CDP (Carbon Disclosure Project)
The Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) is an independent not-for-profit organisation holding the largest database of primary corporate climate change information in the world.
Thousands of organisations from across the world’s major economies measure and disclose their greenhouse gas emissions, water use and climate change strategies through CDP. This information helps stakeholders, government departments and financial institutions to make climate change decisions based on hard data.
Disclosure is voluntary although some leading procurers are asking their supply chains to become involved to gain a better picture of how carbon is embedded in their supply chain.
The National Grid is using the CDP to ask its tier one suppliers to report their scope 1 and 2 emissions via the CDP with a view to encouraging reduction strategies that will reduce the carbon footprint of its processes and products.
Embedding climate change criteria into the procurement process is the aim of the CDP and steps are already being taken with Dell including disclosure to CDP in their Quarterly Business Reviews with suppliers and PesiCo running buyer workshops to help procurement staff have climate change conversations with suppliers.
This carbon revolution will require a shift in business thinking. Suppliers that can control costs despite increased legislation such as the Carbon Reduction Commitment, continue to supply goods on time despite extreme weather events or changing rainfall patterns, and can deliver products that are low-carbon or energy efficient will have an advantage when it comes to winning business.