In an economic world in full transformation, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is no longer an option but a strategic necessity. 62% of M&A managers in France have already given up on a potential acquisition due to issues on ESG topics, for example (Deloitte study, July 2024). Faced with this growing demand for transparency and commitment, EcoVadis has established itself as The global standard for corporate CSR assessment.
With more than 150,000 companies evaluated in 175 countries, EcoVadis has become in a few years the essential reference for measuring, comparing and improving CSR practices. Its methodology, recognized by the largest international groups, makes it possible to obtain an objective and comparable rating, gradually transforming global supply chains.
However, many companies find themselves helpless in the face of the EcoVadis process: what documents should be prepared? How do you interpret the criteria? How can you effectively promote your CSR actions? How can this assessment be transformed into a real competitive advantage?
Whether you are an SME facing this assessment for the first time following the request of an important customer, or a large company seeking to improve its score to access new markets, this comprehensive guide will guide you step by step in your process. From methodological fundamentals to practical advice for preparing your file, to continuous improvement strategies, you will discover all the essential aspects to understand and pass your EcoVadis assessment.
1. What is EcoVadis?
Founded in 2007, EcoVadis has established itself as a global reference in the evaluation of CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) performance. Born out of the belief that sustainable practices can positively transform global supply chains, this French-American company now operates in more than 175 countries.
EcoVadis' mission is clear: to improve the environmental and social practices of businesses by providing reliable CSR assessments and collaborative tools for global supply chains. His vision revolves around a world where business decisions systematically incorporate sustainability, creating a more responsible and resilient economy.
The EcoVadis ecosystem is based on three fundamental pillars. Its online platform offers centralized access to evaluations and improvement tools. Its methodology, aligned with international standards (ISO 26000, GRI, Global Compact), examines 21 criteria divided into four themes: environment, social and human rights, ethics and responsible purchasing. Its services include evaluation, sector benchmarking and support for continuous improvement.
EcoVadis offers various subscription packages adapted to the specific needs of businesses. Suppliers can access a basic assessment, while buyers benefit from more comprehensive solutions to manage their supplier portfolio. Premium services include personalized support, in-depth sector analyses, and CSR risk management tools.
2. The EcoVadis assessment methodology
2.1 What is the EcoVadis assessment?
Concretely, when a company submits to an EcoVadis evaluation, its CSR approach is evaluated and then rated by the organization. The evaluation takes the form of a questionnaire to be completed by the company that wishes to be evaluated.
Purpose? Offer companies a clear vision of their impact, allow them to compare themselves with other companies in the same sector of activity and encourage them to continuously improve their CSR approach and thus their impact on the environment.
Companies can submit to the EcoVadis evaluation of their own free will, but it is very common for them to submit to it at the request of their stakeholders (customers, investors, etc.).
2.2 Content of the EcoVadis evaluation: what are the themes and evaluation criteria?
In practice, the evaluation takes the form of a questionnaire with questions that focus on each of the following 4 CSR themes:
- Environment : resource management, CO2 emissions, waste, waste, water, biodiversity, pollution etc.
- Social & Human Rights : working conditions, diversity, health and safety of employees etc.
- Business ethics : corruption, responsible business practices etc.
- Responsible purchasing : supplier management, etc.
The questions cover all of the following 21 sustainability criteria:
It is therefore essential, on the environmental pillar, to start by carrying out your carbon footprint in order to be in a position to communicate both its greenhouse gas emissions but also its reduction trajectory and the action plan put in place. Policies and actions are evaluated by EcoVadis, as you will see below.
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It may be useful to designate an internal contact person for each of these 4 themes and who will be responsible for answering questions related to this theme.
Although your business is evaluated taking into account the 4 themes above, it is important to keep in mind that the weight of each theme in your final grade will vary according to the sector of activity of your company since the evaluation is personalized according to your sector of activity!
With regard to the evaluation and scoring method, for each of the 4 themes, the EcoVadis teams will measure the quality of your company's CSR management system through 3 management pillars: Policies, Actions and Results.
These 3 management pillars are divided into 7 management indicators: Policies (POLI), Memberships (ENDO), Measures (MESU), Certifications (CERT), Coverage (COVE), Reporting (REPO), Reporting (REPO) and Observations “360° Watch” (360).
Again, depending on the sector of activity, the size or the country of your company, some sub-themes may be excluded and not evaluated.
This explanatory video on the EcoVadis website will enlighten you on the content and form of the questionnaire that will be submitted to you.
