Sustainability isn’t just a trend anymore—it’s a business imperative. As global supply chains become more complex and stakeholder expectations continue to rise, companies are under increasing pressure to prove that their operations, partners, and products are genuinely responsible. For organizations looking to build trust, reduce risk, and demonstrate real progress, EcoVadis certification has become the gold standard. But what exactly is EcoVadis, how does the certification process work, and why does it matter for your business? This in-depth guide will walk you through everything you need to know about EcoVadis certification in 2025 and beyond.
At its core, EcoVadis is a globally recognized platform that assesses and benchmarks a company’s sustainability performance. Founded in 2007, EcoVadis has grown into one of the world’s leading providers of business sustainability ratings, helping organizations manage their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) risks and opportunities. The EcoVadis platform is used by more than 130,000 companies worldwide, making it a truly international standard for sustainable supply chains and responsible business practices.
EcoVadis certification is not just about getting a score—it’s about understanding where your company stands, identifying areas for improvement, and communicating your commitment to sustainability with transparency and credibility. For companies aiming to win business with ESG-conscious clients, meet regulatory requirements, or simply do the right thing, EcoVadis offers a structured, evidence-based pathway to progress.
The business landscape is changing fast. Investors, customers, and regulators are all demanding more transparency and action on ESG issues. EcoVadis certification helps companies rise to this challenge by providing a clear, credible, and comparable assessment of sustainability performance. With a growing focus on responsible sourcing, supply chain transparency, and climate action, EcoVadis certification is now a key differentiator in many industries.
For buyers, working with EcoVadis-rated suppliers means less risk and more confidence that partners are meeting high standards for ethics, labor practices, environmental stewardship, and sustainable procurement. For suppliers, a strong EcoVadis score can open doors to new business, support compliance with client requirements, and strengthen your reputation as a responsible company.
EcoVadis evaluates companies across four key themes that together form the backbone of sustainable business:
Each of these pillars is supported by detailed criteria and evidence requirements, helping companies build a comprehensive picture of their ESG performance. For more on how to address these areas, check out our Sustainable Procurement Solutions.
Getting EcoVadis certified is a bit like setting out on a well-marked journey, with each stage helping your business build trust and make real progress on sustainability. It all starts with registration. You’ll head over to the EcoVadis platform and set up a company profile, sharing details like what your business does, which industry you’re in, how big your team is, and where you’re located. This isn’t just paperwork—EcoVadis uses this information to tailor the assessment to your company’s unique situation, so you’re not stuck answering questions that don’t fit your world.
Once you’re registered, you’ll find your own dashboard waiting for you. This is where you’ll tackle the EcoVadis questionnaire. Think of it as a deep dive into how your company handles sustainability—your policies, the steps you’re taking, and the results you’re seeing. The questionnaire is smart: it adapts based on your industry and company profile, so you won’t waste time on irrelevant questions.
As you move through the questionnaire, you’ll need to upload supporting documents. These could be anything from your environmental policies and certifications to audit reports or data showing your progress. There’s a limit to how many documents you can submit, so it’s worth picking the ones that really show off your efforts and results.
When you’re done, EcoVadis’s team of experts steps in. They carefully review your answers and all the evidence you’ve provided, measuring your performance against global standards and other companies in your field. This review is thorough and usually takes about six to eight weeks. Sometimes, the analysts might reach out if they need you to clarify something or provide a bit more proof—so it’s a good idea to be ready for a little back-and-forth during this stage.
By the end, you’ll have a clear, credible picture of where your company stands on sustainability—and a roadmap for what to tackle next.
Once the review is complete, you’ll receive your EcoVadis scorecard.
This detailed report breaks down your performance across the four pillars, highlights strengths and areas for improvement, and provides benchmarking data so you can see how you stack up against others in your sector. If you perform well, you may also receive a medal—bronze, silver, gold, or platinum—based on your overall score.
Recognition is the final step. You can share your EcoVadis results with clients, partners, and stakeholders, using your scorecard and medal as proof of your sustainability achievements. Many companies display their EcoVadis medals on their websites, proposals, and marketing materials to demonstrate their commitment to responsible business.
For hands-on support at every stage, visit our Sustainability Consulting page.
The EcoVadis score is more than just a number—it’s a comprehensive reflection of your company’s sustainability performance. Scores range from 0 to 100 and are divided into four bands, one for each assessment pillar. Your overall score determines whether you receive a medal, with thresholds set for bronze, silver, gold, and platinum recognition.
EcoVadis awards bronze medals to companies scoring between 45 and 54 points, silver medals to those scoring between 55 and 64, gold medals to companies scoring between 65 and 84, and platinum medals to those achieving 85 or higher.The scorecard also provides detailed feedback and recommendations, helping you identify where you excel and where you can improve.
A strong EcoVadis score can help you win business with ESG-focused clients, meet regulatory requirements, and strengthen your reputation as a responsible company. It’s also a valuable tool for internal benchmarking and continuous improvement, enabling you to set targets and track progress over time.
If you want to learn more about setting and achieving sustainability goals, explore our ESG Performance Improvement Services.
The EcoVadis certification process is designed to be thorough but efficient. Most companies spend three to four weeks completing the questionnaire and gathering supporting documents. Once submitted, EcoVadis analysts take about six to eight weeks to review your materials and deliver your scorecard. In total, you can expect the process to take around two to three months from start to finish.
