What Is EcoVadis? A Guide to Global Sustainability Ratings

Introduction to EcoVadis

Founded in Paris, France in 2007, EcoVadis has evolved from a collaborative initiative involving NGOs such as Together for Sustainability (TfS) and the UN Global Compact into one of the most trusted global sustainability rating platforms for businesses. Today, it works closely with a wide range of sustainability initiatives to foster responsible supply chains and corporate social responsibility (CSR).

What Is the EcoVadis Rating?

The EcoVadis Rating provides companies worldwide with a holistic assessment of their sustainability performance. This is achieved through a tailored questionnaire completed via an online platform. Based on the company’s responses and supporting documents, EcoVadis assigns a score and awards medals or badges as recognition.

The purpose is to encourage continuous improvement and greater transparency in corporate sustainability practices.

EcoVadis Assessment Framework

Evaluation Criteria

EcoVadis evaluates sustainability across 4 key themes and 21 criteria:

• Environment
• Labor & Human Rights
• Ethics
• Sustainable Procurement

Scoring Methodology

The scoring model follows a “Policy – Action – Results” approach:

• Policy (25%): Internal guidelines, strategies, and commitments
• Action (35%): Implementation measures and operational practices
• Results (40%): Quantitative outcomes and performance metrics

In addition, a 360° Watch is performed to collect information from public and stakeholder sources to ensure credibility and context.

EcoVadis Badges and Medals

Based on the final questionnaire score, EcoVadis awards the company an appropriate badge or medal.

Rankings are calculated based on all companies on the EcoVadis platform in the past 12 months, not industry-specific comparisons. Eligibility is based on publication date, not submission date.

Badges or Medals	Badge		Medal
	Fast Mover Badge	Committed Badge	Platinum	Gold	Silver	Bronze
Badge Design
Score Requirements	Score between 34-44 and improved by at least 6 points since the last rating (within 18 months)	45+	Top 1% (≥ 99th) ~83–100	Top 5% (≥ 95th)   ~77–82	Top 15% (≥ 85th)   ~69–76	Top 35% (≥   65th)   ~60–68
	Companies with severe negative results in the last 5–7 years in any theme are not eligible for badges.		To qualify for a medal: All four theme scores must be ≥30 No theme can score 0 in the 360° Watch Not more than two themes can score 25

For Buyers & Large Enterprises

• Monitor CSR performance of suppliers and manage sustainability risks
• Use a standardized benchmark to increase transparency across the supply chain
• Promote improvement and innovation in supplier CSR practices

For Suppliers

• Gain visibility into your CSR performance across key dimensions
• Benchmark against peers in the same industry or region
• Share results with multiple business partners via the platform
• Receive actionable recommendations to improve sustainability and enhance market recognition

Industry leaders such as Nestlé, Shiseido, and BASF already mandate EcoVadis assessments for their suppliers.

EcoVadis Rating Process

1. Online Registration

   • Register via invitation email or directly on the EcoVadis platform
   • Provide general company information (e.g. name, size, industry)

2. Questionnaire Assignment

   • A customized questionnaire is generated based on company profile

3. Questionnaire Submission

   • Fill out the questionnaire and upload supporting documentation
   • Documents include policies, actions, certifications, and outcomes

4. Expert Assessment

   • EcoVadis experts evaluate the submission using scoring criteria
   • 360° Watch incorporates external stakeholder information

5. Results & Sharing

   • Results are delivered via email and available online
   • Companies can display and share their results with partners
   • Validity: 12 months

Our Services: Helping You Succeed with EcoVadis

As a dedicated sustainability partner, REACH24H offers a complete set of services to support your EcoVadis journey:

• EcoVadis questionnaire guidance and submission
• Scoring improvement strategies
• Preparation of robust supporting documentation
• Corporate carbon accounting and GHG inventory

Why Choose REACH24H?

Backed by years of regulatory experience and strong partnerships with government bodies and sustainability organizations, our team is well-positioned to support your CSR and low-carbon initiatives. Highlights of our expertise:

• CCAA-certified GHG verifiers and carbon label assessors
• Graduates from the top 50 global universities with in-depth industry experience
• Authorized carbon label evaluation institution
• AAA-rated green service provider in China

REACH24H serves as a bridge between companies, industry associations, and policymakers, empowering businesses to embrace sustainability, capture opportunities, and achieve green transformation for long-term success.