CDP in logistics: what is the Carbon Disclosure Project and why is it key to transportation and the Supply Chain?

Sustainability has become a strategic factor for companies, particularly in the logistics sector. An increasing number of organizations need to measure, manage, and communicate their environmental impact to meet the demands of customers, investors, and regulations.

In this context, the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) has established itself as one of the leading international standards for sustainability reporting. Its methodology makes it possible to assess how companies manage issues such as greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, resource consumption, and risks associated with climate change.

For companies that are part of a supply chain, participating in CDP not only improves transparency but also boosts operational efficiency, strengthens stakeholder trust, and promotes the decarbonization of logistics operations.

At FM Logistic—a logistics provider in Spain—we work with our clients to develop more sustainable logistics solutions, helping them reduce the environmental impact of their operations without sacrificing efficiency.

The Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) is an international nonprofit organization that manages one of the world’s leading environmental disclosure systems. Its goal is to help companies, cities, and public agencies measure and report their environmental impact using a standardized, internationally recognized framework.

Currently, CDP takes six major areas into account:

Through specific questionnaires, organizations report information on their sustainability strategy, carbon emissions, energy consumption, risk management, climate goals, and emissions reduction plans.

All of this information allows customers, investors, and other stakeholders to understand the extent of companies’ environmental commitment and to compare their progress using consistent criteria.

In recent years, the importance of the CDP has increased significantly due to the rise of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) policies and the implementation of new regulations such as the European Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).

In addition, many large companies already require their suppliers to report environmental information through CDP as part of their qualification and risk assessment processes.

For the logistics sector, this presents an opportunity to demonstrate transparency, strengthen customer trust, and set itself apart through responsible environmental management.

The CDP operates on the basis of an annual questionnaire through which organizations provide information on various aspects related to their environmental performance.

Among other data, companies report:

Once the information has been submitted, CDP evaluates each response using an international methodology that assesses both the quality of the report and the organization’s level of environmental management and leadership.

In logistics, this process takes on particular importance because a large portion of a product’s carbon footprint is generated throughout the entire supply chain. The portion of the carbon footprint generated in the supply chain falls under Scope 3.

Manufacturers, distributors, logistics operators, and suppliers must work together to obtain reliable information that will enable them to identify opportunities for improvement and reduce emissions associated with transportation and storage.

For this reason, more and more companies are asking their logistics providers for data related to:

Having a logistics provider capable of measuring and sharing this information has become a competitive advantage and a key differentiator in the market.

At FM Logistic, we develop logistics services that help our clients build more efficient and sustainable supply chains, incorporating solutions that help reduce the environmental impact of their operations.

Reporting environmental data through the CDP offers benefits that go far beyond regulatory compliance.

Among the main advantages are:

In the field of logistics, having reliable environmental information enables data-driven decision-making and the development of more sustainable transportation and storage strategies.

To begin reporting to the CDP, it is recommended to follow a structured process that ensures the quality of the information.

The main steps are:

1. Identify the scope of the report and the applicable requirements.

2. Collect information on energy consumption, activity data, climate risks, and action plans.

3. Calculate greenhouse gas emissions using internationally recognized methodologies.

4. Gather information on energy consumption, climate risks, and action plans.

5. Set measurable emission reduction targets.

6. Complete the CDP’s annual questionnaire.

7. Analyze the results obtained to identify new improvement measures.

Many organizations rely on the support of logistics specialists and operators committed to sustainability to facilitate this process and improve the quality of the reported data.

At FM Logistic, our commitment to sustainable supply chains is reflected in our rigorous environmental reporting through the Carbon Disclosure Project. By actively participating in this initiative, we hold ourselves to the same high standards that we help our customers achieve.

For the fifth consecutive time, we have completed the CDP 2025 assessment and have once again received a “B” rating in the Climate Change module. Thanks to this ongoing commitment to transparency and rigorous reporting, we can accurately measure our environmental performance and pinpoint exactly where we need to improve. This continuous cycle of feedback is essential, as it allows us to continue developing and offering new sustainable innovations to our customers.

Since continuous improvement is part of our operational DNA, our journey doesn’t end here. We are currently compiling our latest performance data and preparing to submit our next report to the CDP for 2026. By adhering to these strict global standards, we assure our customers that they are partnering with a logistics provider that is genuinely committed to a decarbonized future.

There is no universal requirement to report to the CDP. However, an increasing number of large companies, investors, and government agencies are requesting this information from their suppliers.

In addition, many organizations participate on a voluntary basis to improve their transparency, strengthen their ESG strategy, and respond to growing market demands.

CDP evaluates the information provided by companies using its own methodology based on different levels of maturity:

Grades range from D to A, with A being the highest distinction awarded by the organization.

The CDP questionnaire collects information related to:

All of this information makes it possible to assess an organization’s level of commitment to sustainability and its ability to adapt to current environmental challenges.

Environmental transparency is no longer just a reputational issue—it’s a competitive advantage. In a context where sustainability increasingly influences the decisions of customers, investors, and regulators, tools like the CDP help companies measure their impact, identify opportunities for improvement, and move toward more resilient and efficient supply chains. Partnering with a logistics provider committed to these goals helps accelerate this process and build a logistics system ready for the challenges of the future.