---
title: FAQs
description: "Find answers to popular questions about CDP, disclosing, the admin fee, and more. Plus read our glossary of key sustainability terms."
locale: en
canonical: https://www.cdp.net/en/faqs
contentType: page
updatedAt: 2026-06-22T15:49:32.557Z
---

# FAQs

### General disclosure information

### How do I disclose through CDP? 

Companies, cities, states and regions disclose their environmental information through the [CDP Portal](https://myportal.cdp.net/?utm_source=faqs&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=inline).

In 2026, CDP’s annual disclosure cycle opens in June for four months, closing in October. This serves as a window of opportunity for companies, cities, states, and regions to demonstrate their environmental progress over the past year and achieve a score in the process.

Learn more about [how to disclose](https://www.cdp.net/en/disclose/how-to-disclose) including a summary of the key steps and latest disclosure and scoring materials. You can also find the latest updates and resources for the 2026 disclosure cycle [on our Hub page](https://www.cdp.net/en/disclosure-2026).

### Who is requesting my environmental data?

Stakeholders are increasingly requesting environmental data through CDP. These Requesters include capital markets, large purchasing organizations who are [Supply Chain members](/en/supply-chain.md), [Banks program members](/en/corporate-banking-program.md), and membership/initiatives such as RE100.

Requesters use this data to inform decisions and drive environmental action.

Requested organizations can see which entities have asked them to disclose their environmental data in the CDP Portal.

Learn more about [requesting data and disclosure](https://www.cdp.net/en/request-data).

### Who is requesting my environmental data?

Cities disclosing through CDP-ICLEI Track can report simultaneously to multiple global climate initiatives that request city data:

- CDP
- ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability
- C40 Cities
- The Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy
- Race to Resilience
- Race to Zero
- European Environment Agency*
- NetZeroCities*
- FairFuture*
- Union of Baltic Cities* 

*Europe only

CDP-ICLEI Track is the world’s leading climate reporting platform and progress accountability mechanism for local governments. Reporting and sharing data with Requesters can help cities understand their impact, take action, and get access to capacity-building opportunities and relevant support networks.

Learn more about [requesting data and disclosure](https://www.cdp.net/en/request-data).

### Who is requesting my environmental data?

*Note, this is not relevant to Japan.*

States and Regions disclosing through CDP can report simultaneously to multiple global climate initiatives requesting their data:

- CDP 
- Climate Group 
- Regions4
- 州长气候与森林工作组
- 奔向韧性
- 奔向零碳
- 欧盟环境署* 
- 净零城市* 
- FairFuture* 

*Europe only 

CDP is the world’s leading climate reporting platform and progress accountability mechanism for states and regions. Reporting and sharing data with Requesters can help states and regions understand their impact, take action, and get access to capacity-building opportunities and relevant support networks.

Learn more about [requesting data and disclosure](https://www.cdp.net/en/request-data).

### What information am I being requested to disclose? 

Companies disclose data on the impact of their business activities on environmental issues or themes such as climate change, deforestation and water security. Companies can do this through CDP's streamlined corporate questionnaire or SME questionnaire, depending on which is most relevant to them. 

Organizations disclosing through both the full and SME corporate questionnaires can confirm whether they intend to disclose on environmental issues such as forests and water security. Whether you are asked to disclose because of a Requester or following CDP’s [Industry Impact Classification](https://cdp.net/api/file/industry-impact-classification) or your own self-assessment, you can either accept or decline to respond. Learn more about intention to submit and opt-ins in 2026, [in our signposting document](https://assets.ctfassets.net/v7uy4j80khf8/4nJknsPHADb8Titi2qH3WS/deec3c0416496b93ef2efbf985e7a414/Key_Changes_2026_Questionnaire.pdf).

Questionnaires are made up of modules such as: 

- Governance; 
- Business Strategy; and 
- Environmental Performance. 

Some modules are sector-specific, some are issue-specific, and some are integrated, or multi-issue. 

If a Self-Selected Company (SSC) meets the eligibility for the SME questionnaire based on the revenue and headcount they enter in the questionnaire setup, they can choose between the SME and full corporate questionnaire. SSCs can also select whether they intend to disclose on forests and/or water in the questionnaire setup.

You can explore our **questionnaire, guidance and scoring methodologies for the 2026 cycle and export these in a PDF format, **[**from the CDP Portal**](https://myportal.cdp.net/guidance?utm_source=faqs&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=inline). Note, our questionnaire and guidance will be published during the week of April 20, while our scoring methodology will be published during the week of 27 April.

### What information am I being requested to disclose?

The CDP Cities and States and Regions questionnaires request qualitative and quantitative environmental data for the following themes: 

- Governance;
- Climate hazards, Adaptation;
- Jurisdiction-wide emissions; 
- Community-wide emissions;
- Emissions reduction, Opportunities;
- Energy, Buildings, Transport;
- Urban planning;
- Forests (selected states and regions only);
- Food, Waste; and 
- Water security.

 

You can explore our **questionnaire, guidance and scoring methodologies for the 2026 cycle and export these in a PDF format **[**from the CDP Portal**](https://myportal.cdp.net/guidance?utm_source=faqs&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=inline)**. **Note, our questionnaire and guidance will be published during the week of April 20, while our scoring methodology will be published during the week of 27 April.

### Is there anything I must report on?

All companies are asked to respond to climate change questions. 

All companies responding to the full corporate questionnaire are asked supplementary questions on plastics and biodiversity. 

Companies are only asked to respond to forests and water datapoints if at least one of the following conditions is met for forests and/or water security respectively: 

- **Request: **you have been asked to disclose by a requester (eg [a Capital Markets Signatory member](https://www.cdp.net/en/capital-markets-signatories), [a Supply Chain member,](https://www.cdp.net/en/supply-chain)[ a Banks program member](https://www.cdp.net/en/corporate-banking-program) etc.). 
- **Industry Impact Classification:** the environmental impact of your [CDP Activity Classification System (CDP-ACS)](https://cdp.net/api/file/cdp-activity-classification-system) activities on forests and/or water, as established by the [CDP Industry Impact Classification](https://cdp.net/api/file/industry-impact-classification). Note, this is not applicable to organizations responding to the SME questionnaire. 
- **Self-assessment: **based on whether you have indicated that you have identified substantive forests- and/or water-related issues in your questionnaire setup. Note, this is not applicable to organizations responding to the SME questionnaire. 
- **Opt-in:** if none of the above conditions are met but your organization chooses to disclose on forests and/or water security. 

Please note that organizations that have received the [CDP Letter to the Board](/en/disclosure-2026/letter-to-the-board-2026.md) can review their initial assessment of environmental issues they have been requested to disclose on (note, this initial environmental issue assignment is subject to change).

Additionally, if you have been requested to disclose by a Supply Chain member, Banks program member or Private Markets program member, your requester may request you to respond to a specific environmental issue. Organizations are welcome to volunteer to disclose on environmental issues, whether or not they have been requested to do so.

The streamlined corporate questionnaire **doesn’t **mean that all companies have to provide datapoints on all environmental issues.

Questions on water and forests will continue to be presented to companies based on how relevant these issues are to their business and activities. The relevance of these questions is assessed using the CDP-ACS methodology, following the same process CDP has used to determine requests to large public companies for the last decade.

### Is there anything I must report on?

There is no minimum amount of data that cities need to report and the response is completely voluntary at all stages. However, if your city is committed to the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy or a C40 city, certain requirements should be met.

In order to pass the lowest scoring band of ‘disclosure’ according to CDP's scoring methodology, you must provide a fairly complete response to the CDP Cities questionnaire. You can explore and download our scoring methodology and guidance [from the CDP Portal](https://myportal.cdp.net/guidance?utm_source=faqs&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=inline) (note, our scoring methodology will be published during the week of April 27).

