Unfortunately, most first-time disclosures fall into the same traps: incomplete data, inconsistent narratives, vague targets, and lack of structure — all of which lead to poor scores or even non-scoring status.
In this article, we break down the most common mistakes first-time CDP reporters make, and how to avoid them through better strategy, planning, and execution.
Mistake #1: Treating CDP as a “Form” to Fill, Not a Strategy to Showcase
Many companies approach CDP like an RFP or compliance checklist. But CDP’s scoring methodology is designed to reward companies that integrate climate action into business strategy.
What to do instead:
- Understand the scoring logic (Disclosure → Awareness → Management → Leadership)
- Map your existing climate actions and policies to CDP criteria
- Treat CDP as a platform to demonstrate maturity — not just tick boxes
Mistake #2: Ignoring Scope 3 Emissions (Or Providing Generic Answers)
Scope 3 emissions (indirect emissions in your value chain) are a major focus of CDP — especially for manufacturing, FMCG, automotive, and chemical sectors. But many first-time reporters skip it or write vague responses, thinking it’s optional.
Why it hurts your score:
CDP penalizes omissions in Scope 3 — particularly categories like purchased goods, transportation, and use-phase emissions, which are material for most sectors.
How to fix it:
- Use GHG Protocol’s Scope 3 Standard to identify relevant categories
- Estimate emissions using secondary data (such as emission factors, PCFs, etc.)
- Provide justifications for any exclusions or data gaps
Mistake #3: Unverified or Inconsistent GHG Emissions Data
Another red flag for CDP reviewers is when a company reports emissions without:
- Clear boundary definitions (organizational, operational)
- Third-party assurance or internal validation
- Breakdown by scope (1, 2, 3) or facility
Better approach:
- Use a recognized methodology like ISO 14064 or GHG Protocol
- Get third-party verification or conduct an internal audit
- Document your activity data, emission factors, and assumptions
Mistake #4: No Climate Targets or Vague Goals
CDP expects your organization to set quantitative, time-bound climate targets — and disclose the base year, coverage, and methodology.
Yet many first-time reporters either:
- Skip this section entirely
- List CSR-style goals like “Reduce energy consumption” or “Go green”
What helps:
- Set science-aligned targets (SBTi or internal reduction targets)
- Define clear KPIs: e.g., “Reduce Scope 2 emissions by 30% by 2030 from 2019 baseline”
- Explain the strategy behind achieving the target (investments, policies, energy mix)
Mistake #5: Overlooking Data Granularity and Breakdown Requirements
Many first-time reporters submit total GHG emissions without providing the detailed breakdowns that CDP expects — by scope, region, GHG type, or emissions source. Even if totals are accurate, lack of granularity leads to lost scoring opportunities.
Why it hurts your score:
CDP assigns higher points to responses that are transparent, auditable, and detailed. Summary-level data without supporting breakdowns suggests a lack of internal tracking systems and may flag data credibility issues.
How to fix it:
- Report emissions separately by Scope 1, Scope 2 (location-based and market-based), and Scope 3
- Include GHG breakdowns (CO₂, CH₄, N₂O, etc.) using appropriate emission factors
- Present emissions by country or facility, especially if your operations span multiple locations
Adding granularity signals climate governance maturity and improves the strength of your responses across modules.
Mistake #6: Leaving Narrative Responses Blank or Too Generic
While CDP values quantitative data, it also scores heavily based on your qualitative disclosures — especially in sections like governance, risk management, and climate-related opportunities. First-time reporters often leave these boxes empty or use generic CSR-style statements that don’t align with CDP’s intent.
Why it Matters:
Narratives help CDP assess how deeply climate considerations are embedded in your organization. Weak or missing explanations can limit your score, even if data is complete.
How to improve it:
- Follow CDP’s question-level guidance and directly address what is being asked
- Describe actual processes, board involvement, scenario planning, or investments
- Support claims with evidence, such as policies, internal reviews, or governance structures
A well-written narrative distinguishes your company from others and demonstrates that climate action is not just performative — but embedded
Start Early, Not in Panic Mode
Most companies start too late — underestimating the level of preparation required for CDP. It’s not just about submitting answers — it’s about proving your company understands, measures, and manages its climate impact.
- CDP opens in April and submissions close by late September
- Start preparation at least 3–4 months in advance
- Use the time to improve data quality, get internal alignment, and address gaps
How Growlity Helps in CDP Reporting
At Growlity, we specialize in guiding companies through their first CDP disclosure with a structured, strategic approach. Our services include
- Scoping and strategy workshops
- GHG emissions calculation (Scope 1, 2, and 3)
- Data gap analysis and documentation support
- Drafting and reviewing responses as per CDP scoring methodology
- Internal capacity-building for future disclosures
Whether you’re disclosing under the general questionnaire or a sector-specific version, we help you avoid common pitfalls and move beyond basic disclosure to achieve measurable climate credibility.
Final Word
Reporting to CDP for the first time is a significant milestone — and also a strategic opportunity. When done right, it opens doors to global buyers, boosts your ESG ratings, and positions your company as a climate-responsible player.
But it requires more than intention — it requires insight, structure, and expertise. Let’s help you get it right from the start.
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