Global standard setters

    CDP

    The global non-profit that runs the main voluntary disclosure system for climate, water and forests, and scores the responses.

    Official site

    Background

    CDP was founded in 2000 as the Carbon Disclosure Project.

    Scope and powers

    CDP sends questionnaires to companies and cities on climate, water and forests on behalf of investors and large buyers, and scores companies from A to D-. Its climate questionnaire is aligned with IFRS S2. CDP is also a founding partner of the SBTi.

    Investor relevance

    CDP scores are widely used in ESG ratings and supplier assessments. Many large Indian companies respond, and buyers increasingly ask their suppliers to do the same.

    Related guides

    Key glossary terms

    Last reviewed: October 2026