# How to use the Google Sheets template?

The Google Sheets template is built to make it easier for you to make a Climate Dividends claim each year. Even if you are not a user, you can [check out the template on this link](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ZaunKMbEQdE9kOuRUadCqMKWFD9MHRUaXPElPMavocQ/edit?usp=sharing). 

It is thought and built similarly as a form tool. 

## <mark style="background-color:green;">How it works</mark>

The Google Sheets SDD template is built as a form tool to make it easier for you to complete/update your SDD and your Climate Dividends claims. It's complemented by other resources to help you fill it such as:

* This help center documentation
* Complementary templates for specific sections
* A script to export your answers to a more reader-friendly PDF format

<figure><img src="https://2380137201-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FHgrIlgdTc0sPFVqVHC75%2Fuploads%2FQmgYljViux7SZDP9uHxd%2FCapture%20d%E2%80%99e%CC%81cran%202025-04-08%20a%CC%80%2017.31.53.png?alt=media&#x26;token=4a8c16ed-133f-4ee3-bcef-d61d969b52e6" alt=""><figcaption><p>The template and complementary resources</p></figcaption></figure>

The links to the dedicated section for each question in the help center will be marked by the following icon:

<figure><img src="https://2380137201-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FHgrIlgdTc0sPFVqVHC75%2Fuploads%2FcM35qIMB8nmXPHooWEKl%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=f79f0262-af1c-40c9-91db-5b1888867ac6" alt=""><figcaption><p>In the Google Sheets, you can click on any "HELP" button to reach the dedicated tutorial in the Help Center.</p></figcaption></figure>

## <mark style="background-color:green;">General recommendations</mark>

We have designed this template to standardize as much as possible the inputs from Contributing Entities in order to make it easier to review a large amount of claims and to improve the transparency of the initiative.&#x20;

### <mark style="background-color:blue;">Stay on Google sheets (vs Excel)</mark>

:point\_right: We know some of you might prefer Excel (rather than Google Sheets), but as much as possible, please only use Google Sheets. This will prevent any sync issues, and ensure a smooth export to the PDF format (our script runs in Google Sheets).&#x20;

### <mark style="background-color:blue;">Use the free comment sections</mark>

:point\_right: The structure might not fit your exact situation. However, please stick to the structure as much as possible (don't move/add/delete cells) and rather use the free comments section if you'd like to be more precise on something.&#x20;

<figure><img src="https://2380137201-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FHgrIlgdTc0sPFVqVHC75%2Fuploads%2FPswsfbCyCf0EZYhUGLIC%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=3a400487-a212-43f4-90b3-60813d5a73b7" alt=""><figcaption><p>Feel free to use the additional comment sections!</p></figcaption></figure>

### <mark style="background-color:blue;">Use the Help Center</mark>

Whenever you have a doubt on how to answer a specific question, please check the associated instructions/recommendations in the Help Center. If you don't find the answer you can also:

* Check how the question was answered in previous SDDs and claims in our [Public Registry](https://www.climate-dividends.com/our-registry?utm_source=gitbook\&utm_medium=referral\&utm_campaign=how_to_use)
* Ask the Climate Dividends for help / guidance