Do we have to participate in Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP)?
Responding to the CDP is voluntary. However, because 385 global investors, with assets under management of $57 trillion, are beginning to take emissions reporting into account, even brief responses show concerned investors and the public that you are putting some effort into responding to the issue of climate change.

In addition, most governments have or are developing more stringent, GHG-related policies and regulations that will certainly impact your operations. A number of industry associations also emphasize GHG reporting and as Asian corporates increase their global footprint participation in these associations will be relevant. Your participation in CDP will be wise preparation for a changing regulatory environment.

We are not ready! Can we wait until next year?
You should submit a response even if you do no have any data reporting mechanisms in place. You can then report on the development of such mechanisms in future submissions. Investors don’t expect these systems to already be in place. They instead want to know that you perceive the issue, its risks, and opportunities for your business, and that you are planning to address climate change in the future. Initial submissions also set a helpful benchmark for investors.

Do we have to answer every question in the questionnaire?
Initial responses that are simple and brief set the groundwork for future responses. Answer those questions that you can and begin to consider those that you can’t for future submissions.

Why should we respond to this questionnaire and not the many others we receive?
CDP is the world’s largest recognized repository of corporate carbon emissions reporting data. Responding to CDP can reduce your reporting burden because it is one standardized request from 385 global investors.

What will happen to the data received?
Submitted responses will be made available to signatory investors, CDP partners, and report writers as they are received. CDP partners may then publish reports based on the data received and share these with their members and the general public.

Will our submissions be available to the general public?
All responses will be made publicly available at www.cdproject.net in September 2008. Unless you notify CDP to the contrary, your response will be made publicly available. Should you notify CDP that you do not want your information disclosed they will only use it in the production of aggregate statistics.

Which is the standard method for reporting?
The GHG Protocol is the standard requested by CDP. This standard consists of step-by-step instructions on how to build a reporting framework and submit data through easy-to-use worksheets tailored to a number of specific industries. Use the link on this site to learn more about the GHG Protocol.

What is a “good” target for emissions reductions?
This is a tough question for companies that can best be answered once you have begun GHG monitoring and made comparisons within your sector.  Industry associations that encourage carbon reporting typically have recommended reduction rates.   We suggest you check with your relevant national or global industry association and also look at previous CDP responses by other corporates in your sector.  Once you have set targets, report them in your response. The market will understand if you need to change these due to M&A or other variables.

Are there examples of good reporting?
For examples of previous high quality reports visit www.cdproject.net. Some good reports from Asia include Hang Seng Bank of Hong Kong, CLP of Hong Kong, Siam Cement of Thailand, United Microelectronics of Taiwan, ITC Ltd of India, and Posco of Korea, among others.

Are investors really asking these questions?
The CDP6 questionnaire has been designed in consultation with investors, corporations and other experts in climate change reporting. The questions asked directly reflect their advice and the interests of their stakeholders.
 
What are the legal/financial implications for responding corporations?
The legal implications are the same as those associated with standard disclosure. There may be some internal costs associated with answering the questionnaire. Companies responding to CDP do so without any assertion of ownership of the data provided and on the basis that CDP has license to use the data provided without restriction whatsoever, subject to the comments within the questionnaire.

When is the deadline for submission?
The deadline for submissions is 31st May. CDP can however extend this to 30th June for companies who cannot meet the 31st May deadline. Corporates that submit their questionnaires after 30th June may not be included in relevant reports for their region.

Who do I contact for more information?
For further information or inquiries visit http://www.cdproject.net/contactus.asp