### What resources are available to help me disclose? 

CDP provides a wealth of guidance and support to all organizations, from experienced global corporates to small cities just starting out on their disclosure journey. Organizations can view the entire question bank, glossaries, and scoring methodologies that explain what we ask and why.

   

<u>**Guidance and materials**</u>

You can explore our **questionnaire, guidance and scoring methodologies for the 2026 cycle and export these in a PDF format, **[**from the CDP Portal**](https://myportal.cdp.net/guidance?utm_source=faqs&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=inline). Note, our questionnaire and guidance will be published on the week of April 20, while our scoring methodology will be published on the week of 27 April. You can find **further disclosure and scoring materials **[**on our How to Disclose page**](/en/disclose/how-to-disclose.md)**.** 

   

<u>**Disclosure Hub**</u> 

For key dates in the cycle, the latest information and resources, visit our [Disclosure Hub](https://www.cdp.net/en/disclosure-2026).

   

<u>**Help Center (knowledge articles and raising a case)**</u> 

From start to submission, **our dedicated **[**Help Center**](https://help.cdp.net/en-US/)** provides detailed answers on every step of the disclosure process**. The library of knowledge articles available on the Help Center covers specific steps in the disclosure process. 

Disclosers and Requesters can **raise a case with our support team **on the Help Center too, if they cannot find the answer to their query within our articles. Please note, our team receive high volumes of cases during the disclosure cycle.

   

<u>**CDP Reporter Services**</u>

[CDP’s Reporter Services program](https://www.cdp.net/en/disclose/reporter-services) offers several benefits to disclosing companies. These include: 

- High-level feedback on your CDP score ([Score Feedback Calls](https://www.cdp.net/en/data/scores/score-feedback)); 
- A gap analysis of your last CDP response against CDP's updated guidance and scoring methodology (Gap Analysis Calls); and
- A Final Review of your draft response prior to the submission deadline. 

Additionally, Reporter Services members have access to enhanced data products such as a Comparative Analysis Report to compare performance against 10 companies of your choosing on key environmental data points, as well as access to full corporate responses of selected companies within their own sector.

Note, Score Feedback Calls and Gap Analysis Calls are available to **all** companies in 2026 – not just Reporter Services members – although availability for non-members may be limited. Meanwhile, Disclosers paying the [enhanced admin fee](#disclosure-admin-fee) can access **one** Comparative Analysis Report for any environmental theme of their choosing. 

   

**Additionally, you can: **

- [Browse upcoming events and webinars](/en/events.md) to support you with reporting; 
- [Find an Accredited Solutions Provider](https://www.cdp.net/en/find-accredited-solutions-providers) (ASP) for disclosure-related support and access to environmental services to help you take action towards a sustainable economy.

### How is CDP using AI to streamline the disclosure process?

To support scalable, high-quality environmental disclosure, **organizations will have the option to use AI to upload relevant data from unstructured documents **– such as annual reports and sustainability materials – when disclosing through CDP. This new feature within the CDP questionnaire can then suggest responses to key questions, which Disclosers can review, edit, or ignore.

This feature has been developed in partnership with Briink, a specialist AI provider for ESG and climate disclosure, with the needs of our customers at heart to remove complexity and free up time. It is part of our work to streamline the disclosure experience, and we look forward to making continued improvements.

**The feature is being introduced in a phased approach **(as of June 2026), to allow us to test and improve this, so not all organizations will be able to use it immediately (note, all corporate Disclosers should have access in 2026).

**We will provide more information about the feature and update organizations when it is available to them.** If you have any questions, please reach out to your CDP point of contact or visit the [CDP Help Center](https://help.cdp.net/en-US/).

[Learn more about this feature](https://help.cdp.net/en-us/knowledgebase/article/KA-01163) in our dedicated knowledge article on the Help Center.

### Why should I disclose?

Environmental disclosure enables organizations to uncover data and insights that offer immediate value, while building long-term resilience. In 2025, over 23,000 organizations – representing nearly two thirds of global market capitalization – including over 1,000 cities, states, and regions, disclosed their environmental data through CDP.

Disclosure can uncover significant, untapped opportunities. CDP research found that a group of 280 A List environmental leaders realized a total of US$218 billion in environmental opportunities across climate change, water security, and forests.

For local governments, building resilience through disclosure surfaces benefits such as improved food security, increased social inclusion, and job creation en route to tackling wider societal issues. 

Learn more about [the benefits of disclosing](https://www.cdp.net/en/disclose/why-disclose).

### I have not been officially requested to respond. Can I still disclose through CDP?

Yes, a company can volunteer or choose to disclose voluntarily as a Self-Selected Company (SSC) if they haven’t been requested to do so.

SSCs can also include Supply Chain-requested organizations that wish to respond to Capital Markets and/or to receive a public score.

The same policies for companies requested by Capital Markets Signatories apply to SSCs, namely: 

- SSCs must pay the admin fee to disclose;
- SSCs’ responses will be made available to Capital Markets Signatories, which can be shared more widely with CDP Supply Chain members and other stakeholders (eg initiatives like RE100 and Net Zero Asset Managers) if they make them public; and
- SSCs receive a score if they respond to the full corporate questionnaire and submit their response by the scoring deadline.

Organizations must [register to disclose](https://help.cdp.net/en-US/Register-to-Disclose/) in order to disclose as a SSC.

### Environmental campaigns and initiatives

Cities, states and regions can disclose through CDP as part of projects hosted by the following Requesters.

### CDP

**CDP Coalition for High Ambition Multilevel Partnerships (CHAMP) – Cities** 

The [<u>Coalition for High Ambition Multilevel Partnerships</u>](https://www.champ-climate.org/) (CHAMP) is a platform to enhance collaboration between national and subnational governments. To date, 75+ countries have committed to strengthen cooperation between national and subnational actors in the design and implementation of national climate plans, and to improve access to climate finance at the subnational level. 

CDP is proud to be a data partner to this initiative, providing data and insights that enable CHAMP-endorsing countries and partners to track key metrics from disclosing governments, including progress on multilevel coordination and investment gaps prohibiting achievement of national climate goals.

   

**CDP Climate Finance – Cities** 

CDP provides data and insights to catalyze action for climate-resilient, sustainable, and equitable infrastructure projects globally. It bridges the gap between local and regional governments and potential investors by analyzing projects in climate mitigation, adaptation and resilience, then showcasing these to its network of partners, including policymakers, companies, and investors. 

CDP better positions local and regional governments to access more robust technical assistance, funding, and financing opportunities for their climate projects. In particular, disclosing cities should pay attention to questions 2.5 ('What mechanisms are used by your jurisdiction to fund or access finance for climate-related actions?') and 10.2 ('Describe any climate-related projects within your jurisdiction for which you hope to attract financing.’).

### ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability e.V.

**carbonn Climate Registry (cCR)** 

The [<u>carbonn Climate Center</u>](https://carbonn.org/) provides services to local and regional governments tackling climate change and air pollution, guiding their step-by-step approach towards carbon neutrality, energy security, and improved air quality. The carbonn Center manages the carbonn Climate Registry (cCR), which tracks transparency, accountability and credibility, now as part of CDP-ICLEI Track.

   

**ICLEI GreenClimateCities** 

The [<u>GreenClimateCities</u>](https://iclei.org/greenclimatecities/) program is ICLEI’s global climate impact program. It offers tailored guidance to local and regional governments on integrated climate action (resilience, adaptation and mitigation), with the aim of achieving climate neutrality by 2050 at the latest. The GreenClimateCities process and guidance focuses on analysing, acting and accelerating climate action while also exploring access to finance and investment. The ICLEI Network is urged to report to GreenClimateCities questions.

   

**100% Renewable Energy **

The [<u>100% Renewables Cities and Regions Network</u>](https://iclei.org/100re/) supports the transition to a sustainable energy future in cities, towns and regions around the globe. It is linked to The Global 100% Renewable Energy Platform. Local and regional governments committed (or intending to commit) to 100% Renewable Energy (RE) in government operations and in their communities are invited to join.

