From disclosure to leadership: “CDP is a shared compass guiding us toward sustainability progress”

A global mark of trust

Founded in 2000 as the Climate Disclosure Project, CDP is a not-for-profit charity that encourages organizations to disclose their environmental performance and helps investors steer capital toward the greenest companies. More than 23,000 public and private organizations (representing two-thirds of global market capitalization) answer at least one of CDP’s three detailed questionnaires on climate, forests and water security. Participation is voluntary, but CDP has become a must in non-financial evaluation because it helps identify risks, guide action and build stakeholder trust. As Céline says: “CDP is an extremely rigorous framework that shows the market just how serious we are about our climate policy.”

From intention to action

So how does it work? Put simply, any large organization that makes a formal commitment to the environment starts by assessing its carbon footprint and developing a policy with concrete actions and KPIs. The company can then submit its planned trajectory to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) for approval, based on a solid understanding of the challenges, realistic calculations and credible net-zero targets. CDP complements these efforts by evaluating how well the organization is set up to deliver on its targets – “whether its climate actions are solid enough,” as Céline says, or in Matthieu’s words, its ability to “move from intention to action.” This process requires participants to clarify the environmental risks, identify opportunities to advance on decarbonization and commit to continually improving their climate impact.

In this sense, both Hager and Rexel are exemplary. Rexel first achieved a Leadership score (A-) in 2022 and joined the CDP A List in 2024, while Hager quickly moved up from C in 2023 to A- in 2025. The company notably achieved a 20% reduction in Scopes 1 and 2 emissions in 2024 compared with its 2021 baseline – far beyond the 7-10% reduction in Scope 1 (direct) emissions that CDP claims participants typically achieve in their first years[1].

A shared compass with a competitive advantage

Internally, it’s a source of pride for employees, who see that their company is committed to a meaningful purpose. This is essential for boosting motivation and stimulating innovation – where all progress lies, combined with the responsible use of energy and resources. Matthieu comments, “CDP incentivizes us to take action in every area, from the components we source to our product R&D and logistics. For example, at Hager we’ve realized we can de-risk certain routes to secure our supply chain, reduce the carbon footprint and save on costs.”

Externally, investors look for evidence that companies have analyzed climate risks, operate in a way that can withstand crises and are meeting demand for decarbonized products, solutions and services. Céline notes, “It’s a guarantee of maturity and solidity, which are essential for our reputation.” At the same time, major customers systematically enquire about their suppliers’ CDP scores (or their ratings by EcoVadis, a broader sustainability certification program that tends to be more accessible to smaller companies).

Matthieu explains, “We must have those ratings to win certain calls for tender. It shows we’re taking concrete action to decarbonize buildings for our customers.” And that action includes encouraging suppliers, partners and customers to meet similarly ambitious sustainability standards. “CDP is a shared compass guiding us in the same direction, toward climate leadership.”

Reinforced collaboration

For Céline, assessments like CDP and EcoVadis show that companies are playing on the same field: “We want to strengthen our relationships with partners who share the same values and ambitions.” While these processes are helping to advance Rexel’s thinking, they are not replacing the longstanding cooperation the company has built with Hager and other top suppliers who have joined the Sustainability Shapers program. One proof of this “enduring love story,” as Céline puts it, is the product environmental data, information and sales training these suppliers provide, which Rexel uses to steer customers toward the most sustainable solutions. Environmental data is also critical to tools like Rexel’s Carbon Tracker, which enables clients to calculate the carbon footprint of their chosen products over their lifecycle.

Other joint projects include product recycling services and lower-carbon solutions. “Our shared mission is to make buildings more energy efficient and ecological,” says Matthieu. “But that doesn’t just depend on the solutions we provide. It’s also about influencing the switch to better buildings by all key players of the electrical world.” Céline adds that they’re sharing information to help small installers keep up with regulation and reduce their carbon footprint. “Altogether, it’s a titanic task.”

Stronger together

Hence the Sustainability Shapers program, which aims to accelerate shared progress by reinforcing the collaboration between sustainability leaders in the electrical supplies market – in particular through joint communications aimed at raising the visibility of sustainable innovations and helping educate the market on sustainability issues. “We’re always stronger and more credible when we work together,” confirms Céline. “There’s been an environmental backlash, where ecological policies are being blamed for economic crises,” concludes Matthieu. “Yet Covid showed us that businesses can only thrive in the long term by respecting people and the environment. It’s not about leading a combat but regarding our commitments and transitions as legitimate ways to ensure the quality of our businesses well into the future.”

[1] Source: www.cdp.net, accessed February 12, 2026