Climate research provider and environmental disclosure platform CDP announced a strategic restructuring which may result in a reduction of around 20% of its workforce, as the organization embarks on a new strategy, including focusing on reducing the reporting burden for companies.

Founded in 2000, CDP runs a global environmental disclosure system, enabling investors and other stakeholders to measure and track organization’s performance in key environmental sustainability areas including climate, forests, and water security. In 2024, a record of more than 22,700 companies disclosed through CDP, up 8% over the prior year.

The restructuring comes as CDP faces economic challenges, requiring it to reduce its cost base and adjust staffing levels, with the organization saying that the move aims to “support a leaner, technology and partner-enabled CDP.” CDP added that it will look to strengthen key capabilities, including in new functions across Product, Growth, Operations and Customer Success, and that it will direct more resources toward innovation and impact, reinvesting in associated skills and expertise.

CDP CEO Sherry Madera said:

“The restructure announced today will enable CDP to invest in the resilience and innovation of tomorrow – reflecting our commitment to our partners and stakeholders across the ecosystem. We are relied upon to deliver consistent, comparable data that enables faster, smarter decisions – for sustainable business and the wider economy. We proudly support organizations to take action that protects the planet – and the bottom line.”

Alongside the restructuring, CDP unveiled an updated strategy, with streamlining disclosure as a key focus area, including by reducing burden, duplication of efforts and manual data entry. Other key aims of the strategy include employing a use-case model to deliver decision-useful, sector-specific, actionable insights, and to “improve the provisioning and interoperable access of high-quality, standard-aligned data to the financial markets, requesting bodies, policy makers and the general public.”

Madera added:

“We remain focused on our mission, our partners and our people – supporting a whole of economy approach to planet and profit. It is with deep gratitude that we thank our CDP team and recognize their valuable contributions in pursuit of our bold vision.”