   

**EcoMobility Alliance** 

The [<u>EcoMobility Alliance</u>](https://iclei.org/ecomobility_alliance/) is a network of ambitious cities – led by innovators and visionaries and supported by experts and businesses – that are committed to building a sustainable mobility future which is integrated, efficient, people-centred, and environmentally friendly.

   

**ICLEI Ukrainian Cities: Climate Neutrality, Resilience and Recovery** 

[<u>This project</u>](https://iclei-europe.org/ukraine-recovery-roadmap) will help enhance Ukrainian cities climate progress accountability. It will support cities engaged in the implementation of the ICLEI Ukraine Roadmap to develop their performance reports, as well as provide an opportunity to disclose climate environmental data (to attract finance for mitigation and adaptation priorities). 

Ukrainian cities will also have the opportunity to engage with other projects that are associated with CDP-ICLEI Track, and gain the best knowledge available as part of the platform and reporting processes.

   

**Transformative Actions Program (TAP)** 

ICLEI's global [<u>Transformative Actions Program</u>](https://iclei.org/tap/) (TAP) aims to catalyze and improve capital flows to cities, towns and regions to accelerate sustainable development. CDP helps local and regional governments identify and prepare priority sustainable infrastructure projects, building their capacity to transform these concepts into robust investment-ready projects.

### C40 Cities

**C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group** 

[<u>C40</u>](https://www.c40.org/) is a network of nearly 100 mayors of the world’s leading cities working to deliver the urgent action needed right now to confront the climate crisis and create a future where everyone, everywhere, can thrive. Mayors of C40 cities are committed to using a science-based and people-focused approach to help the world limit global heating to 1.5°C and build healthy, equitable and resilient communities.

CDP works alongside a broad coalition of representatives from labour, business, the youth climate movement and civil society, to support mayors to halve emissions by 2030 and help phase out fossil use while increasing urban climate resilience and equity.

### Global Covenant of Mayors (GCoM)

**Project name varies by city location (eg GCoM Latin America, GCoM South Asia)**

The [<u>Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy</u>](https://www.globalcovenantofmayors.org/) (GCoM) is the largest alliance for city climate leadership, uniting a global coalition of more than 13,700 cities and local governments who share a long-term vision of supporting voluntary action to combat climate change and moving towards a resilient and low-emission society.

Focusing on three pillars (mitigation, adaptation, and increased access to secure, affordable, and sustainable energy), the GCoM supports implementation of ambitious, measurable, and locally relevant solutions.

CDP-ICLEI Track acts as an official reporting platform for GCoM. Please note that cities reporting to GCoM must report publicly.

### Race to Resilience

**Cities Race to Resilience** 

[<u>Race to Resilience</u>](https://citiesracetoresilience.org/) is a global campaign launched in 2021 led by the Climate Change High Level Champions, aiming to deliver a step-change in global ambition for climate resilience, putting people and nature first in pursuit of a resilient world.

The goal is to catalyse action by non-state actors, to build the resilience of 4 billion people by 2030 from groups and communities most vulnerable to climate risks. CDP-ICLEI Track is the most frequently used platform for Race to Resilience cities. By completing the 2026 Cities Questionnaire, cities are able to report their progress against their Race to Resilience pledges.

### Race to Zero

**Cities Race to Zero** 

CDP-ICLEI Track is the progress tracker for [<u>Race to Zero</u>](http://www.citiesracetozero.org/), a global campaign to rally non-state actors – businesses, cities, regions and investors – to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement. It aims to achieve a healthy, resilient, zero carbon recovery that prevents future threats, creates decent jobs, and unlocks inclusive, sustainable growth.

Race to Zero members pledge to reach net-zero by 2050, set a science-based interim target, take immediate inclusive action to reduce emissions, and report progress annually. Cities who have joined the campaign must report publicly.

### European Environment Agency

**EU Mission on Adaptation to Climate Change**

****[<u>The Mission on Adaptation to Climate Change</u>](https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-open-calls/horizon-europe/eu-missions-horizon-europe/adaptation-climate-change_en) focuses on supporting EU regions, cities and local authorities in their efforts to build resilience against the impacts of climate change.

The Mission contributes to putting the EU’s adaptation strategy in practice by helping Mission Signatories to better understand the climate risks they are and will be confronted with in the future; develop their pathways to be better prepared and cope with the changing climate; and test and deploy on the ground innovative solutions needed to build resilience.

The Mission’s objective is to support by 2030 at least 150 European regions and communities towards climate resilience.

### NetZeroCities

**NetZeroCities - Mission Cities** 

[<u>NetZeroCities</u>](https://netzerocities.eu/) manages the EU Cities Mission “100 Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities by 2030” platform.

NetZeroCities supports the 112 European cities selected by the European Commission to join the EU Cities Mission in drastically reducing their Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions to achieve climate neutrality by 2030, and to inspire other European Cities to follow suit.

NetZeroCities works as a service-oriented platform supported by highly experienced practitioners and researchers to help cities overcome the current structural, institutional, and cultural barriers they face in order to achieve climate neutrality.

Cities involved in the EU Cities Mission are encouraged to report their data on GHG emissions and co-benefits through one or both officially recognised reporting platforms (MyCovenant and CDP-ICLEI Track), with each offering a unique reporting experience.

The reported city data on climate actions is a critical component of monitoring and evaluation in order to meet the goal of 100 climate-neutral cities by 2030 and climate neutrality in the EU by 2050. Cities can measure, learn and innovate based on their own data as well as in a peer-to-peer context.

### FairFuture

**FairFuture – Cities** 

[<u>The FairFuture project</u>](https://fairfutureforclimate.eu/) (September 2025 to August 2029) is a Horizon Europe Innovation Action under the EU Mission on Adaptation to Climate Change. It addresses the urgent challenge of unequal climate impacts and social justice gaps by placing vulnerable groups at the centre of adaptation strategies.

Through four demonstrator cities/regions (Hamburg, Thessaloniki, Val-de-Loire, Zagreb) and replication partners (Castilla y León, Mediterranean Climate Action Partnership, Vinnytsia), the project will co-develop, test, and scale inclusive adaptation measures. The vision is to build Resilience Action Labs as communities of practice, shifting from a narrative of vulnerability to one of active citizenship.

Objectives include empowering local and regional governments, innovating governance for equity, implementing fair adaptation solutions, and ensuring replication across Europe and the Mediterranean.

With strong policy links to the EU Green Deal, Climate Law and Adaptation Strategy, FairFuture is expected to contribute directly to the Mission’s 2030 target of supporting 150 local and regional authorities.

### Union of the Baltic Cities (UBC)

**UBC Sustainable Cities Commission** 

The [<u>UBC</u>](https://www.ubc-sustainable.net/) is a network of cities in the Baltic Sea Region, bringing together member cities from Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland and Sweden, with associate members from Ukraine.

UBC member cities are part of a longstanding cooperation to support cities in turning climate and environmental data into action. UBC member cities are invited to disclose key information on emissions, climate risks, actions and targets using a structured and internationally recognised reporting framework.

Disclosing this data helps cities track progress over time, exchange results with peer cities across the Baltic Sea Region, and generate evidence to support local planning, policy development and funding. This contribution is used to inform the direction of the UBC Sustainable Cities Commission work while increasing the visibility and credibility of cities’ climate action at the regional and international level.

### CDP

**CDP Coalition for High Ambition Multilevel Partnerships (CHAMP) - States & Regions** 

The [Coalition for High Ambition Multilevel Partnerships](https://www.champ-climate.org/) (CHAMP) is a platform to enhance collaboration between national and subnational governments. To date, 75+ countries have committed to strengthen cooperation between national and subnational actors in the design and implementation of national climate plans, and to improve access to climate finance at the subnational level. 

CDP is proud to be a data partner to this initiative, providing data and insights that enable CHAMP-endorsing countries and partners to track key metrics from disclosing governments, including progress on multilevel coordination and investment gaps prohibiting achievement of national climate goals.

