Navigating CDP 2026: What’s changing and how to prepare
CDP reporting season is fast approaching. While verified, high-quality data fresh from the reporting season provides a strong foundation, the process can still feel overwhelming. Requirements continue to evolve, expectations are rising, and disclosures are under greater scrutiny.
What’s new in CDP 2026?
For 2026, CDP has introduced updates designed to help organisations navigate an increasingly complex global landscape. From accelerating climate impacts to biodiversity loss and resource insecurity, markets need better intelligence to close critical data gaps. These are some of the changes to this year’s questionnaire:
New ocean disclosure (optional and not scored in 2026)
Ocean-related questions are added to capture marine impacts, risks and dependencies. Optional and unscored this year.
Expanded commodity coverage
Cocoa, coffee and rubber will be scored, aligned with the cattle, palm oil, soy and timber methodology.
Water security updates
More detailed questions on wastewater treatment and compliance with regulatory standards.
Enhanced plastics disclosure (optional and not scored in 2026)
Expanded questions on reuse models, recyclable packaging design and plastics-related targets.
Climate reporting refinements
Continued alignment with the GHG Protocol, including preparation for the Land Sector & Removals Standard, clearer renewable energy reporting, and streamlined low-carbon energy scoring.
Adaptation and resilience
Broader focus on how organisations assess and manage climate risks, specifically physical risks and resilience actions.
Greater alignment with global standards
Further alignment with TNFD, GHG Protocol, SBTN and GRI water and nature standards.
SME questionnaire
Updates to forest and water security metrics and the introduction of an SME Climate Change “A” score.
What’s the timeline?
Week of April 20
Questionnaires and reporting guidance published on the CDP Portal, along with overviews, glossaries and technical notes
Week of April 27
Scoring methodology published on the CDP Portal in English
Week of April 27
Requesters can begin to create and submit Request lists
Week of June 17
The start of the response window. Disclosers can access the questionnaire on the Portal and begin their response.
Week of September 14
Deadline for Disclosers to submit a response eligible for a CDP score. Disclosers can continue to submit edits, but edits will not be scored.
Week of October 26
Final deadline for Disclosers to submit a response. The questionnaire closes after this date, so Disclosers can no longer make edits to their response.
Week of November 30
Scores displayed on the Portal for Disclosers and their Requesters
Week of November 30
2026 scores and A Lists published on the CDP website
Next steps
Start early and map data gaps
Review governance and risk processes
Alignment of climate reporting to the GHG Protocol's developing standards
Assess exposure to newly included commodities
Consider verification to strengthen credibility and scoring
Let Ethos support your CDP journey
Whether you need verification, guidance or full process management, Ethos can help you deliver a clear, credible and action-driven CDP 2026 response. We help you manage the process efficiently and strategically, whether you need:
Gap assessment against the new questionnaire and/or an assessment of your exposure to new commodities
Alignment of climate reporting to the GHG Protocol's developing standards
AA1000 verification to strengthen credibility and scoring
Targeted support throughout the CDP process, to help you focus on value creation
Or a partner to handle the heavy lifting end-to-end
Our flexible setup allows your team to focus on delivering your sustainability agenda while we ensure a smooth, high-quality submission.
Contact Lucy Wood to know more!
Lucy Wood
Advisor, Ethos
Lucy.wood@ethos.se
About Ethos
Ethos is one of the Nordic region’s oldest and leading sustainability-focused consultancies, with over 20 experts covering environmental issues, human rights, and anti-corruption. We help medium to large companies and financial market actors address sustainability challenges—from strategic boardroom decisions to operational policy compliance on the factory floor. Ethos tailors each project to clients' needs, supporting compliance with CSRD, SFDR, EU Taxonomy, and CSDDD regulations while guiding their strategic sustainability journeys.