Key Takeaways
In 2026, CDP questionnaires for all 3 themes will remain quite similar to the 2025 questionnaires, minor changes are expected, you will discover them in this dedicated article.
What is the CDP?
The CDP (formerly the Carbon Disclosure Project) is an international non-profit organization that supports companies, cities, and governments in measuring and managing their environmental impact. Since 2000, it has become the global gold standard for environmental transparency. By providing a standardized reporting system, it helps stakeholders make informed decisions about companies related to Climate Change, Water Security, and Forests.
At ClimateSeed, we support organizations in completing the CDP questionnaire. As we look toward the 2026 reporting cycle, here is everything you need to know to prepare effectively.
CDP: What are the key changes to the 2026 corporate questionnaire?
Continuity with 2025 Disclosure
The transition to CDP’s 2026 corporate questionnaires is designed to be stable. Indeed, questionnaires for all 3 themes in 2026 will remain quite similar to the 2025 questionnaires, minor changes are expected on some questions but companies should be able to rely on their 2025 answers to prepare the 2026 disclosure.
Emphasis on Adaptation and Resilience
The main update across all 3 questionnaires concerns questions related to risks and opportunities management: additional elements will be asked regarding resilience and adaptation to physical risks reflecting the growing global focus on how businesses survive and thrive in a changing climate.
Introduction to a New Environmental Theme: Oceans
In 2026, the CDP questionnaire will introduce a new environmental theme: Oceans. The questions will be available to all companies but they will not be mandatory and will not be scored.
The reason is for companies to familiarize themselves with ocean-related reporting without impacting their overall grade.
What are the key updates by questionnaire?
The CDP Climate Change Questionnaire
The 2026 updates focus on alignment with the latest global standards:
- Carbon accounting: Additional details will be requested on the relevance of land sector activities and removals to move towards alignment with GHG Protocol Land Sector and Removals Standard.
- Energy-related activities: Changes are expected on energy reporting to increase alignment with the GHG Protocol (in particular for low-carbon and renewable energy) and additional information will be requested for RE100 organizations.
- Verification: Clarification of the reporting of emissions verification under standards that have been approved by the EU ESRS.
The CDP Water Security Questionnaire
Reporting on water is becoming more precise and nature-positive:
- Targets: A new possibility will be introduced to report on Science-Based Targets for Nature (SBTN).
- Wastewater treatment: More granularity will be required regarding wastewater treatment before discharge.
- Water pollutant management procedures: Companies will have to provide more information on water pollution management procedures when relevant to their operations.
The CDP Forests Questionnaire
In 2026, the Forests questionnaire sees an expansion in its commodity coverage:
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Commodities added to the scoring: In addition to cattle, palm oil, soy, and timber, three new commodities will now be scored: Cocoa, Coffee, and Rubber.
- Target Alignment: Modifications have been made to deforestation-free and conversion-free targets to ensure compatibility with SBTN and to score targets that have reached their term.
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Exclusions: Further clarification will be provided regarding exclusions for post-consumer related commodities.
How to prepare effectively for CDP 2026 questionnaire ?
To maintain or improve your CDP score in this slightly updated landscape, you should:
- Review your 2025 Submissions: Since the 2026 framework is similar, their 2025 data is your strongest asset.
- Focus on Physical Risks: Strengthen your documentation regarding climate adaptation and business resilience.
- Monitor New Commodities: If your supply chain involves cocoa, coffee, or rubber, ensure your data collection systems are ready for formal scoring.
- Explore the Oceans Module: Use this unscored year to identify your impact on marine ecosystems.
How ClimateSeed can support your company with your CDP questionnaire?
At ClimateSeed, we are supporting companies to optimize their CDP responses to accurately reflect their environmental commitments.
Whether you are reporting for the first time or aiming for the "A List," our experts can guide you through the 2026 requirements. To maximize your performance, we offer a unique approach combining human expertise and cutting-edge technology:
- AI-Powered Simulator: Our advanced simulator allows us to predict your CDP score based on your draft responses. It integrates the official CDP methodology, including weightings, sector-specific pathways, and the latest 2026 updates.
- Dedicated Consultant Support: Alongside our technology, a dedicated consultant will support you structure and optimize your first response. We identify lost points, analyze their impact on your final grade, and pinpoint priority areas for improvement.
We provide clear, comprehensive reports summarizing your results and outlining a strategic roadmap to boost your environmental transparency. Contact us to find out more about our support.