CDP Background

The Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) is an independent not for profit organisation which acts as a secretariat for over 385 of the world's largest institutional investors, holding over $57 trillion and assets under management.

CDP aims to:

  • create a dialogue between investors, purchasers and corporations supported by quality information, from which a rational response to climate change will emerge.
  • provide valuable insight to investors on companies' strategies on climate change, to help inform investment decisions.
  • To work with responding corporations through the CDP process to provide important insight on areas within the business where there is scope for emissions reductions. Companies also use the process for benchmarking against other companies.

    • Every year CDP sends a climate change questionnaire to the largest publicly listed companies globally (see questionnaire). As the information request is written on behalf of investors, who often hold a shares in responding companies, corporations recognise the importance of responding. Companies are encouraged to report their emissions data using the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol - which is the most widely used international accounting tool for government and business leaders to understand, quantify, and manage greenhouse gas emissions.

    CDP holds the largest registry of corporate Greenhouse Gas emissions data in the world and its published reports provide a detailed analysis of how the largest companies in the world are responding to climate change. CDP is committed to providing companies and investors with the best information available related to business related climate risks and opportunities.

    2008 is the sixth iteration of the Carbon Disclosure Project, referred to as CDP6. Carbon Disclosure Project is a Registered Charity no. 1122330. A company limited by guarantee registered in England no. 05013650. It is also has 501(c)3 charitable status in the USA as a special project or Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors.