CDP Reporting: A Complete Guide for UK Companies
The Global Standard for Environmental Disclosure
What is CDP?
CDP (formerly Carbon Disclosure Project) is the world's leading environmental disclosure platform.
Over 18,700 companies worth 50% of global market capitalization disclose through CDP, making it the gold standard for corporate environmental transparency.
In CDP's 2025 cycle, more than 22,100 companies disclosed through CDP, with almost 20,000 scored and 4% making the 2025 Corporate A List, according to CDP's own published scores.
CDP scores run from D- to A across four bands — Disclosure, Awareness, Management and Leadership.
Companies Reporting
Assets Under Management
Investor Signatories
Major Purchasers
CDP Disclosure Programs
Climate Change
Disclose greenhouse gas emissions, climate risks and opportunities, governance, and strategy.
Most comprehensive program covering Scopes 1, 2, and 3 emissions.
- • GHG emissions inventory
- • Climate risk assessment
- • Transition planning
- • Target setting & performance
Water Security
Report water usage, risks, and management strategies.
Critical for water-intensive industries and operations in water-stressed regions.
- • Water accounting
- • Water risk exposure
- • Water governance
- • Water targets & initiatives
Forests
Address deforestation risks in supply chains.
Focuses on key forest-risk commodities: timber, cattle, soy, and palm oil.
- • Supply chain mapping
- • Deforestation policies
- • Traceability systems
- • Forest conservation
CDP Scoring Methodology
Leadership
Best practice environmental management and disclosure
Management
Taking coordinated action on environmental issues
Awareness
Knowledge of impacts on, and of, environmental issues
Disclosure
Transparent about environmental impacts
Scoring Criteria Include:
- • Completeness of disclosure
- • Awareness of environmental issues
- • Management methods
- • Progress towards environmental stewardship
- • Board-level oversight
- • Environmental targets
- • Risk assessment quality
- • Third-party verification
CDP Reporting Process
For the 2026 cycle specifically, CDP's published timetable has the response window opening the week of 15 June 2026, a scoring deadline of 16 September 2026, and a final deadline of the week of 26 October 2026 for unscored or amended responses.
Registration
January - MarchRegister on CDP platform.
Receive invitation from investors or customers, or self-select to report.
Data Collection
March - MayGather environmental data including emissions, water usage, targets, governance structures, and risk assessments.
Questionnaire Completion
May - JulyComplete relevant CDP questionnaires (Climate, Water, Forests).
Average completion time: 40-60 hours.
Internal Review
JulyReview responses for accuracy and completeness.
Ensure alignment with other corporate disclosures.
Submission
July 31Submit final responses by deadline.
Late submissions may not be scored or published.
Scoring & Results
DecemberReceive CDP score and benchmark report.
Scores published on CDP website and shared with stakeholders.
Benefits of CDP Reporting
Investor Confidence
680+ investors with £110 trillion AUM use CDP data for investment decisions, per CDP's own reporting.
Risk Management
Identify and manage climate, water, and deforestation risks.
Build resilience against physical and transition risks.
Meet regulatory requirements.
Competitive Advantage
Win business from 280+ major purchasers requiring CDP disclosure.
Access preferential supplier status and green finance opportunities.
CDP in the UK Context
UK CDP Statistics
- •1,100+ UK companies reporting to CDP
- •49 UK companies on 2023 A-List
- •FTSE 100: 92% CDP participation
- •Average UK score: B (Management level)
CDP Performance by Sector
Financial Services
- • Strong governance disclosure
- • Leading on TCFD alignment
- • Focus on financed emissions
Manufacturing
- • Strong on operational emissions
- • Supply chain challenges
- • Innovation in low-carbon products
Energy & Utilities
- • Transition planning focus
- • Renewable energy targets
- • Physical risk exposure high
Tips for CDP Success
Do's
- ✓Start early - allow 3-4 months for first submission
- ✓Get board-level buy-in and oversight
- ✓Use CDP's guidance documents and scoring methodology
- ✓Align with Science Based Targets
- ✓Get third-party verification for emissions data
- ✓Be transparent about challenges and improvement plans
Don'ts
- ✗Leave responses blank - use 'Not Applicable' if needed
- ✗Submit without internal review and sign-off
- ✗Copy previous year without updating
- ✗Ignore Scope 3 emissions - attempt estimation
- ✗Miss the July 31 deadline
- ✗Provide inconsistent data across questions
CDP Frequently Asked Questions
Is CDP reporting mandatory in the UK?
How much does CDP reporting cost?
What's the difference between CDP and TCFD?
How can we improve our CDP score?
Should SMEs report to CDP?
Official CDP & Environmental Disclosure Resources
CDP Official Platform
Global environmental disclosure system and scoring methodology
TCFD Framework
Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures guidelines
UN Climate Action
UNFCCC Race to Zero campaign and climate commitments
Science Based Targets
SBTi validation and climate target setting guidance
GHG Protocol
Greenhouse gas accounting and reporting standards
CDSB
Climate Disclosure Standards Board reporting framework
We Mean Business Coalition
Corporate climate action and disclosure advocacy
ISSB Standards
International sustainability disclosure standards development
IIGCC
Institutional Investors Group on Climate Change guidance
Carbon Trust
Independent carbon footprint certification and standards
WBCSD
World Business Council for Sustainable Development resources
UK Government Guidance
Official UK environmental reporting guidance for businesses
Want to Talk It Through?
18,700+ companies now disclose through CDP.
If it would help to talk through where CDP fits alongside your other UK reporting obligations, we offer a free, no-obligation call — or register directly on the official CDP platform.