- The CDP score (A to D, F if insufficient) measures the quality of the approach and transparency as much as absolute environmental performance.
- It relies on a standardized, four-level methodology: Disclosure, Awareness, Management, Leadership.
- Evidence matters: quantified data, targets, governance and documented actions weigh more than intentions.
- Analyzing your score helps target underperforming criteria and prioritize improvement levers.
Understanding how the CDP score is calculated, which criteria are actually evaluated, and where the levers for improvement lie is essential to avoiding common pitfalls and sustainably improving your rating.
What Is the CDP Score and How Should You Analyze It?
The CDP score evaluates the quality of information disclosed by a company on its environmental issues: climate, water, and forests (biodiversity and plastics are not assessed).
It is based on a rating scale from A to F, with each level corresponding to a progressively higher degree of maturity.
| Score | Level | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| A | Leadership | Best-in-class practices, integrated strategy, and advanced governance |
| B | Management | Structured actions and formalized policies |
| C | Awareness | Identification of impacts, risks, and opportunities |
| D | Disclosure | Basic transparency on data |
| F | Failure to disclose | No response or incomplete response following a request from a client or procurement partner |
A CDP assessment involves completing a structured questionnaire, the length and complexity of which vary depending on company size, sector, and the type of invitation received (from investors or clients).
What Are the Evaluation Criteria for the CDP Score?
CDP assesses a company's environmental maturity according to a progressive, cumulative logic — each level assumes that the requirements of the previous one have been met.
| Level | Evaluation Goal | Key Expectations |
|---|---|---|
| D – Disclosure | Transparency | Basic data reported |
| C – Awareness | Understanding | Impact, risk, and opportunity analysis |
| B – Management | Implementation | Policies, targets, and action plans |
| A – Leadership | Excellence | Integrated strategy, ambitious targets, third-party verification |
The criteria assessed include:
- GHG emissions (Scopes 1, 2, and 3)
- Climate governance (role of the board and senior management)
- Climate risk and opportunity analysis
- Strategy and integration into the business model
- Concrete actions and performance tracking
The absence of certain "essential criteria" can block access to the next level, even if the rest of the questionnaire is well completed.
What Is the CDP Score Calculation Methodology?
The CDP methodology is based on a tiered scoring system, with sector-specific weightings.
Core Calculation Principles
- Each response is associated with a maturity level (D, C, B, or A). The number of points awarded depends on how closely your response aligns with the requirements of each level.
- Some questions are gatekeepers: if they are not correctly completed, the overall score is capped. These are known as "essential criteria."
- The final score reflects the highest level consistently achieved across responses.
Progression Logic
- Disclosure (D): CDP verifies that basic data has been properly reported.
- Awareness (C): The company demonstrates that it understands its environmental issues.
- Management (B): Policies, targets, and action plans are formalized.
- Leadership (A): The strategy is integrated, ambitious, and typically verified by a third party.
CDP also applies sector-specific weightings: heavy-emitting industries (manufacturing, energy) are not assessed on the same basis as financial services or the service sector.
What Evidence Actually Counts Toward the CDP Score?
Unlike other frameworks such as EcoVadis, CDP is entirely self-reported.
External documents (reports, PDFs, links) are not scored. They serve only as an internal reference for the company.
Responses must be:
- quantified where required,
- consistent across sections,
- aligned with recognized standards (GHG Protocol, TCFD, etc.).
| Expected Content Type | Role in Evaluation |
|---|---|
| Structured GHG data | Foundation of carbon credibility |
| Environmental policies | Evidence of formalization |
| Risk analyses / scenario planning | Awareness and Management levels |
| Targets and action plans | Access to B and A levels |
| Third-party verification | Strong lever for Leadership |
How to Interpret a CDP Score (and Its Limitations)
A CDP score should be read as a signal of maturity, not as an absolute truth.
- Score A: Recognized leader with an advanced environmental strategy.
- Score B: Well-structured organization with actions in place.
- Score C: Good understanding, but few formalized actions.
- Score D: Minimal transparency.
Limitations of the CDP Score
- Data is not verified by default.
- Cross-sector comparisons are difficult to draw.
- Scoring details are largely inaccessible outside CDP membership.
Concrete Actions to Improve Your CDP Score
Improving your CDP score follows a progression logic, not a one-off optimization effort.
| Progression | Main Goal | Key Lever |
|---|---|---|
| D → C | Understand your impacts | Clear impact mapping and IRO analysis |
| C → B | Structure your approach | Formalized policies and plans |
| B → A | Demonstrate leadership | Governance, SBTi targets, third-party verification |
The key lies in the rigor of your responses, overall consistency, and anticipating the next CDP cycle. Once your score improves, it also becomes a credible external signal — make sure to display it in line with CDP's official logo usage guidelines.
CDP Score Analysis — Key Takeaways
| Key Element | Core Content | Strategic Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Score structure | 5 levels from A to F | Clear read on maturity |
| Evaluated criteria | Data, governance, strategy, actions | Holistic ESG view |
| Methodology | Tiered levels, gatekeeper criteria, weightings | Score depends on rigor and formalism |
| Self-reported nature | External documents not scored | Quality of written responses is critical |
| Levers for improvement | Governance, strategy, verification | Pathway to higher scores |