This timeline can vary depending on the complexity of your operations, the availability of documentation, and the responsiveness of your team. Being proactive, organized, and transparent can help streamline the process and ensure a smooth experience.
The EcoVadis questionnaire is at the heart of the assessment process. The assessment captures a comprehensive view of your company’s sustainability management system, policies, actions, and results. It tailors questions to your industry, size, and location, ensuring the assessment stays relevant and meaningful.
You’ll be asked about your environmental policies, energy and water use, waste management, climate action, and biodiversity initiatives. Questions on labor and human rights cover employee welfare, diversity and inclusion, health and safety, and supply chain practices. The ethics section explores anti-corruption measures, data protection, and responsible marketing, while sustainable procurement looks at how you manage suppliers and promote responsible sourcing.
To support your answers, you’ll need to upload evidence such as policies, certifications, audit reports, and performance data. There’s a cap on the number of documents, so focus on those that best demonstrate your achievements and progress.
For more on preparing your documentation and responding to the questionnaire, check out our ESG Reporting Services.
Once you’ve submitted your questionnaire and documents, the EcoVadis review process begins. Expert analysts evaluate your responses, benchmark your performance, and assign scores for each pillar. They may reach out for clarifications or additional evidence if needed.
When the review is complete, you’ll receive your scorecard. This isn’t just a static report—it’s a roadmap for improvement. The scorecard highlights your strengths, pinpoints areas where you can do better, and provides recommendations for future action. Many companies use their EcoVadis results to set new sustainability targets, launch improvement initiatives, and track progress over time.
If you earn a medal, you can display it proudly on your website, proposals, and marketing materials. Sharing your EcoVadis results with clients and partners can help build trust, win new business, and demonstrate your leadership in sustainability.
EcoVadis certification delivers value far beyond compliance. For many organizations, it’s a catalyst for positive change, helping to embed sustainability into strategy, operations, and culture. Here’s how EcoVadis can benefit your business:
First, it enhances your reputation. In a world where stakeholders care deeply about ESG, being EcoVadis-certified signals that your company is serious about sustainability. This can help attract customers, investors, and employees who share your values.
Second, it supports risk management. The EcoVadis assessment helps you identify and address ESG risks in your own operations and across your supply chain. This proactive approach can reduce the likelihood of disruptions, scandals, or regulatory penalties.
Third, it opens doors to new business. Many large organizations now require their suppliers to be EcoVadis-rated. A strong score can help you qualify for contracts, meet client requirements, and stand out in competitive bids.
Fourth, it drives operational efficiency. The assessment process encourages you to review your policies, track performance, and implement best practices. This can lead to cost savings, improved resource management, and greater innovation.
Finally, EcoVadis certification fosters continuous improvement. The feedback and benchmarking data you receive help you set new goals, measure progress, and stay ahead of evolving standards and expectations.
To see how EcoVadis fits into a broader ESG strategy, explore our Decarbonization and ESG Services.
One of EcoVadis’s greatest strengths is its focus on supply chain sustainability. In today’s interconnected world, a company’s impact goes far beyond its own operations. EcoVadis helps organizations gain full visibility into supply chain risks, engage suppliers, and drive improvement at scale.
With tools like the Carbon Action Manager, companies can measure, monitor, and reduce Scope 3 carbon emissions using accurate supplier-specific data. This is essential for meeting climate goals, ensuring compliance, and building resilient supply chains.
EcoVadis also offers solutions for supplier engagement, risk mapping, and due diligence. By inviting suppliers to participate in the assessment, companies can promote responsible practices, support capacity building, and create a culture of sustainability throughout the value chain.
EcoVadis awards you bronze, silver, gold, or platinum medals based on your overall score, recognizing your achievements and enabling you to share these accomplishments with stakeholders. You earn these medals by ranking in the top 35%, 15%, 5%, or 1% of all assessed companies, providing a clear and credible way to showcase your sustainability performance.
Recognition is more than just a badge. It’s an opportunity to tell your story, build trust, and inspire others to follow your lead. Many companies use their EcoVadis results in marketing, proposals, and annual reports to demonstrate their commitment to responsible business.
But EcoVadis certification is not a one-time event. The platform encourages continuous improvement, with regular reassessments, updated scorecards, and new opportunities to raise your performance. By embracing the EcoVadis journey, you can keep your company at the forefront of sustainability and drive positive change in your industry.
As more businesses make sustainability a real priority, EcoVadis certification is quickly becoming one of the best ways for companies to stand out and show they’re serious about making a difference. Companies that embrace EcoVadis are leading the way, creating brands people believe in and supply chains that can weather any storm.
Looking ahead, there’s a lot to be excited about. EcoVadis keeps evolving, with new features for tracking carbon, regular updates to keep the standards high, and a growing network of businesses all striving to do better. Whether you’re just starting to think about sustainability or you’re ready to push your efforts even further, EcoVadis gives you the tools, credibility, and recognition to move forward with confidence.
Ready to start your EcoVadis journey? Explore our sustainability services, or get in touch for a personalized consultation. Together, we build a more sustainable, transparent, and successful future for your business and the world. This guide provides clear, actionable information on EcoVadis certification for everyone—from newcomers to seasoned professionals. For more insights and updates, follow our blog or reach out with your questions.
