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How is the CDP score calculated?

Do you want to know how the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) turns your data into a letter grade? Many people wonder about this. The CDP scoring system can seem hard to understand, but knowing how it works can help you get a better score.

CDP scoring is not just about filling out a form. Your final score depends on many things—data quality, verification, and governance all play crucial roles. You need to understand what CDP assessors look for to succeed.

Let’s explore how CDP calculates your score and discover the strategies that can help you achieve a better grade.

What is the CDP scoring methodology?

The CDP scoring system uses letters A to D, but it’s far more sophisticated than a simple grading scale. Each letter grade represents a detailed evaluation framework with four distinct performance levels:

  • Disclosure (D) – The foundation level that checks if you provide the basic information CDP requires
  • Awareness (C) – Evaluates your understanding of climate risks and opportunities
  • Management (B) – Assesses how you address these issues through concrete policies and actions
  • Leadership (A) – Recognizes companies that demonstrate best practices and measurable environmental progress

CDP transitioned from numerical scoring (0–100) to letters because they wanted to illustrate the developmental journey companies take. The letter grades represent progressive stages of environmental maturity, making it clearer what organizations need to accomplish next.

Each level builds systematically on the previous one. You cannot jump directly to Leadership without demonstrating solid Management practices first. Understanding this progression is essential as we examine how CDP collects and evaluates the data that determines your placement.

How CDP collects and evaluates your data

Once you submit your CDP questionnaire, a comprehensive evaluation process begins. This assessment goes far beyond simply checking boxes.

CDP assessors meticulously review every response, examining the quality and completeness of your data. Missing information, unclear explanations, or inconsistencies can significantly impact your final score.

The evaluation uses a weighted system where certain sections carry more influence than others. Your emissions data and reduction targets typically hold more weight than general policy statements, meaning strong performance in these critical areas can substantially boost your score.

Verification plays a crucial role in this process. CDP assessors cross-reference your submissions with external sources, including annual reports and public announcements. They’re looking for consistency and credibility across all your communications.

This thorough assessment takes several weeks as trained analysts examine hundreds of data points. They’re searching for evidence of genuine environmental action, not just well-intentioned statements. Building on this rigorous evaluation process, certain factors carry particular weight in determining your final score.

Key factors that influence your CDP score

Understanding what CDP assessors prioritize most can help you focus your preparation efforts strategically. Here are the critical elements that significantly impact your final grade:

  • Data quality – Serves as the foundation of everything else. Incomplete or inaccurate information will undermine even the most ambitious environmental programs. CDP demands precise emissions figures with clear methodological explanations backed by reliable collection systems.
  • Target setting – CDP specifically looks for emissions reduction targets that are both science-based and time-bound. Companies with Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) approved goals consistently achieve higher scores.
  • Governance structures – Assessors expect to see board-level oversight of climate issues with clear accountability mechanisms and climate considerations integrated into core business strategy.
  • Risk management capabilities – CDP wants evidence that you’ve systematically identified climate risks and opportunities, assessed their potential business impact, and developed comprehensive response strategies.
  • Third-party verification – Independent validation demonstrates credibility and commitment, particularly for emissions data and reduction targets.

Generic assessments and treating environmental management as a separate function typically result in lower scores. However, navigating these complex requirements often requires specialized expertise.

Ready to improve your CDP performance?

You don’t have to navigate CDP’s complex scoring system alone. Whether you’re pursuing your first A-list recognition or working to maintain leadership status, having the right expertise makes all the difference.

At Dazzle, we understand that every organization’s CDP journey is unique. We offer flexible engagement models with our pre-screened sustainability experts, allowing you to access specialized knowledge for specific projects or ongoing support throughout the year.

The best part? We can connect you with CDP specialists within 48 hours, eliminating lengthy delays when you need expert guidance most. Ready to transform your CDP performance? Contact our team of experts today.

If you are interested in learning more, reach out to our team of experts today.

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