The Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) is a globally recognised reporting framework for businesses looking to voluntarily measure, manage and disclose greenhouse gas emissions. In the UK, over 250 organisations have joined the 2000+ companies participating in the scheme – so how does it benefit a business?
Transparent performance tracking
Participating organisations receive a performance score each year, providing a clear benchmark against competitors and enabling a business to demonstrate its commitment to sustainability when posting improved scores year-on-year. Corporate Social Responsibility reports may detail an organisation’s commitment to reducing its environmental impact in words, but demonstrating it through participation in a robust, transparent and auditable scheme speaks volumes.
Investor expectations
Investors increasingly expect organisations to report on sustainability, so meeting the changing requirements of shareholders, investors, and wider business stakeholders is a vital consideration for businesses. CDP scores are now accessible via Bloomberg Terminals and other investor platforms, making a clear statement about your organisation’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint. When combined with other initiatives such as RE100, where businesses commit to 100% renewable energy supply, the message to the market about your organisation’s credentials is clear.
A reputation for reduction
Deciding to participate in a framework where performance is published is a sure-fire way to engage a board in sustainability. It also creates the opportunity to produce a long-term, cohesive strategy to reduce emissions and environmental impact and enhance your organisation’s reputation. Whilst CDP reporting is a public commitment that an organisation is focused on mitigating climate change, the real aim is to use the mechanism to drive change and support greenhouse gas emissions reduction across an organisation.
Get involved
The 2017 CDP annual reporting scheme is now open. Respondents provide data on their greenhouse gas emissions and environmental performance, which is then used to produce a published score. Depending on the selected CDP programme, the deadlines range from June to the end of July 2017.
Inenco can help your business to measure, manage, disclose and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The CDP reporting questionnaires can be complex to complete, but our expert team have significant experience supporting organisations to navigate the framework, report their emissions and improve their scores.