CDP Launches Water Disclosure Project

The Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) is an independent not-for-profit organization that holds the largest database of corporate climate change information in the world, gathered on behalf of institutional investors, purchasing organizations and government bodies. Recognizing the importance of water-related issues, CDP carried out a water disclosure pilot in 2008. As a result of the successful pilot and the increasing interest from the investment and corporate communities, CDP has launched a Water Disclosure project. Water Disclosure requests information on the risks and opportunities companies face in relation to water; water usage and exposure to water stress in companies’ own operations and in their supply chains; and companies’ water management plans and governance. This data aims to provide valuable insight into the strategies deployed by many of the largest companies in the world on water and will be used to help drive investment towards sustainable water use. In 2010, a questionnaire will be sent to approximately 300 of the world’s largest companies (by market capitalization) in water-intensive sectors, including fast moving consumer goods and food and beverage sectors. In future years the questionnaire will be sent to an increasing number of companies in water-intensive sectors and in regions facing water stress.