   

**CDP Climate Finance - States & Regions** 

CDP provides data and insights to catalyze action for climate-resilient, sustainable, and equitable infrastructure projects globally. It bridges the gap between local and regional governments and potential investors by analyzing projects in climate mitigation, adaptation, and resilience, then showcasing these to its network of partners, including policymakers, companies, and investors. 

CDP better positions local and regional governments to access more robust technical assistance, funding, and financing opportunities for their climate projects. In particular, disclosing cities should pay attention to questions 2.5 ('What mechanisms are used by your jurisdiction to fund or access finance for climate-related actions?') and 10.2 ('Describe any climate-related projects within your jurisdiction for which you hope to attract financing.’).

### Climate Group

**Under2 Coalition**

Climate Group is the Secretariat to [the Under2 Coalition](https://www.theclimategroup.org/under2-coalition), which is the largest global network of states, regions, provinces and other subnational governments committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2050 at the latest. Today, the coalition represents 183 individual states, regions, provinces and subnational governments along with several other national and subnational entities: a total of more than 270 actors, totalling more than 50% of global GDP.

The Under2 Coalition is a partner to the Race to Zero and supports individual states, regions, provinces, prefectures and other subnational ‘actors’ to join Race to Zero.

   

**Regions Race to Zero**

CDP is the progress tracker for the Race to Zero campaign. Race to Zero is a global campaign to rally non-state actors – businesses, cities, regions and investors – to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement. It aims to achieve a healthy, resilient, zero carbon recovery that prevents future threats, creates decent jobs and unlocks inclusive, sustainable growth.

States and Regions can [<u>join Race to Zero</u>](https://www.theclimategroup.org/join-race-to-zero) on The Climate Group website.

### Regions4

**RegionsAdapt** 

[RegionsAdapt](https://regions4.org/regionsadapt), an initiative led by Regions4 and a partner of the Race to Resilience campaign, is a global platform bringing together 80+ subnational governments committed to advancing climate adaptation. It supports states, provinces and regions across the full adaptation cycle, from assessing climate risks and vulnerabilities to planning and implementing actions, and monitoring and reporting progress.

By joining RegionsAdapt, governments benefit from tailored capacity-building, peer exchange, and opportunities to showcase leadership through international events, reports and global advocacy processes. Members also gain visibility within global climate initiatives and access to a strong network of regional peers.

Membership is free and easy. For more information, contact [<u>regionsadapt@regions4.org</u>](mailto:regionsadapt@regions4.org).

   

**Regions Race to Resilience** 

[Race to Resilience](https://regions4.org/regionsadapt-race-to-resilience/) is a global campaign launched in 2021 led by the Climate Change High Level Champions, aiming to deliver a step-change in global ambition for climate resilience, putting people and nature first in pursuit of a resilient world.

The goal is to catalyze action by non-state actors to build the resilience of 4 billion people by 2030 from groups and communities most vulnerable to climate risks.

Within this campaign, RegionsAdapt serves as the official partner driving the participation of States & Regions, ensuring their contributions are recognised, supported and amplified. CDP is partnering with Regions4 to allow the RegionsAdapt initiative to track the progress for states and regions in this impactful campaign, providing greater visibility to publicly reported data.

To join the campaign, contact [<u>regionsadapt@regions4.org</u>](mailto:regionsadapt@regions4.org).

### Governors’ Climate and Forests Task Force Members

The [Governors’ Climate and Forests Task Force](https://www.gcftf.org/what-we-do/partnerships/) (GCF-TF) is a subnational collaboration of 56 states and provinces working to protect tropical forests, reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, and promote realistic pathways to forest-maintaining rural development.

CDP has been a partner of GCF-TF since 2019, participating as a panel facilitator, presenter and organizer of specific events to support annual GCF-TF events and communications. The collaboration between GCF-TF and CDP aims to empower sub-national jurisdictions as strategic disclosure entities to drive faster, positive and tangible impacts on forest and nature at scale, and facilitate private-public collaboration at a regional level.

### European Environment Agency

**EU Mission on Adaptation to Climate Change (States and Regions Questionnaire)** 

[The Mission on Adaptation to Climate Change](https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-open-calls/horizon-europe/eu-missions-horizon-europe/adaptation-climate-change_en) focuses on supporting EU regions, cities and local authorities in their efforts to build resilience against the impacts of climate change.

The Mission contributes to putting the EU’s adaptation strategy in practice by helping Mission Signatories to better understand the climate risks they are and will be confronted with in the future; develop their pathways to be better prepared and cope with the changing climate; and test and deploy on the ground innovative solutions needed to build resilience.

The Mission’s objective is to support by 2030 at least 150 European regions and communities towards climate resilience.

### FairFuture

**FairFuture – States & Regions** 

[The FairFuture project](https://fairfutureforclimate.eu/) (September 2025 to August 2029) is a Horizon Europe Innovation Action under the EU Mission on Adaptation to Climate Change. It addresses the urgent challenge of unequal climate impacts and social justice gaps by placing vulnerable groups at the centre of adaptation strategies.

Through four demonstrator cities/regions (Hamburg, Thessaloniki, Val-de-Loire, Zagreb) and replication partners (Castilla y León, Mediterranean Climate Action Partnership, Vinnytsia), the project will codevelop, test, and scale inclusive adaptation measures. The vision is to build Resilience Action Labs as communities of practice, shifting from a narrative of vulnerability to one of active citizenship.

Objectives include empowering local and regional governments, innovating governance for equity, implementing fair adaptation solutions, and ensuring replication across Europe and the Mediterranean.

With strong policy links to the EU Green Deal, Climate Law, and Adaptation Strategy, Fair Future is expected to contribute directly to the Mission’s 2030 target of supporting 150 local and regional authorities.

### NetZeroCities

**NetZeroCities - Mission Cities (States and Regions Questionnaire)** 

[NetZeroCities](https://netzerocities.eu/) manages the EU Cities Mission “100 Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities by 2030” platform. NetZeroCities supports the 112 European cities selected by the European Commission to join the EU Cities Mission in drastically reducing their greenhouse gas emissions to achieve climate neutrality by 2030, and to inspire other European Cities to follow suit.

NetZeroCities works as a service-oriented platform supported by highly experienced practitioners and researchers to help cities overcome the current structural, institutional, and cultural barriers they face in order to achieve climate neutrality.

Cities involved in the EU Cities Mission are encouraged to report their data on GHG emissions and co benefits on one or both of the officially recognised Reporting Platforms, MyCovenant and CDP-ICLEI Track, with each offering a unique reporting experience.

The city data on climate actions as reported is a critical component of monitoring and evaluation to achieve 100 climate neutral cities by 2030, and climate neutrality in the EU by 2050, as cities can measure, learn and innovate based on their own data as well as in a peer to peer context.

### Disclosure admin fee

Note, only companies pay the admin fee.

### What is the CDP admin fee? 

The CDP admin fee is the fee that companies pay in order to disclose through CDP. The following entities must pay the CDP admin fee: 

- Companies requested to disclose by CDP’s Capital Market Signatories; 
- Self-Selected Companies (ie companies who wish to disclose even if they have not been requested to do so); and
- Public authorities. 

Cities, states and regions don’t need to pay the admin fee*. 

*Subject to change

### How are admin fees changing in 2026, and why?

This year, admin fees will increase by approximately 5% globally, reflecting inflationary pressures and rising operational costs. This ensures we can continue to invest in our tools, technology and expertise needed to provide reliable, high quality disclosure services.

### What are the three fee tiers?

**We offer three fee options for Disclosers, with our enhanced fee option offering the most benefits:**

**   **

**1. Enhanced fee**

CDP encourages all companies to consider choosing this enhanced fee tier. This option offers multiple benefits, including improved data access, priority registration to CDP regional events, and a tailored analysis report, comparing your disclosure against 10 peers.

