In February, over 22,000 companies received their 2024 CDP scorecards. Widely recognised as the largest set of self-reported environmental data, CDP is a key framework for businesses to track, share and drive sustainability progress. But how can you improve your CDP score – and how can it accelerate your business’s sustainability performance?
What is CDP?
CDP is a global non-profit organisation that runs the world’s only independent environmental disclosure system. By sourcing data from companies, capital markets, cities, states and regions, CDP seeks to mobilise positive action for people, planet and profit.
To surface new information, enabling Earth-positive decisions to protect future generations. This is why we exist and is what drives decisions every day at CDP – CDP’s organisational purpose
Understanding the CDP scoring system
One of the outputs of CDP’s disclosure process is a formal ‘score’, ranging from A to D-. Companies that demonstrate outstanding ‘A-grade’ environmental performance and transparency are included in the CDP ‘A List’. Published annually on the CDP website, companies with ‘A’ scores are seen to be leading the way for environmental progress and disclosure – a differentiating factor with credibility and global significance.
What does this look like in practice?
For climate disclosure, companies with high CDP scores may:
- Disclose climate risks, opportunities and impacts on an annual basis
- Demonstrate that concrete and substantial actions are implemented to reduce carbon emissions, aligned with global frameworks (e.g. SBTI)
- Exemplify strong corporate governance, where Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) priorities are integrated into business strategy across the organisation.
Why does it matter?
Showing progress through your CDP scores provides tangible evidence of your company’s wider sustainability improvement, amplifying positive reputation and increasing investor confidence.
CDP scores are an essential tool for investors assessing risks and opportunities, and presenting critical insights into a company’s environmental performance. Over $130 trillion in assets is now managed by investors who rely on CDP data, making companies with high CDP scores more attractive for responsible, long-term investment.
Improving environmental performance & CDP scoring
Following the CDP score release, we hear several common challenges from our clients, including:
- Understanding the changes between the 2024 CDP score and previous rating – especially when your score remained the same or even decreased when you expected it to improve
- Identifying concrete ways to improve your score in a relatively short window (the 2025 CDP submission deadline is 15th September)
- Translating your scorecard into credible business progress
To help our clients address these challenges, our CDP Scorecard review helps you to understand any changes to previous year scores, identify key improvement areas, and advise you on the actions needed to address the gaps.
Alongside Seismic’s guidance and support, you will receive a roadmap of quick wins to implement in time for your next CDP submission, as well as long-term goals to further accelerate your company’s environmental performance.
Your CDP scorecard will only reflect the information that has been disclosed. As your partner for change, Seismic can help you gain confidence in the data that you’re disclosing to CDP, ensuring that you maximise your score year-on-year.
Speak to us today about how we can help your business improve its CDP score.
