The Business Case for CDP Reporting

Graeme Hadley

Associate Director

Contents

• A Trusted Baseline for Investors
• No Regret Actions Amid Change
• Future-proofing Sustainability Strategy 
• CDP’s Broader Role in ESG
• Contact Us

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Companies today are caught in a whirlwind of shifting regulations, geopolitical tensions, and evolving stakeholder expectations. The sustainability reporting landscape is increasingly fragmented, with different jurisdictions imposing different rules and no clear global standard. In this environment, many businesses are stuck in a familiar dilemma: disclose too little and risk being seen as opaque; disclose too much and risk scrutiny over every detail.

CDP reporting offers something rare in this space—consistency. By providing a structured, trusted framework, it helps companies navigate uncertainty with confidence. But beyond compliance and scoring, why does it truly matter? 

A trusted baseline for investors and the need for consistent ESG data 

No matter the political climate, one reality remains unchanged: investors and regulators want clear, comparable data, not vague sustainability claims. Market instability, climate risk, and supply chain disruptions make it even more critical to differentiate between companies with real strategies and those relying on greenwashing.

CDP has long provided a rigorous benchmark for environmental disclosure, allowing investors to assess material risks and opportunities without guesswork. The investor-backed CDP Non-Disclosure Campaign (NDC) is pushing organisations to disclose more each year, reinforcing the expectation that transparency is non-negotiable. A strong CDP track record signals to investors that a company is serious about integrating sustainability into its business model—not just treating it as a PR exercise. 

No regret actions amid change

Regulatory change is inevitable, but preparation shouldn’t be a reactive scramble. CDP’s alignment with frameworks like the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) and the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) makes it an invaluable test case for companies adapting to new ESG disclosure mandates. With the proposed EU Omnibus changes adding further complexity, companies need a reporting foundation that can flex with evolving requirements without compromising on rigor. CDP offers that. 

Future-proofing your sustainability strategy 

The numbers speak for themselves—over 24,000 companies responded to CDP in 2024, an increase from the previous year. This isn’t just about ticking boxes. It’s about companies recognising that robust disclosure drives competitive advantage. CDP’s focus on climate, forests, water security, and now plastics and biodiversity, provides a critical lens on risk exposure and resilience, helping businesses make strategic decisions grounded in data. Investors, too, are using this information to reward companies that are proactively managing environmental challenges rather than reacting to crises. 

CDP’s role in the broader ESG ecosystem 

CDP doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Its data feeds into key ESG ratings, including MSCI and ISS, amplifying its influence in corporate sustainability assessments. As reporting requirements tighten, companies using CDP effectively aren’t just checking a box—they’re strengthening their position in the broader market and investor landscape. 

In short, CDP doesn’t just need to be about disclosure —it can be about resilience. In an era of volatility, it offers clarity, comparability, and credibility. Embracing CDP equips businesses with the insights and credibility they need to remain agile in a rapidly changing world. 

Anthesis can help – we support over 80 CDP responses annually across sectors and geographies. Please reach out if you would like to discuss. 

How Anthesis can support

As an Accredited Solutions Provider for the CDP, Anthesis supports clients throughout their CDP journeys, providing both strategic and technical expertise in a partnership to improve ESG program performance and scores. We guide clients new to the reporting process, support existing reporters to maximise scores, and maximise CDP leaders’ efforts toward target setting, environmental stewardship, and innovation.