Benefits (note, may vary by region so please check this with the relevant regional office): 

- Report through the CDP Portal 
- Use CDP's suite of tools, including disclosure frameworks and guidance 
- Enjoy communications opportunities resulting from disclosing through CDP 
- Receive a CDP Supporter badge to use in your organization’s external communications 
- Get your organization’s name listed as a CDP Supporter on CDP’s website 
- Receive a pre-paid/priority registration for two people and organization recognition at regional CDP events, where applicable 
- Receive a quote from a CDP Director to use in your sustainability communications 
- Get access to 100 x public company responses of your choice from 2026 of your choice 
- Receive **one** detailed Comparative Analysis Report to compare your company’s disclosure with 10 peer companies of your choice – enhanced admin fee payers can choose which environmental issue this report covers (either Climate, Forests, Water Security or Financial Services)
- Receive a tailored introduction to a [<u>CDP Accredited Solutions Provider (ASP)</u>](/en/find-accredited-solutions-providers.md) to help you on your sustainability journey – CDP has built a trusted global network of ASPs, from consultancies and renewable energy experts to software providers and third-party verification companies, verifying their services through a comprehensive accreditation process
- Get a screening of your top 50 suppliers to understand environmental action in your supply chain 

**   **

**2. Foundation fee **

Benefits: 

- Report through the CDP Portal 
- Use CDP's suite of tools, including disclosure frameworks and guidance 
- Enjoy communications opportunities resulting from disclosing through CDP 
- Receive pre-paid entry/priority registration to one regional CDP event, where applicable 

**   **

**3. Essential fee**

Benefits: 

- Report through CDP's Portal 
- Use CDP's suite of tools including reporting frameworks and guidance 
- Enjoy communications opportunities resulting from disclosing through CDP 

Note, this fee option is only available to disclosing organizations headquartered **outside** of North America, the United Kingdom, Europe (including Türkiye), Japan, South Korea, Southeast Asia, Taiwan (China), Hong Kong (China), Australia, New Zealand, Bermuda, Bahrain, Israel, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Oman and Guernsey. This option is aimed at small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) and those with a limited budget. 

Learn more about [paying your admin fee as a discloser](https://help.cdp.net/en-us/knowledgebase/article/KA-01037).

### How much is the CDP admin fee?

See the table below for all 2026 fees including changes to fees as outlined above, as a guide.

**Organization headquarters**
**Enhanced fee**
**Foundation fee**
**Essential fee**
UK
£5,985
£2,450
n/a
Europe (including Türkiye) 
€7,200
€2,975
n/a
Japan
￥775,000
￥325,000
n/a
China
CN¥54,000
CN¥21,500
CN¥8,675
Brazil
R$14,400
R$10,000
R$6,700
Latin America (excluding Brazil)
US$2,575
US$1,840
US$1,175
India
US$7,050
US$2,850
US$1,175
North America
US$7,650
US$3,250
n/a
Southeast Asia, South Korea, Australia or New Zealand
US$7,650
US$3,250
n/a
Hong Kong and Taiwan (China)
US$7,650
US$3,250
n/a
Other countries
US$7,650
US$3,250
US$1,175

 

Fees are exclusive of any applicable local taxes. Some fee levels are not available in regions ('n/a'). 

 

All overseas territories match the grouping of the country that they are part of. 

 

The following countries and areas fall under CDP's definition for Europe for corporate disclosure, and are therefore subject to European admin fees:  

Åland Islands, Albania, Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bouvet Island, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Faroe Islands, Finland, France, French Guiana, French Polynesia, French Southern Territories, Germany, Greece, Greenland, Guadeloupe, Holy See, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Kosovo, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Martinique, Mayotte, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Caledonia, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Moldova, Réunion, Romania, Saint Barthélemy, Saint Martin (French Part), Saint Pierre and Miquelon, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Svalbard and Jan, Mayen Islands, Turkey, Sweden, Switzerland, and Wallis and Futuna Islands.

### Is anyone exempt from paying the CDP admin fee?

Disclosers are exempt from paying the admin fee if they have **only** been requested to disclose by: 

- a [Supply Chain member](/en/supply-chain.md), and/or; 
- a [Banks Program member](/en/corporate-banking-program.md), and/or; 
- a [Private Markets member](/en/private-markets.md), and/or; 
- the RE100 initiative. 

If an organization has been requested to disclose by one of these and [CDP’s Capital Markets Signatories](/en/capital-markets-signatories.md), they will need to pay the fee.

Organizations based in Ukraine are currently exempt from paying the admin fee.

If you have any questions regarding admin fee eligibility, please speak to your Account Manager or **contact **[**My Support**](https://help.cdp.net/en-US/support/)** via the Help Center**.

### Why have I been asked to pay the admin fee for the first time this year?

If you have disclosed previously and haven’t been required to pay the admin fee on those occasions, you may need to do so this time if you have been requested to disclose by CDP’s [Capital Markets Signatories](https://www.cdp.net/en/capital-markets-signatories) as part of CDP’s [Letter to the Board](https://www.cdp.net/en/disclosure-2026/letter-to-the-board-2026).

### How does CDP review its pricing structure? 

Global disclosure prices remained the same from 2016 until 2023 when we began reviewing our pricing annually. Any annual fee inflations are in line with current economic conditions and rising operational costs.

We kept prices unchanged in 2025 to align with our year of stability. However, admin fees enable us to invest in cutting-edge technology to help facilitate your disclosure. Learn more about how and why fees are changing in 2026, and what these fees will be, above.

### Is there a different admin fee if my organization completes the SME questionnaire rather than the full corporate questionnaire? 

No, the fee amounts are the same regardless of which version of the questionnaire is submitted.

### Can the CDP admin fee be refunded? 

No, the admin fee is not refundable.

### Disclosing

### What is the CDP Activity Classification System (CDP-ACS) and how is it used to allocate sector-specific questions for companies?  

[CDP’s Activity Classification System (CDP-ACS)](https://cdp.net/api/file/cdp-activity-classification-system) was developed to allocate sector-specific questions to companies from 2018. The CDP-ACS framework categorizes companies by focusing on the activities from which they derive revenue, and associating these with the impacts across a company’s value chain from climate change, water security and deforestation. 

Questionnaire sectors are allocated based on the same percentages used to allocated CDP activities. All CDP activities – including those responsible for less than 20% of a company’s total revenue – are matched to the corresponding questionnaire sectors and the revenue percentages are summed by the questionnaire sectors. Any questionnaire sectors responsible for at least 20% of a company’s total revenue are allocated to the company. The questionnaire sector with the highest revenue percentage is assigned as the primary questionnaire sector and any remaining questionnaire sectors are assigned as additional questionnaire sectors. 

The CDP-ACS is a three-tiered system comprised of (from bottom-up) Activity, Activity Group and Industry.

The sector-based approach allows CDP to make more meaningful assessments of companies' responses, incorporating each sector's characteristics and nuances, and resulting in a score that reflects the company's progress in environmental stewardship while enabling better benchmarking against other companies. 

Please note, companies are only scored on their primary questionnaire sector. This means that if more than one set of sector questions applies to a company, not all questions will be scored. Sector specific questions are labelled to indicate which sector(s) they apply to. However, we encourage companies to respond to all questions that apply to them. 

If you believe your ACS allocation needs to be changed, please contact [My Support via the Help Center](https://help.cdp.net/en-US/support/) (selecting "Questionnaire Response" from the category dropdown). Note, to access My Support, you will need to sign in then return to the Help Center (new users will need to register).

### How are pathways used in the Cities questionnaire?

The Cities questionnaire is divided into three distinct pathways to streamline reporting, allowing disclosing cities to find the most appropriate questionnaire for their local context.

Users are recommended a pathway during the questionnaire set-up process based on population, emissions per capita, and human development index (HDI). That said, users can select a different pathway to the one they are recommended, if they wish. Note, ICLEI Network Cities are encouraged to report to Pathway 3.

