance, risks and targets. For some companies, additional modules on forests, water, plastics or biodiversity may also apply.

2. Review guidance and scoring methodology

Each year, CDP updates its guidance documents and scoring criteria. These are essential to understand what’s being asked and how your answers will be evaluated. Reviewing this early can help shape your internal data collection efforts and narrative framing.

3. Collect and validate your data

This is typically the most time-intensive step. You’ll need to gather both quantitative and qualitative data across multiple teams, such as sustainability, operations, procurement and finance. This includes Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions, governance details and climate risk assessments. It’s important to ensure your reporting boundaries, metrics, and units are consistent throughout.

4. Submit your response through the ORS

Once your data is ready, you’ll enter it into CDP’s Online Response System (ORS). The platform allows you to save and return to sections, upload supporting documentation and mark fields as “explain” if certain data isn’t yet available.

5. Track submission and receive feedback

After submission, CDP will review your disclosure and assign a score if you’ve opted to disclose publicly. You’ll also receive structured feedback highlighting where you can improve next year’s submission. Scores are usually released in Q4 and used by investors, procurement platforms and ESG assessors to benchmark performance.

CDP scoring system

CDP uses a tiered scoring system that reflects an organisation’s level of environmental maturity. Companies are scored from A to D based on the depth of their disclosure and the strength of their strategy. An F score is assigned to companies that are requested but do not disclose.

How the CDP reporting cycle works

CDP runs one disclosure cycle a year. It publishes updated questionnaires and guidance early in the year, opens its online response system in spring and closes submissions in the autumn, with scores released afterwards. Dates shift slightly each year and can vary by industry, so check CDP's website for this year's deadlines before you plan your data collection.

Why is CDP reporting important?

1. It’s a benchmark for performance - CDP scores are used by investors, buyers and ESG analysts to assess climate maturity.
2. It prepares you for regulation - Disclosing through CDP builds systems and processes that support CSRD, ISSB and other mandatory frameworks.
3. It improves internal decision-making - CDP pushes companies to collect better data, define clearer targets and strengthen governance.
4. It signals credibility to stakeholders - Responding to a CDP request shows you take climate seriously and that your business is ready for scrutiny.

How Zevero can help with CDP reporting

Our sustainability experts help you prepare accurate Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions data, identify reporting gaps and align with CDP’s current requirements. With our ESG disclosure reporting tool, you can upload key documents and generate draft responses to the CDP questionnaire, cutting the time it takes to report from weeks to days. Whether you’re responding to a formal request or leading on transparency, we give you the structure and support to submit with confidence.

Final thoughts

CDP reporting is no longer a box-ticking exercise. It’s a clear signal to investors, customers and regulators that your business takes climate action seriously and has the data to prove it. As disclosure expectations grow, those who prepare early will be better placed to meet regulatory requirements, strengthen their ESG profile and lead in a more transparent economy.

If you’re planning to disclose this cycle, now is the time to align your data, sharpen your strategy and submit with confidence.