How can you use the CDP questionnaire for environmental disclosure?

1 What is the CDP questionnaire?

The CDP questionnaire is a set of questions that you can answer online to report your environmental performance and risks. It covers topics such as greenhouse gas emissions, energy use, water consumption, deforestation, biodiversity and human rights. The questionnaire is divided into four modules: governance, risks and opportunities, emissions and targets, and additional information. Depending on your sector and activities, you might need to complete more than one module.

2 Why should you use the CDP questionnaire?

There are many benefits of using the CDP questionnaire for environmental disclosure. First, it can help you identify and manage your environmental risks and opportunities, and align your strategy with the global goals and standards. Second, it can enhance your reputation and credibility among your stakeholders, such as investors, customers, suppliers and regulators. Third, it can enable you to benchmark your performance against your peers and industry best practices. Fourth, it can support your innovation and competitiveness in the low-carbon economy.

3 How can you prepare for the CDP questionnaire?

Before you start filling out the CDP questionnaire, it is important to do some preparation work. This includes registering for the CDP disclosure platform and creating an account, reviewing the CDP guidance documents and scoring methodology for your sector and module, collecting and verifying data and evidence to answer the questions, assigning roles and responsibilities to team members and stakeholders, and setting realistic yet ambitious goals and targets for environmental performance.

4 How can you answer the CDP questionnaire?

When you’re ready to answer the CDP questionnaire online, here are some tips to keep in mind. Aim to be clear and concise in your responses, and avoid jargon and acronyms. Include quantitative and qualitative data, and explain how you measure and report them. Utilize the

tag to insert tables, charts, graphs or images that support your answers. Additionally, provide examples and case studies that demonstrate your actions and achievements. You should also refer to external standards and frameworks that you follow or align with, such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the Paris Agreement, the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures or the Science Based Targets initiative.
###### How can you improve your CDP questionnaire?
Before submitting your CDP questionnaire, it is important to review and improve it. To do this, check your answers for accuracy, consistency and completeness, and ensure they align with the evidence and data you provide. Additionally, compare your answers to the CDP scoring methodology and criteria to identify any gaps or areas for improvement. You should also seek feedback from team members, stakeholders, or external experts to incorporate their suggestions or corrections. Furthermore, review your goals and targets to make them more specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. Finally, highlight your strengths and opportunities while also addressing your weaknesses and challenges.
###### How can you use the CDP questionnaire results?
Once the CDP questionnaire is submitted, you will receive a feedback report and score from CDP. These results can be used to communicate your environmental performance and disclosure to stakeholders, as well as analyze your strengths and weaknesses. You can also learn from best practices and recommendations from CDP and other organizations, engage with peers and partners, and track your progress over time. Doing so will enable you to set new goals and targets for the next year, as well as showcase your leadership and commitment.
######Here’s what else to consider
This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?