CDP Scores Explained

Responding organizations are assessed and scored across four consecutive levels which represent the steps an organization moves through as it progresses towards environmental stewardship.

Disclosure (D- or D)

Nearly every question in the questionnaire is scored for Disclosure (with the exception of biodiversity and plastics questions). The Disclosure score measures the completeness of an organization’s reporting. The number of points allocated to each question depends on both the amount of data requested and their relative importance to data users.

Awareness (C- or C)

The Awareness score measures the comprehensiveness of an organization’s evaluation of how environmental issues intersect with their business. The awareness score does not indicate that an organization has taken any actions to address environmental issues beyond initial screenings or assessments.

Management (B- or B)

Management points are awarded for answers that provide evidence of undertaking actions associated with good environmental management, based on awareness of the organization’s impact on the environmental issue. The Management score measures whether organizations are managing their environmental impact, but does indicate whether they are undertaking actions that mark them out as a leader in their field.

Leadership (A- or A)

To earn leadership status, organizations must demonstrate best practice in the strategies they utilize and the actions they undertake. These actions represent best practice as formulated by organizations working with CDP to advance environmental stewardship and, in many cases, are already embodied by organizations leading in environmental policy and practice.

Read more in the Full Corporate Scoring Introduction. A company may also receive an F score (failure to disclose).

SME Disclosure (‘SME D’)

An ‘SME D’ score indicates the SME is beginning to demonstrate transparency, a first step in its climate journey. To advance to an ‘SME C’ score an SME should develop a more comprehensive response that indicates a clear awareness of its climate management practices.

SME Awareness (‘SME C’)

SMEs that score an ‘SME C’ have demonstrated awareness of climate management practices. The SME is evaluating how climate issues intersect with its business, and how its operations affect people and ecosystems. An ‘SME C’ indicates an understanding of its climate impact demonstrated by comprehensive disclosure. To advance to an ‘SME B’, an SME should continue to evaluate climate impacts across all areas of its business and, crucially, take steps to manage them.

SME Management (‘SME B’)

An ‘SME B’ score indicates that the SME demonstrates initial climate management (in commensurate with its size). SMEs that score an ‘SME B’ are starting to implement steps to address the climate impacts of their business and are developing climate management processes. An ‘SME B’ score indicates that the SME is committed to making climate progress. In future years, companies will need to exceed the determined threshold to progress to an ‘SME A’ , providing sufficient data to demonstrate 'leadership’ through disclosure.

SME Leadership (‘SME A’) – Please note that in 2024, the highest score SMEs will receive will be an SME B. Reporting companies will be scored at the SME Disclosure, SME Awareness, and SME Management levels.

An SME may also receive an F score (failure to disclose).

Jurisdictions are assessed across four scoring bands which represent the steps jurisdictions move through as they progress towards climate leadership.

Disclosure (D- or D)

A jurisdiction in the Disclosure scoring band has just started the journey of understanding and reporting on climate impacts. These jurisdictions understand the value of collecting data to drive climate action but may not have structures or resources in place to obtain the necessary information. Jurisdictions in the Disclosure band report on the degree to which climate impacts and risks have been measured.

Awareness (C- or C)

A jurisdiction in the Awareness scoring band is in the process of assessing the main risks and impacts of climate change. These jurisdictions have begun developing an assessment and measuring impacts to get a holistic understanding of the main effects climate change has on their jurisdiction and are beginning to take action to reduce them.

Management (B- or B)

A jurisdiction in the Management band has managed to gather data on the main risks and impacts of climate change and is taking action to adapt to and reduce these effects. These jurisdictions have worked collaboratively with key stakeholders to understand their risks and impacts and now have plans in place to mitigate and/or adapt.

Leadership (A- or A)

A Leadership jurisdiction demonstrates best practice standards across adaptation and mitigation, has set ambitious goals and made progress towards achieving those goals. Jurisdictions in the Leadership band have strategic, holistic plans in place to ensure the actions they are taking will reduce climate impacts and vulnerabilities of the people, businesses, and organizations in their jurisdiction.

Read more in our Introduction to Cities Scoring.