Indianapolis just received the highest possible rating for environmental transparency, climate action and resilience planning.
The city received a spot on the prestigious A List of CDP, the world’s largest independent environmental disclosure system. CDP evaluates cities based on their commitment to tracking emissions, preparing for climate risks and implementing strategic plans to reduce environmental impact.
The city is one of only 29 in the U.S. and 112 worldwide to earn this recognition in 2024, placing it among the top global leaders in local climate leadership.
To earn an A rating, cities must disclose through the CDP-ICLEI Track platform and meet strict criteria, including maintaining a citywide emissions inventory, conducting a climate risk and vulnerability assessment and publishing a climate action plan.
Indianapolis has reported its environmental data through CDP since 2015 and has now received an A score for the seventh time.
“With the publishing of our fifth annual report on Thrive Indianapolis last month and CDP’s recognition of Indy as an A List city for the seventh time, it is clear that Indianapolis values the accountability and transparency of our environmental data,” said Mo McReynolds, director of the Indianapolis Office of Sustainability. “As city organizations work to implement increased community resilience from flooding, IndyGo’s third Bus Rapid Transit line, and safer networks for pedestrians and cyclists, an A score from CDP is a sign that we are heading in the right direction.”
The A List announcement follows the city’s release of the 2024 Thrive Annual Report on June 5, timed to coincide with World Environment Day. Thrive Indianapolis outlines goals and progress in sustainability, climate resilience, transportation and energy efficiency.
The annual reports, success stories, and data dashboards are publicly available at ThriveIndianapolis.com, contributing to the transparency recognized in CDP’s assessment.
“Indianapolis is leading by example, by disclosing transparently how city staff is prioritizing and integrating climate resiliency and sustainability across their community,” said Katie Walsh, head of climate finance for cities, states and regions and North America lead for CDP.
The CDP A List highlights the power of local governments to lead global climate goals. City officials say the recognition affirms Indianapolis’ commitment to building a resilient, equitable and environmentally responsible future.
For more information, visit thriveindianapolis.com.
Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth.
Hanna Rauworth is the Health & Environmental Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper, where she covers topics at the intersection of public health, environmental issues, and community impact. With a commitment to storytelling that informs and empowers, she strives to highlight the challenges and solutions shaping the well-being of Indianapolis residents.
