How Vodafone Secured Top CDP Rating for Sustainability Again
Once again, telco giant Vodafone has had its endeavours in sustainability reporting rubberstamped by CDP (formerly known as the Carbon Disclosure Project).
The company’s inclusion in CDP’s ‘A List’ is one of the highest accolades a business can achieve when it comes to net zero.
The ranking was based on data submitted to CDP’s 2024 climate change questionnaire, which assesses corporate environmental impact, including how organisations cut emissions, mitigate climate risks and contribute to the low-carbon economy.
The recognition acts as an approval of Vodafone’s sustainability strategy, as well as its commitment to maintaining transparency about its progress on the road to net zero.
In 2024, CDP revised its questionnaire to increase data granularity and align with international standards.
It also introduced ‘essential criteria’, requiring organisations to score at least 80% across all disclosure sections to qualify for the ‘A List’.
As such, Vodafone has had to ensure its standards are higher than ever.
“CDP raised the bar in 2024 so we are delighted to make this announcement and to celebrate the work of climate action superstars across our global business who have collectively achieved this result,” explains Andrea McCormick, Global Environment Lead at Vodafone.
Commitment to climate action
Inclusion on the list has been received with big celebrations from the Vodafone team.
“Our inclusion in the CDP ‘A List’ reflects both our ongoing strategy to address climate change, but equally our commitment to transparency on progress,” says Joakim Reiter, Vodafone’s Chief External & Corporate Affairs Officer.
“This includes the publication of our first Climate Transition Plan in 2024, setting out the actions we will take to drive progress towards net zero during FY25-27.”
Vodafone has pledged to reach net zero carbon emissions across its entire value chain by 2040, with an interim goal of halving emissions by 2030.
The company has already made strides in transitioning to renewable energy and improving energy efficiency across its operations.
What is CDP?
At its core, CDP is a non-profit organisation established to help companies, cities, states and regions measure and manage environmental risks.
The group provides the world’s only independent disclosure system for assessing corporate environmental performance, giving companies a platform to disclose environmental information, offering insights that guide investment decisions and corporate strategy.
Participants report data through CDP’s disclosure portal, which generates a rating used by investors to incorporate principles of ESG into their portfolios.
The influence and prestige of CDP has grown a lot in recent years, with the NGO now working in more than 90 countries.
CDP’s remit has expanded too, now covering sustainability topics beyond carbon emissions, such as deforestation, water security and plastic use.
Founded in London in 2000, it has played a critical role in making environmental reporting a business norm.
How CDP evaluates companies
CDP’s annual ranking system assigns scores from A to D- based on disclosure quality, risk management and environmental leadership.
Companies that fail to disclose or provide insufficient information receive an F.
The scoring process influences investment and procurement decisions, with more than 700 institutional investors — managing assets worth one-quarter of all global financial assets — relying on CDP’s data to assess environmental risks and opportunities.
More than 24,000 companies worldwide submitted disclosures in 2024, representing two-thirds of global market capitalisation.
A wider push for corporate accountability
Vodafone’s achievement reflects a broader shift towards corporate accountability on climate issues.
Increasingly, investors, regulators and consumers are demanding greater transparency and action on sustainability.
CDP’s updated criteria signal a tightening of environmental expectations for businesses.
The team at Vodafone is confident in its ability to decarbonise in a responsible fashion, though.
“We’re leading the charge on our environmental agenda and executing against the robust climate transition that we published this time last year,” says Kim Hurst, Global Lead for Supply Chain Sustainability at Vodafone.
Explore the latest edition of Sustainability Magazine and be part of the conversation at our global conference series, Sustainability LIVE.
Discover all our upcoming events and secure your tickets today.
Sustainability Magazine is a BizClik brand