2.3 What are the EcoVadis scoring levels and medals?
As we have seen, the EcoVadis standard does not base its rating only on a result achieved or not achieved by the company, but it also assesses all the policies and actions put in place by the company to be more sustainable.
The evaluation results in an overall score out of 100.
Below you will find the rating scale applied for each theme:
Following the evaluation, a medal (Bronze, Silver, Silver, Gold, Platinum) can be awarded to the best rated companies. Whether a company obtains a medal depends on several factors, including:
- The company's score compared to the other companies evaluated: a medal or badge is a recognition of success compared to other companies evaluated in the EcoVadis database.
- Whether or not it reached a minimum score of 30 in each of the 4 themes.
4. Detailed steps in the EcoVadis assessment process
The process consists of 3 main steps described below.
- Registration and submission of the questionnaire on the EcoVadis platform
- Register on the platform and provide the main information about your company: its sector of activity, location and size. With this information, the EcoVadis platform offers you a “Guideline” document and a personalized CSR assessment based on these criteria.
- Complete the questionnaire in a documented manner by downloading the supporting documents for each question. Indeed, in the EcoVadis evaluation, formalism and evidence play a major role: to be taken into account, it is essential that each of your answers be justified by a document! Responses without supporting documentation will not be graded. Also, try as much as possible to provide the most relevant evidence document so as not to be penalized. For each question, the “?” icon will help you provide the most appropriate proof.
- Validate the questionnaire.
- Analysis of documents provided by the EcoVadis team
All the documents you have uploaded will be automatically integrated into the EcoVadis platform library. Also note that you can use the same supporting document to answer several questions if it is relevant!
To be accepted, your documents must highlight your company's CSR management system, the policies and actions put in place, and how your results are measured.
Expectations about documents are not the same depending on the size of your business. For example, for an SME that does not have a formal CSR policy, EcoVadis is more flexible and allows the SME to provide instead the action plan for future CSR projects or a letter from management for future commitment, etc.
A maximum of 55 documents can be added to the platform. However, it is not quantity that counts but quality and relevance, since according to EcoVadis, 8 to 22 carefully selected documents are sufficient to obtain a high score in the evaluation.
- Scoring and recommendations for improvement
Once the questionnaire has been sent, the EcoVadis teams begin to study your answers and assign scores for each of the criteria and themes according to specific guidelines.
You will get a score ranging from 0 to 100 points for each of the 4 themes.
Your results will be available in 6 to 8 weeks.
You will be able to compare your score to that of other companies operating in the same sector of activity. The report also contains tips for improving your score. You will find Here is an example of an EcoVadis scorecard.
5. Optimal preparation for the EcoVadis assessment
5.1 Checklist of essential documents by pillar
Environment pillar
- Formalized environmental policy
- Carbon balance
- ISO 14001 certification documents (if applicable)
- Energy consumption data
- Evidence of waste management and recycling
- Environmental footprint reduction initiatives
Social pillar
- Human resources policy
- Report on professional equality
- Occupational health and safety documents
- Proof of training provided
- Typical employment contracts
- Diversity and inclusion indicators
Business Ethics Pillar
- Code of ethical conduct
- Anti-corruption procedures
- Whistleblower policy
- Ethical risk mapping
- Register of gifts and invitations
- Contracts with business partners including ethical clauses
Responsible Purchasing Pillar
- Supplier charter
- CSR criteria in the selection of suppliers
- CSR questionnaires sent to suppliers
- Supplier audit evidence
- Responsible procurement development plan
5.2 Recommended Preparation Calendar
6 to 12 months prior to assessment
- Launch of the preparation project
- Defining specific goals
- Composition of the project team
- Scoping and awareness-raising meeting
4 months before
- Conducting an internal audit
- Systematic collection of documents
- Identification of variances and action plans
- First documentary review
2 months before
- Finalization of documents
- Preparation of the application file
- Training of participants
Last week
- Final document check
- Overall consistency of the file
5.3 Common Mistakes to Avoid
Documentations
- Incomplete or outdated documentation
- Lack of concrete evidence
- Inconsistency between statements
- Non-traceability of actions
Strategic
- Underestimating the process
- Lack of preparation
- Insufficient internal communication
- Only administrative vision of the project
The key to success lies in methodical, collaborative and anticipated preparation. Do not consider the EcoVadis evaluation as a constraint, but as an opportunity to promote your CSR commitments.
6. Strategic benefits of a good EcoVadis rating
It is true that the EcoVadis rating is demanding, which can demotivate many businesses. However, this assessment is a real strategic opportunity for you.
