Getting ready for CDP disclosure is like preparing for a big sustainability test. The Carbon Disclosure Project wants to see everything. They need data, documents, and clear explanations of how your company helps the environment.
You need to prepare many things for your CDP submission. You must gather governance documents, financial data, emissions data, and verification reports. Everything should tell a clear story about your sustainability work.
The good news? Once you know what CDP wants, you can collect everything step by step. Let’s explore the complete roadmap to building a strong CDP response that demonstrates real environmental leadership.
Understanding CDP disclosure requirements and deadlines
CDP has three main programmes, each with different focus areas and requirements:
- Climate change questionnaire – covers greenhouse gas emissions, energy use, and climate risks (the biggest and most popular option)
- Water security questionnaire – focuses on water management practices
- Forests programme – examines deforestation risks in supply chains
Most companies submit their responses between January and July. The exact deadline depends on when you registered and which programme you choose. Climate change disclosures usually need to be submitted by late July, giving you several months to gather materials and write your responses.
Why do companies participate? Investors expect it, and CDP disclosure helps companies compare their performance with others while finding areas to improve.
Many procurement teams now require CDP scores from suppliers, making participation crucial for maintaining business relationships. Being transparent also builds trust with stakeholders and can improve access to sustainable finance options.
The scoring system goes from A to D-. Leadership grades (A and A-) go to companies with excellent environmental work, though even regular participation at any level shows real commitment to sustainability.
Building on this foundation of understanding the requirements, the next crucial step is assembling the right documentation to support your submission.
Essential documents you need for CDP submission
Your CDP response needs solid documents that prove your claims. Think of these documents as evidence that turns your sustainability story into credible reporting.
Start with your organisational structure documents. CDP wants to understand how environmental responsibility works in your company, requiring organisational charts showing reporting lines, board committee structures, and clear responsibility for climate issues.
Your sustainability policy documents should be current, formally approved, and publicly available—CDP reviewers will check.
Key document categories include:
- Financial documents – recent annual reports, financial statements, and sustainability-linked financing agreements
- Governance evidence – board meeting minutes discussing climate issues, executive compensation structures with environmental targets, and risk management frameworks
- Third-party verification reports – emissions data verification from financial auditors or specialised environmental verification bodies
- Operational documents – energy management system certifications, supplier codes of conduct, and internal training materials
If you made climate-related investments or faced weather-related financial impacts, gather the supporting financial analysis and board papers that document these decisions.
While documentation provides the foundation, the heart of your CDP submission lies in the comprehensive data that demonstrates your environmental performance.
Data collection and measurement requirements for CDP
CDP’s data requirements are extensive and precise. The platform expects detailed breakdowns of your Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions with clear methodology explanations and documented assumptions.
Scope 1 covers direct emissions from owned sources, Scope 2 includes purchased energy, and Scope 3 covers your entire value chain—often the largest and most complex category.
Energy consumption data needs comprehensive coverage of electricity, heating, cooling, and transport fuels. CDP wants consumption figures, renewable energy percentages, and energy efficiency improvements over time.
If you’re setting science-based targets, you need baseline data and progress tracking systems that show measurable improvements.
Water usage statistics are critical for the water security questionnaire, including withdrawal volumes, discharge quality, water recycling rates, and water stress assessments. Forest-related data focuses on commodity sourcing, supply chain traceability, and deforestation risk assessments.
Target-setting information requires historical performance data, future projections, and clear methodologies for measuring progress. CDP particularly values targets that are science-based, time-bound, and cover significant portions of your emissions footprint.
High-quality data collection systems spanning multiple departments require coordination between finance, operations, procurement, and sustainability teams. CDP’s scoring methodology rewards accuracy, completeness, and transparency—making robust measurement infrastructure a worthwhile investment.
Given the complexity of these requirements, many companies discover that professional guidance can significantly enhance their disclosure success.
Ready to tackle your CDP disclosure?
CDP disclosure success comes down to good preparation, quality data, and compelling storytelling about your sustainability journey. Whether you’re submitting for the first time or aiming to improve your score, having the right expertise can make all the difference.
At Dazzle, we understand that every company’s CDP journey is unique. Our network of pre-screened sustainability experts includes specialists who know CDP reporting inside and out, bringing deep knowledge of scoring methodologies and best practices to your project.
With our flexible approach, you can access exactly the expertise you need—whether that’s comprehensive submission support or targeted help with specific sections. Ready to make your CDP disclosure a success? Reach out to our team of experts, and we can connect you with the right specialist within 48 hours.
If you are interested in learning more, reach out to our team of experts today.
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