Preparing for a 2026 CDP submission requires more than completing a questionnaire. Expectations from investors, customers, and regulators continue to rise, and CDP scores are increasingly used as a signal of strategic maturity, governance quality, and transition readiness. Organisations that start early and take a structured, strategic approach consistently achieve stronger outcomes.
Below are our top tips to help you prepare a robust, high-quality 2026 submission.
Analyse gaps against CDP requirements
Begin by assessing your current activities against the latest requirements of CDP. A structured gap analysis helps identify weaknesses in governance, data, risk management, and climate mitigation strategies—particularly in areas such as Scope 3 emissions or transition planning.
To prepare effectively for 2026, develop an action plan that targets material gaps early, including areas of limited or low-quality data. Over time, this process can evolve into a strategic roadmap that strengthens sustainability performance and supports long-term net-zero ambitions.
Understand the essential criteria for high scores
There are specific criteria organisations must meet to achieve leadership scores. For example, in recent cycles, a publicly disclosed, 1.5°C-aligned transition plan has been required to reach A-List status. Understanding these essential criteria early helps clarify what “leading practice” looks like and avoids wasted effort on activities that will not materially improve scores.
Engage stakeholders early and effectively
Strong CDP submissions are cross-functional. Engage relevant internal teams—including sustainability, finance, risk, procurement, operations, and senior leadership—to gather consistent data and identify improvement opportunities.
Where needed, engaging external stakeholders such as advisors or investors can also help clarify expectations and strengthen alignment with market requirements.
Understand CDP category weightings
CDP applies weightings to scoring categories at the Management and Leadership levels, and these vary by sector. These weightings reflect which issues are most critical to environmental stewardship within different industries. Understanding where the greatest scoring impact sits for your sector allows you to prioritise effort and focus resources where they will have the most effect.
Identify opportunities, not just gaps
CDP is not a tick-box exercise. It provides insight into how sustainability reporting is evolving and allows organisations to benchmark performance against peers. Used properly, CDP highlights where sustainability initiatives can be strengthened and better aligned with the core business model—supporting both resilience and competitiveness.
Use CDP as a strategic tool
The CDP questionnaire signals what ambitious, leading sustainability action looks like and often anticipates emerging regulatory and investor expectations. Organisations should use CDP strategically to stay ahead of evolving requirements, embed sustainability into decision-making, and position net zero as a core business priority rather than a standalone reporting task.
Quick wins for your 2026 CDP submission
1. Stay informed on year-on-year changes
Even small updates to CDP questions or scoring methodology can have implications for data requirements, internal resourcing, and stakeholder involvement. Keeping up to date avoids last-minute disruption.
2. Start as early as possible
CDP is not a quick process. Early preparation allows time to identify required data, coordinate stakeholders, and review responses critically before submission—significantly improving quality and reducing risk.
3. Read the methodology carefully
CDP provides detailed guidance for each question and scoring level. Reviewing this closely helps avoid losing easy points due to misinterpretation.
4. Answer every question
Even if you do not yet meet best practice, you can still earn disclosure points by responding fully and transparently.
5. Don’t be afraid to say no
Answering “yes” without sufficient evidence can trigger additional question pathways that weaken overall performance. It is often better to say no and clearly explain why an issue is not yet prioritised or is immaterial.
6. Proofread before submission
Inconsistencies, unclear language, or contradictory responses can undermine an otherwise strong submission. A final quality check is essential.
A strong 2026 CDP submission is built on early planning, strategic alignment, and credible disclosure. Organisations that treat CDP as a strategic tool—rather than a compliance exercise—are best positioned to improve scores, strengthen stakeholder confidence, and support long-term value creation.
Need a hand with your 2026 CDP disclosure?
Whether you’re disclosing for the first time or aiming for leadership scores, we’re here to help—start your CDP journey with Acclaro.