Some of the main benefits of a good EcoVadis rating for your business include:
- Meet the expectations of your stakeholders (customers, investors, suppliers, etc.) Often it is the partners of a company who demand that the company submit to an EcoVadis evaluation.
- Comply effectively with increasing sustainability regulations.
- Improving your image and reputation: A well-rated company is perceived as an environmentally responsible player, thus attracting more customers and investors.
- Strengthen your attractiveness, competitiveness and access new business opportunities: many companies require an EcoVadis assessment to work with their suppliers. It's the same for investors.
- Optimize your company's internal processes: The assessment will allow you to identify levers for improvement and to implement effective concrete actions. Evaluation can serve as a basis and starting point for your more global CSR approach.
- Collect indicators that will be useful for other ESG standards: CSRD, VSME...
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7. FAQS
How much does an EcoVadis assessment cost?
Rates vary depending on the size of your company (the number of employees) but also on your country. Several offers are available:
- Basic : By opting for this offer you will be able to: have access to your personalized questionnaire, receive a scorecard and a CSR rating, share your scorecards within your company (external sharing not available). As far as price is concerned, it is the cheapest offer. For a French company with a maximum of 25 employees, the one-year subscription costs 429 euros, for a company with 26 to 99 employees the price rises to 729 euros per year.
- Premium : This more comprehensive offer will also allow you to: highlight your performance externally thanks to EcoVadis medals and badges, to evaluate your own partners (5 max), and to share your scorecard indefinitely externally. As for the price, it is 849 euros/year for companies with less than 26 employees and 1159 euros/year for companies with between 26 and 99 employees.
- Select: With this offer you will have access in particular to: an orientation call, a session with an analyst, a dedicated support team, and a priority assessment. This offer is the most expensive: 2747 euros per year for very small businesses and 3319 for small businesses (-99 employees).
All the evaluation rates and the options offered by the various offers are available on this page.
How long does an EcoVadis assessment take?
Prior to the assessment, there is a significant amount of preparation time to take into account. In fact, preparing can take several months and sometimes even up to a year.
Then, once you have completed the questionnaire and submitted the evidence, the assessment process takes an average of 6 to 8 weeks (this depends on the size of your business and the complexity of the documents provided).
How long is an EcoVadis score valid for?
An EcoVadis score is valid for 12 months. After this period, a new comprehensive assessment is required to maintain the rating and ensure that the company's social and environmental responsibility data is up to date.
How do I contest an evaluation result?
EcoVadis offers a two-step dispute process:
- Formalize a request for review within 30 days of receiving the report
- Provide additional documentary evidence showing elements not initially taken into account
Is EcoVadis recognized internationally?
Yes, EcoVadis is recognized worldwide. Present in more than 160 countries, it is considered to be one of the most prestigious CSR assessment platforms, with more than 150,000 companies evaluated in 200 business sectors.
How does the reassessment take place?
The reassessment follows the same process as the initial assessment:
- Questionnaire update
- Collection of new documents
- In-depth analysis by EcoVadis analysts
- Generating a new report and score
Is EcoVadis suitable for small businesses?
EcoVadis now offers formats adapted to SMEs and startups, with:
- Lightweight quizzes
- Costs in proportion to the size of the business
- Personalized support
- Assessment method in proportion to resources
consultancy : Whatever the size of your business, the important thing is to demonstrate a genuine commitment to social and environmental responsibility.
Is the EcoVadis assessment mandatory?
No, it is by no means mandatory.
However, we have seen it: it is becoming a prerequisite for many tenders and B2B relationships and has numerous advantages for your business.
How to improve your EcoVadis score?
Following your evaluation, several resources will be made available to you to improve your CSR performance and obtain a better score in the future. Attention, depending on the subscription you have opted for (Basic, Premium, Select) you will be entitled to more or less resources!
These resources include:
- CSR and carbon assessment sheets.
- A detailed assessment of your CSR performance and a listing of your points of improvement.
- The possibility to compare your performance within the EcoVadis network
- Other useful resources to understand and use your scorecard and improve your environmental impact.
Other concrete ways can help you improve your score, including:
- Update your CSR policies regularly
- Obtaining certifications (ISO 14001, ISO 26000, etc.)
- Improve the transparency and communication of your ESG data.
Conclusion
The EcoVadis assessment is a real strategic opportunity for companies wishing to structure their CSR approach, communicate about their CSR management system and/or improve their environmental and social impact. Preparing beforehand, involving stakeholders and following the platform's recommendations are key steps in obtaining a good rating. If you need support for your EcoVadis assessment, Sami can help you, contact us.
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