[Read more about these pathways](https://help.cdp.net/en-us/knowledgebase/article/KA-01036) in our onboarding steps for cities.

### How will the revenue data disclosed in the questionnaire and questionnaire set-up be shared?

The total revenue figure and revenue breakdown you enter in the questionnaire set-up will not be shared with external stakeholders. This information is used to inform your questionnaire pathway to ensure your organization receives the relevant questions. Your stakeholders will receive information on Primary ACS including Industry, Activity Group and Activity.  

There is an opportunity to disclose revenue in the questionnaire in questions 1.4.1 in the Full Corporate Questionnaire and 14.4.1 in the SME questionnaire. The data will be shared following the same policies that govern public and non-public responses and you can choose when submitting your response whether your response is public or non-public.

### What does CDP do with my contact details if I am the Disclosure Submission Lead (formerly known as “Main User”)? 

For more information about how we use disclosers' personal data, please refer to the “Data Protection” section of our [terms of disclosure](/en/terms-of-disclosure.md).

### Can I add a consultant as a user?

We are conscious of the key role that consultants play in supporting disclosures. Currently consultants can act as contributors, which means they can access their clients' CDP responses and support them with the disclosure process.

For more information about adding users, visit our [Help Center](https://help.cdp.net/en-US/).

### My parent organization already responds. Should my (subsidiary) organization respond too?

The preferred approach is for parent companies to submit a consolidated response to CDP that includes all subsidiary data. 

For more information, read our [Parent-Subsidiary policy and process for disclosers](https://help.cdp.net/en-us/knowledgebase/article/KA-01061).

### Can I edit my response after I submit my questionnaire?

It is possible to edit a previously submitted questionnaire(s) before the close of the cycle. [Learn more about our amendments policy](https://help.cdp.net/en-us/knowledgebase/article/KA-01095) and how to edit your response.

### Scores

### What is a CDP score?

A CDP score provides a snapshot of environmental disclosure and performance for any entity or organization that discloses through CDP such as companies (including small and medium-sized enterprises, or SMEs), cities, states and regions. Bold environmental action must begin with an accurate, transparent assessment of environmental impact and progress, which CDP scoring makes possible. CDP has been scoring companies since 2010, and cities since 2018. This is the second year CDP has scored states and regions.

Our scores show these organizations – and their stakeholders – where they are on their journey towards operating in line with a 1.5C, deforestation-free and water-secure future. By disclosing over consecutive years, companies, cities, states and regions can understand the trajectory of their environmental journey.

Our questionnaire and scoring methodology incentivize entities to measure and manage their environmental impacts. Disclosure drives action, and by scoring companies from D- to A, we take them on a journey from Disclosure through Awareness and Management, and finally to Leadership.

Our questionnaire is aligned with the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) S2 standard and the recommendations of the Taskforce for Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), providing a comparable dataset across the global market.

Learn more about [CDP’s alignment with disclosure frameworks and standards](https://www.cdp.net/en/about/framework-alignment).

### How do CDP scores work?

Responding organizations are assessed and scored across four consecutive levels which represent the steps an organization moves through as it progresses towards environmental stewardship.

   

**Disclosure (D- or D) **

Nearly every question in the questionnaire is scored for Disclosure (except for biodiversity and plastics questions). The Disclosure score measures the completeness of an organization’s reporting. The number of points allocated to each question depends on both the amount of data requested and their relative importance to data users.

   

**Awareness (C- or C) **

The Awareness score measures the comprehensiveness of an organization’s evaluation of how environmental issues intersect with their business. The Awareness score does not indicate that an organization has taken any actions to address environmental issues beyond initial screenings or assessments.

   

**Management (B- or B) **

Management points are awarded for answers that provide evidence of undertaking actions associated with good environmental management, based on awareness of the organization’s impact on the environmental issue. The Management score measures whether organizations are managing their environmental impact, but does indicate whether they are undertaking actions that mark them out as a leader in their field.

   

**Leadership (A- or A) **

To earn leadership status, organizations must demonstrate best practice in the strategies they utilize and the actions they undertake. These actions represent best practice as formulated by organizations working with CDP to advance environmental stewardship and, in many cases, are already embodied by organizations leading in environmental policy and practice. 

   

Please refer to our [<u>scoring introduction for corporates</u>](https://cdp.net/api/file/full-corporate-scoring-introduction) to get an overview of the scoring process for disclosing companies.

### How do CDP scores work?

**In 2026, SMEs that demonstrate leading actions will be able to achieve an SME A** **score for climate change**. This change will allow SMEs to highlight the steps they are taking to address their climate impact and will provide a clear, tangible path to improve over time.

The SME questionnaire offers a streamlined disclosure pathway, tailored to the resources of SME organizations. The SME A score will make it easier to understand where to focus attention, build capacity, and act. An SME A shows leadership within this sphere.

Note, the SME A score is **not **equivalent to the full corporate questionnaire A score. We strongly encourage your organization to disclose through the full corporate questionnaire if you are engaging with capital markets, responding to customers, or working towards leadership recognition. You can learn more about the SME A score [in our signposting document](https://assets.ctfassets.net/v7uy4j80khf8/4nJknsPHADb8Titi2qH3WS/deec3c0416496b93ef2efbf985e7a414/Key_Changes_2026_Questionnaire.pdf).

Please refer to our scoring introduction document for [scoring introduction for SMEs](https://cdp.net/api/file/sme-scoring-introduction) to get an overview of the scoring process for disclosing SMEs.

### How do CDP scores work?

Jurisdictions are assessed across four scoring bands which represent the steps jurisdictions move through as they progress towards climate leadership.

   

**Disclosure (D- or D) **

A jurisdiction in the Disclosure scoring band has just started the journey of understanding and reporting on climate impacts. These jurisdictions understand the value of collecting data to drive climate action but may not have structures or resources in place to obtain the necessary information. Jurisdictions in the Disclosure band report on the degree to which climate impacts and risks have been measured.

   

**Awareness (C- or C)** 

A jurisdiction in the Awareness scoring band is in the process of assessing the main risks and impacts of climate change. These jurisdictions have begun developing an assessment and measuring impacts to get a holistic understanding of the main effects climate change has on their jurisdiction and are beginning to take action to reduce them.

   

**Management (B- or B)** 

A jurisdiction in the Management band has managed to gather data on the main risks and impacts of climate change and is taking action to adapt to and reduce these effects. These jurisdictions have worked collaboratively with key stakeholders to understand their risks and impacts and now have plans in place to mitigate and/or adapt.

    

**Leadership (A- or A)** 

A Leadership jurisdiction demonstrates best practice standards across adaptation and mitigation, has set ambitious goals and made progress towards achieving those goals. Jurisdictions in the Leadership band have strategic, holistic plans in place to ensure the actions they are taking will reduce climate impacts and vulnerabilities of the people, businesses, and organizations in their jurisdiction. 

   

Please refer to our [<u>scoring introduction for cities, states and regions</u>](https://cdp.net/api/file/cstar-scoring-introduction) to get an overview of the scoring process for these disclosing entities.

### What does ‘Did not disclose’ mean?

A ‘Did not disclose’ status is applied to any company that is requested to disclose by [<u>Capital Markets Signatories</u>](https://www.cdp.net/en/capital-markets-signatories) but does not respond to the disclosure request. The status is applied to each environmental issue the company was requested to disclose on where they failed to do so.

A ‘Did not disclose’ status indicates a failure to provide CDP with sufficient information to be evaluated. It is **not** a reflection of a company’s environmental stewardship.

### What is CDP’s scoring methodology?

CDP’s scoring methodology assesses the level of detail and comprehensiveness in an entity’s response, as well as their awareness of environmental issues, management methods and progress towards environmental stewardship.

Questionnaire scoring is primarily conducted by automated scoring systems which have undergone rigorous quality assurance checks. Where open text responses are assessed, scoring is supplemented with a CDP-trained accredited scoring partner. Our internal scoring team then collates all scores, running data quality checks to ensure that scoring standards are accurate and consistent.

