In today’s business landscape, sustainability isn't just a buzzword - it's a necessity. Yet, many companies struggle to effectively measure and communicate their environmental and social impact. This is where EcoVadis steps in, offering a standardised assessment that evaluates a company's sustainability performance across key areas. At transformacy, we understand the importance of such tools in helping businesses navigate their sustainability journey.
What is EcoVadis?
EcoVadis is a globally recognised sustainability rating platform that assesses companies' environmental, social, and ethical performance. It comprehensively evaluates four key themes: Environment, Labour & Human Rights, Ethics, and Sustainable Procurement. By analysing policies, actions, and results, EcoVadis delivers a scorecard that highlights strengths and areas for improvement, enabling businesses to benchmark their performance and drive continuous improvement.
Find out more about how EcoVadis ratings work here.
The EcoVadis Assessment Process
The assessment process is structured into four stages:
Registration: Companies provide basic information, including industry, size, and location, to tailor the assessment to their specific context.
Questionnaire: A customised questionnaire is completed, requiring documented evidence to support responses. This ensures the assessment reflects actual practices and performance.
Expert analysis: EcoVadis analysts review the submitted information, considering both internal documentation and external sources, to evaluate the company's sustainability management system.
Results: Companies receive a scorecard with scores ranging from 0 to 100, along with badges (Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze) that recognise their sustainability achievements.
This process not only provides a clear picture of a company's current sustainability performance but also offers actionable insights for improvement.
Why does EcoVadis matter for your business?
Incorporating EcoVadis into your sustainability strategy offers several benefits. It enhances transparency by allowing for clear communication of sustainability efforts to stakeholders, including customers, investors, and partners. A strong EcoVadis score can also serve as a competitive advantage, differentiating your company in the marketplace and signalling a commitment to responsible business practices.
For businesses with complex supply chains, EcoVadis provides insights into suppliers' sustainability performance, which aids in risk management and compliance. Additionally, the assessment identifies areas for enhancement, guiding companies in developing targeted action plans to advance their sustainability goals.
At transformacy, we support businesses in achieving EcoVadis certification and utilising it to strengthen their sustainability performance and reporting.
What are some industry tips for EcoVadis certification?
To effectively utilise EcoVadis, consider taking a collaborative approach by engaging relevant departments and teams in the assessment process. This helps ensure that the information provided is comprehensive and accurate.
Another key step is maintaining thorough documentation of your sustainability policies, initiatives, and outcomes. Doing so not only supports your assessment but also embeds sustainability more deeply into your operations.
Once you've received your EcoVadis scorecard, use the insights to establish clear objectives and timelines for improvement. Setting tangible goals will help you measure progress and stay on track.
Finally, make sustainability a continuous effort. Regularly reviewing and updating your practices ensures ongoing alignment with evolving standards and expectations, keeping your organisation ahead of the curve.
By embedding EcoVadis into your sustainability framework, your business can demonstrate accountability, drive positive change, and meet the growing demand for responsible operations.
Want support on your EcoVadis journey?
Get in touch with our team to explore how transformacy can support your journey toward meaningful, measurable impact.
