CDP A List 2024: Only 2% of Companies Demonstrate Market-Ready Environmental Leadership
A record 22,700+ companies were scored, but only a select few met the high bar for transparency, ambition and integrated environmental action
As disclosure accelerates across climate, forests and water, CDP’s A List highlights the small cohort turning data into decisive, future-focused leadership
London, 17 April 2025: CDP - the world’s leading disclosure platform - today revealed that a record 22,700+ companies were scored in 2024, as global momentum for transparency and environmental action continues to accelerate. However, just 2% (515 companies) achieved an A score, underlining that while ambition is growing, the bar for true environmental leadership remains rigorously high.
CDP’s latest scores follow the introduction of a single corporate questionnaire, enabling unprecedented levels of environmental disclosure. More companies than ever reported in 2024, with an increase in the number of A scores on climate (462 As) and water security (133 As), alongside forests (26 As), reflecting a growing recognition that environmental issues are deeply interconnected and must be addressed holistically.
Scores | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|
Total number of companies scored | 22,777 | 21,115 |
Total number of companies on A List | 515 (2%) | 396 (2%) |
Total number of Climate A scores | 462 | 346 |
Total number of Water Security A scores | 133 | 101 |
Total number of Forest A scores | 26 | 30 |
Analysis shows that companies on CDP’s A List have outperformed their peers, with an average of 6% higher stock returns over the past decade, reinforcing the fact that transparency and ambition are not just environmental virtues - they’re strategic advantages.
With only 2% of disclosers reaching the A List, it’s clear that while many companies are on a sustainable journey, their action needs to go deeper and faster. Disclosing companies demonstrate what it takes to be future-fit: integrating environmental data into core business decisions, engaging their value chains, and setting a clear course toward an Earth-positive future.
Investors, regulators and customers are increasingly demanding robust, decision-useful environmental data across operations, supply chains, and product portfolios. Leading companies are responding - not simply to comply, but to compete. They understand that environmental risk is financial risk, and that proactive transparency is critical to business resilience and opportunity.
“The companies on CDP’s A List are not only responding to this demand, but they are also setting the pace,” said Sherry Madera, CEO of CDP. “They are weaving environmental stewardship into their governance, strategy and operations, and embracing transparency as a tool for growth. Their leadership is a blueprint for the economy we need. 2025 must be the year all companies move decisively from transparency to action. The companies that choose to disclose through CDP - and to be scored - are choosing progress. And they are choosing to lead.”
For more information, or to arrange interviews, please contact:
Samika Meshram (samika.meshram@cdp.net)
George Bush (george.bush@cdp.net)