EcoVadis is a globally trusted provider of business sustainability ratings. The EcoVadis framework assesses a supplier’s policies, actions, and results against a range of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria. The platform provides a credible framework for businesses to manage and report on the sustainability performance of their global supply chains, helping companies build a more resilient network. Its methodology is based on international standards such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), the UN Global Compact, and ISO 26000.
What EcoVadis Evaluates
EcoVadis assessments look at how companies manage sustainability across four main themes:
Furthermore, EcoVadis has defined 21 sustainability criteria based on international sustainable development standards. From these 21 criteria, EcoVadis selects the relevant ones for each company depending on its industry, size, and geography, including whether the company operates in higher-risk countries. This ensures that the assessment reflects both global best practices and local context.
The EcoVadis Assessment Process
EcoVadis assessments are designed to be structured, evidence-based, and comparable across industries.
- Tailored questionnaire: Each company receives a customized questionnaire aligned with the 21 sustainability criteria. Only those relevant to the company’s profile are activated.
- Evidence: Suppliers must upload supporting documents to validate their responses (such as policies, training records, certifications, or performance reports). Only relevant documents strengthen the case; all evidence is treated as confidential.
- Seven Management Indicators: EcoVadis analysts apply a structured methodology, reviewing evidence against seven management indicators that span across the four core themes—Environment, Labor & Human Rights, Ethics, and Sustainable Procurement.
Policies – Existence of formal commitments
Endorsements – External sustainability initiatives endorsed
Measures – Operational practices and training
Certifications – External certifications or audits
Coverage – Extent of application across sites/business units
Reporting (REPO) – Monitoring, KPIs, and disclosure practices
360° Watch Findings (360) – Stakeholder insights from media, NGOs, regulators, and unions - External Validation: 360° Watch supplements company-provided evidence by integrating publicly available information and stakeholder input into the analysis.
- Scoring and Benchmarking: The final score, consolidated into three pillars (Policies 25%, Actions 40%, and Results 35%), generates a scorecard (0–100) with a theme-by-theme breakdown. EcoVadis employs strict and well-developed scoring guidelines, applied consistently by expert analysts. The resulting score not only benchmarks a company against its industry peers but also situates its performance in absolute terms, providing a clear view of overall sustainability maturity.
Recognition: Medals and Badges
EcoVadis recognizes companies that demonstrate strong sustainability management through medals and badges:
- Medals: Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum (based on overall score ranges).
- Badges: Committed, Fast Mover, Outstanding (highlighting specific achievements or improvements).
Earning a medal or badge signals to business partners that a company is addressing environmental, social, and ethical risks in a credible, verified way. This recognition enhances brand reputation, builds trust with customers, and provides a competitive advantage in securing new opportunities.
EcoVadis’s Role in Supply Chains
EcoVadis plays a dual role in supply chains. For buyers, it serves as a tool to evaluate and monitor the sustainability performance of their suppliers, mitigating risks related to labor, ethics, and environmental compliance. For suppliers, it provides a single, globally recognized platform to share their sustainability performance with multiple customers, replacing countless individual questionnaires.
At Envint, we help you address assessment criteria and enhance disclosures, enabling you to achieve a higher rating and demonstrate transparent ESG leadership.
Contact us at connect@envintglobal.com to start your EcoVadis assessment.
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