CDP continues to raise the bar for what qualifies as leadership. Therefore, there is no guarantee that an entity will remain on CDP’s A List year-on-year if they do not also evolve their environmental journey according to science and market needs.

[**Explore our 2026 scoring methodologies in the CDP Portal**](https://myportal.cdp.net/guidance?utm_source=faqs&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=inline)**, and export these into a simple PDF format. **You can view [additional CDP scoring materials](/en/disclose/how-to-disclose.md) on our How to Disclose page.

### What is CDP's essential criteria?

As well as achieving a minimum score in a level to be able to move to the next level, CDP also utilizes a system of essential criteria.

To be able to achieve a score within a given scoring level, these criteria must be met within the response. Even if an organization has passed the threshold to be scored within a scoring level, they will not be eligible to be scored at that level if they do not pass all the essential criteria associated with it.

In previous years, CDP only applied essential criteria for achieving an ‘A’ score – criteria that must be met for organizations to be able to progress to CDP’s A List.

In 2024, CDP introduced essential criteria for climate change at Awareness, Management and Leadership levels, as well as new requirements to be included in the A List.

This sets a consistent baseline of reporting at each level for CDP climate change scores, ensuring that critical gaps necessary for all organizations to reach a suitable disclosure baseline are filled. It will also ensure that organizations include key datapoints that are critical to understanding how they are assessing and responding to environmental issues.

In 2026, essential criteria for forests and water security scores are only applied at the Leadership and A List levels.

Full details can be found in our essential criteria documents for [climate change](https://cdp.net/api/file/essential-criteria-climate-change), [forests](https://cdp.net/api/file/essential-criteria-forests) and [water security](https://cdp.net/api/file/essential-criteria-water).

### What does an organization need to do to reach Management or Leadership level?

To receive a score in** the Management band (B/B-)**, organizations are demonstrating that they are beginning to take action to address environmental issues. For example, efforts are made to mitigate risk, advance environmental accounting, and assemble robust and comprehensive risk assessments. 

To be awarded a score **in the Leadership band (A/A-)**, organizations are demonstrating best practice in managing environmental issues – for companies, they have fully integrated environmental issues into their business strategies. For example, an organization is actively tracking progress against a 1.5°C aligned transition plan that is publicly available, are engaging with their suppliers on environmental issues, and may have an organization-wide Scope 1 and 2 emissions reduction target that is validated by the Science Based Targets Initiative. 

You can learn more about our scoring levels above (‘How do CDP scores work?’). 

A CDP score is based on information disclosed by an entity in its CDP response. Significant actions or activities not mentioned in the CDP response are only considered at a final leadership level. 

CDP scores alone are **not** a comprehensive metric of an entity’s level of sustainability or 'green-ness', but instead indicate the level of action reported by them to assess and manage its environmental impacts during the reporting year.

## Need further support?

You can browse all of our Knowledge Articles on the CDP Help Center. If you require further support, please contact your Disclosure Account Manager. If you don’t have an Account Manager, you’ll need to raise a case with our support team via the Help Center.

**Browse all articles**

### Contacting CDP and giving feedback

### How do I get in touch with my local CDP contact?

Please refer to our [contact page](/en/contact-us.md) for details on how to contact our global offices and teams depending on your query. 

Note, if you require disclosure support, you can contact us via My Support on the [CDP Help Center](https://help.cdp.net/en-US/). You will need to [sign in](https://www.cdp.net/en/users/sign_in) then return to the Help Center to access My Support. New users will need to [register](https://www.cdp.net/en/users/sign_up).

### How can I provide feedback to CDP?

To provide feedback on the content of our questionnaires and supporting materials, please complete our [general feedback form](https://cdp-worldwide.typeform.com/to/smmrbNXJ?typeform-source=www.cdp.net). You can also submit feedback directly through the Portal.

Please note, you will** not** receive a reply to your feedback although all submissions are reviewed. If you represent a disclosing organization and would like to request a response, please get in touch with your local CDP contact.

## Glossary

**1.5 degrees celsius **

The target set by the 2015 Paris Agreement as the global average temperature increase compared with pre-industrial levels. Scientists generally agree that a global temperature increase must be kept well below 2 degrees – ideally 1.5 degrees celsius – to avoid the worst impacts of climate change.

 

**Adaptive capacity **

The ability of systems, institutions, humans and other organisms to adjust to potential damage, to take advantage of opportunities, or to respond to consequences. 

 

**A List **

CDP provides the leading scoring system for companies, cities, states and regions taking action on the environment. The best performing organizations are awarded a place on CDP’s annual A List, to celebrate their work on climate change, deforestation and/or water security. A CDP score is a snapshot of a company’s environmental disclosure and performance. 

 

**Biodiversity **

The biological diversity of flora and fauna species on Earth, a complex web of life that underpins the natural life processes on the planet. Human-caused environmental damage reduces biodiversity, and creating a healthy, sustainable society requires increasing biodiversity. 

 

**CBD (Convention on Biological Diversity) **

The United Nations’ initiative to protect and preserve biological diversity on Earth for future generations. 

 

**CDP **

CDP is a global non-profit that runs the world’s environmental disclosure system for organizations including capital markets, companies, cities and governments to assess their impact and take urgent action to build a truly sustainable economy. For over 20 years we have a system that has resulted in unparalleled engagement on environmental issues worldwide. 

 

**CDP full corporate questionnaire **

CDP’s multi-environmental issue questionnaire for large organizations. In 2024, this replaced CDP’s three separate questionnaires focused on climate change, forests and water security. 

 

**CDP SME corporate questionnaire **

A shorter, simplified version of CDP’s corporate questionnaire for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). From 2024, this replaced both the CDP minimum version questionnaire and pilot Private Markets SME questionnaire. 

 

**City **

A range of authorities, varying in size and type, can report as a “city” to CDP-ICLEI Track, including local authorities (e.g. City of Manchester), combined authorities (e.g. Greater Manchester Combined Authority), and city cohorts (e.g. Chicago Metropolitan Mayors Caucus). Cities are at the epicenter of climate change, as they are responsible for 70% of carbon emissions and 93% report facing climate hazards that put their people and infrastructure at risk. 

 

**Climate change **

See also: global warming. The altering of the planet’s climate due to an increase in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from human activity. Effects of climate change include rising temperatures, leading to increased extreme weather such as heatwaves, floods, droughts and storms, and resulting in reduced water and food security and social stability. 

 

**Climate change adaptation **

Policies and measures which make societies and companies more resilient to the impacts of climate change such as flooding and heatwaves. 

 

**Climate change mitigation **

Policies and measures which aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from companies and governments with the intention of lessening the global impacts of climate change, such as reducing the amount and intensity of fossil fuel burning. 

**Company **

A commercial business. Through disclosure, a company proactively demonstrates to capital markets, purchasers and consumers that it is committed to tackling environmental risks. 

 

**COP (Conference of Parties) **

The decision-making body of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) which meets annually to assess and encourage intergovernmental policy on climate change and track progress. 

 

**CRVA (Climate risk and vulnerability assessment) **

An assessment of the likelihood of current and future climate hazards. It is a critical process for local authorities to understand the environmental and social impacts that climate change will have on their jurisdiction. 

 

**Deforestation **

The process of harvesting forests for natural resources or to clear land for agriculture or construction. Deforestation that occurs faster than forests are able to recover causes environmental damage such as loss of biodiversity and climate change. 

 

**Disclosure **

The process in which a company submits requested information relating to the impact their business activities have on environmental areas such as climate change, deforestation and water security. Capital markets and purchasing organizations use data submitted through the disclosure process to make informed decisions. 

 

**Environmental reporting **

The disclosure of a company, city, state or region’s impact on the environment. See also: disclosure. 

