What it actually is
CDP, formerly the Carbon Disclosure Project, now known simply as CDP, is a global non-profit that runs a questionnaire-based environmental disclosure system for companies, cities, states, and regions. It is not a standard-setter like GRI or ESRS; it's closer to a structured survey with a scoring mechanism attached, covering climate change, water security, and forests.
What makes CDP distinct is who asks for it: CDP disclosure is frequently a direct request from investors or large corporate customers running supplier assessments, rather than a self-initiated voluntary report. A company can find itself needing to respond to a CDP questionnaire because a major customer requires it as a condition of doing business, independent of any regulatory obligation.
How the scoring works
Company completes CDP's detailed questionnaire, covering governance, risk management, targets, and actual performance data for the relevant theme (climate, water, or forests).
CDP scores the response on a scale from D- (disclosure only) through C, B, up to A (leadership), based on both completeness and demonstrated action, not disclosure alone.
Scores are published and used by investors and corporate customers as a supplier or portfolio screening input.
Why the distinction from a "standard" matters
Because CDP is a scored questionnaire rather than a disclosure standard, a company can hold a strong GRI or BRSR report and still score poorly on CDP if it hasn't specifically completed CDP's own process. The two aren't substitutes, a thorough sustainability programme will typically need to respond to CDP directly when asked, not just point to its other reporting.
Related in the Guide: Regulations & Standards Library
How CDP relates to other frameworks
CDP's questionnaire structure has moved closer to TCFD/ISSB's four-pillar logic over time, so a company already organising its climate governance, strategy, risk management, and metrics along TCFD lines has a meaningfully easier time completing a strong CDP response.