Mastering CDP Documentation
by Chelsea Glisson
Tackling a survey with over 200 questions can feel overwhelming. Just like a big exam, CDP isn’t something you can cram for overnight and expect to ace. Instead, it’s a process that benefits from year-round preparation. This overview will help you master the documentation needed for a smooth and successful CDP disclosure.
Documentation Collection: Prep a CDP Toolkit
CDP’s 13 modules cover a broad range of environmental topics, from climate change and governance to water security, plastics, forests, and biodiversity. The key to a strong disclosure is having the right documentation ready. Here are some of the most critical records to compile before submission:
Scope 1 & 2 GHG inventory and calculations for reporting period and historical years (if available)
Scope 3 inventory and calculations for reporting period and historical years (if available)
Emission verification/assurance documentation
ISO 14001 (or equivalent) documentation identifying risks and opportunities, dependencies and impacts, and financial metrics considered
Detailed energy reduction initiative metrics
Company targets on energy, emissions, water, forests, plastics, and biodiversity
Commodity production and sourcing details (origin, total volume, targets, etc.)
Value chain mapping
Environmental policies
Scenario analysis documents
Climate transition plan
Supply chain engagement and requirements
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) data
Water usage metrics (including identification of water-stressed locations)
Plastic-related metrics
Biodiversity commitments and metrics
Half the battle is understanding where this documentation lies, who has access to it, and how to collect it. If your company uses quality or environmental management systems, start there. You may need to reach out to various departments for data including Procurement, Risk or Legal, EHS, Product Development, or others. If you don’t already have a centralized approach to data collection, now is the time to establish it. Disclosure requires data to be accurate, accessible, and valid, with primary sources to back up your numbers. (If you’re looking for a solution to have all your energy and GHG data all in one place, we can help!)
CDP is all about continuous improvement. If you don’t have many of these documents yet, don’t panic. CDP allows you to explain gaps—but be ready to outline why they don’t exist and whether you have plans to develop them in the future.
Stakeholders: Who Needs to Be Involved?
Unlike other disclosure platforms like EcoVadis—where your documentation largely speaks for itself—CDP requires you to translate the story behind your data. This means you’ll likely need input from multiple teams across your organization for a full understanding of what the data means and how it plays into your sustainability journey. Before starting, assemble a team that can provide insights in the following areas:
Governance and strategy for environmental issues
Risk and opportunity assessment (including financial implications)
Environmental management systems
Energy and emissions reduction initiatives
Supply chain engagement and sustainability commitments
Commodity sourcing and dependencies
Scope 1, 2, & 3 inventories, calculations, and verification
Water usage, dependency, and mapping (especially in water-stressed areas)
Deforestation policies and commitments
Plastic reduction targets and activities
Biodiversity commitments, indicators, and key impact areas
Responding to a comprehensive assessment like CDP is a companywide effort, so build buy-in early by sharing the purpose and value of disclosure. Getting these stakeholders engaged early will save you time and ensure your responses are accurate and compelling. We recognize this may feel like a hurdle, so here are more resources on aligning your company around sustainability and department-specific initiatives.
Timelines: Stay Ahead of the Curve
Key CDP dates to keep on your radar:
March 31st: CDP portal opens for requesters—expect emails from stakeholders asking for your participation. Pay attention to which questions matter most to them.
May 19th: The response window opens for disclosers.
September 15th: Scoring deadline—submissions must be in by this date.
Even though CDP deadlines are later in the year, documentation collection should start now. The more you prepare upfront, the smoother your submission will be.
If you’re looking for support with data collection, disclosure preparation, or strategy related to CDP, EcoVadis, M2030, Supplier Assurance, or other frameworks, let’s chat! Our team of disclosure experts would love to streamline your disclosure, saving you time, money, headache, and effort so you can focus on the important work of mobilizing your team and strategizing reductions.