 

**Forest risk commodity **

A commodity for the production of which forest is being converted to agricultural use. The seven commodities responsible for the majority of agriculture-related deforestation are: timber products, palm oil, cattle, soy, rubber, coffee and cocoa. 

 

**GHG (greenhouse gases) **

Greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, which trap and hold heat in the atmosphere and contribute to climate change. Much of human activity emits greenhouse gases, such as burning fossil fuels for energy and transport, farming land for food production, and deforestation. 

 

**Global Biodiversity Framework **

The conclusion of the 15th Conference of Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity saw the adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). 

Amidst a dangerous decline in nature threatening the survival of 1 million species and impacting the lives of billions of people, the GBF aims to halt and reverse nature loss. The framework consists of global targets to be achieved by 2030 and beyond to safeguard and sustainably use biodiversity. 

 

**Global Plastics Treaty **

The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) is leading the development of the Global Plastics Treaty, intended as an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment. The Treaty is set to be finalized by the end of 2024. 

 

**Global warming **

See also: climate change. The increasing of the Earth’s average temperature due to a greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from human activity. Effects of global warming include, but are not limited to, increased extreme weather events, decreased water security, and rising sea levels. 

 

**Greenwashing **

The practice of falsely promoting an organization’s environmental efforts or spending more resources to promote the organization as green than are spent to actually engage in environmentally sound practices. ([Source](https://link.springer.com/referenceworkentry/10.1007/978-3-642-28036-8_104)) 

 

**Hazard **

The potential occurrence of a natural or human-induced physical event or trend that may cause loss of life, injury, or other health impacts, as well as damage and loss to property, infrastructure, livelihoods, service provision, ecosystems and environmental resources. 

 

**IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) **

An intergovernmental body of the United Nations dedicated to researching and advancing knowledge of climate change. Internationally regarded as the leading scientific authority on climate change, and the author of reports that advise policymakers on the impacts of, and solutions to, climate change. 

 

**LA/JA (Landscape approaches / Jurisdictional approaches) **

A landscape approach is a place-based management approach that involves stakeholders collaborating in a landscape to advance shared sustainability goals and build resilience. It aims to reconcile and optimize social, economic and environmental objectives across many economic sectors and land uses. Such approaches are implemented through land-use plans, policies, initiatives, long-term investments and other interventions. 

Jurisdictional approaches differ in that they are aimed at advancing shared sustainability goals in landscapes defined by administrative boundaries of subnational governments. Also, this approach is implemented with a high level of government involvement compared to landscape approaches. 

 

**Nature-based solutions **

Actions to protect, conserve, restore, sustainably use and manage natural or modified terrestrial, freshwater, coastal and marine ecosystems, which address social, economic and environmental challenges effectively and adaptively, while simultaneously providing human wellbeing, ecosystem services and resilience and biodiversity benefits. 

 

**Nature-positive **

Behaviour and actions which overall increase biodiversity and the number of species in nature, as opposed to causing them to decline. 

 

**NDCs (Nationally Determined Contributions) **

A nationally determined contribution (NDC) is a non-binding national plan highlighting climate change mitigation, including climate-related targets for greenhouse gas emission reductions. These plans also include policies and measures governments aim to implement in response to climate change and as a contribution to achieve the global targets set out in the Paris Agreement. 

 

**Net-zero **

The overall balance between emitting and absorbing carbon in the atmosphere. The outcome of limiting catastrophic climate change requires companies and countries to become net-zero, and many policies are based on achieving this within certain time frames. 

 

**Paris Agreement **

A legally binding international treaty on climate change, adopted at COP21 in Paris in 2015. Its goal is to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius, preferably to 1.5 degrees Celsius, compared to pre-industrial levels. 

 

**Plastic pollution **

Broadly, all emissions and risks resulting from plastics production, commercialization, use, end-of-life management and leakage (OECD, 2022). 

 

**Plastic waste **

Material discarded at any point in the value chain, which contains as an essential ingredient a polymer (a large chain molecule with repeating molecular units) which can be moulded into a finished product - examples include thermoplastics, polyurethanes, elastomers, thermosets, adhesives, coatings and sealants, and PP fibres (including synthetic rubber) (adapted from ISO 2022, and EMF’s The New Plastics Economy). 

 

**Region **

A devolved area of a larger country, usually with its own government, for example Prešov Region, Slovakia. State and regional governments play a vital role in driving climate action and delivering sustainable economies. 

 

**SBTi (Science Based Targets initiative) **

The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) is a global body enabling businesses to set ambitious emissions reductions targets in line with the latest climate science. The SBTi’s goal is to encourage companies across the world to support the global economy to halve emissions before 2030 and achieve net-zero before 2050. The initiative is a collaboration between CDP, the United Nations Global Compact, World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and is one of the We Mean Business Coalition commitments. The SBTi defines and promotes best practice in science-based target setting, offers resources and guidance to reduce barriers to adoption, and independently assesses and approves companies’ targets. 

 

**Science-based targets **

Science-based targets provide a clearly defined pathway for companies and financial institutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with what the latest climate science deems necessary to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement. 

 

**Scope 1, 2 & 3 emissions **

Scope 1 emissions refer to direct greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that occur from sources that are controlled or owned by an organization. This includes all land-use emissions from companies that own or control land to produce agricultural and forest-risk commodities. 

Scope 2 emissions refer to indirect GHG emissions associated with any purchases of electricity, steam, heat, or cooling. 

Scope 3 emissions are the result of activities from assets not owned or controlled by the reporting organization, but that indirectly impact its value chain. This includes, but is not limited to, the emissions linked to downstream companies where sourced commodities are being produced from forest-risk products through the Agriculture, Forestry and Other Land Use (AFOLU) sector (GHG Protocol).

 

**SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) **

Seventeen social goals established by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs to promote prosperity while protecting the planet. 

The goals are: no poverty; zero hunger; good health and wellbeing; quality education; gender equality; clean water and sanitation; affordable and clean energy; decent work and economic growth; industry, innovation and infrastructure; reduced inequalities; sustainable cities and communities; responsible consumption and production; climate action; life below water; life on land; peace, justice and strong institutions; and partnerships for the goals. 

 

**State**

An area of a country that has its own government and borders, for example New South Wales, Australia. State and regional governments play a vital role in driving climate action and delivering sustainable economies. 

 

**Supply chain **

The multitude of companies involved in the entire process of creating a product or facilitating a service, for example manufacturers and providers of constituent ingredients used in a final product. Activities from a company's supply chain constitute its scope 3 emissions. 

 

**Sustainability **

Maintaining a balance of resources extracted and resources restored. The 1987 United Nations Brundtland Commission defines it as “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” 

 

**Taxonomy **

Sustainable finance taxonomies are one of the instruments that have been developed to support the redirection of financial flows towards environmentally (and socially) sustainable activities. According to the Bank for International Settlements, sustainable finance taxonomies are “set[s] of criteria which can form the basis for an evaluation of whether and to what extent a financial asset can support given sustainability goals”. 

The central goal of taxonomies is driving capital allocation towards sustainable activities, reducing greenwashing and enabling simpler comparison. 

 

**Transition plan **

A time-bound action plan that clearly outlines how an organization will achieve its strategy to pivot its existing assets, operations, and entire business model towards a trajectory that aligns with the latest and most ambitious climate science recommendations (ie halving greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and reaching net-zero by 2050 at the latest, limiting global warming to 1.5°C). 

 

**UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) **

The United Nations entity tasked with supporting the global response to the threat of climate change. The parent treaty of the 2015 Paris Agreement. CDP is an accredited observer to the UNFCCC. 

 

**Water security **

The capacity of a population to safeguard sustainable access to adequate quantities of acceptable quality water for sustaining livelihoods, human wellbeing, and socioeconomic development, for ensuring protection against water-borne pollution and water-related disasters, and for preserving ecosystems in a climate of peace and political stability (from UN Water). Reduced water security is an impact of climate change.