Understanding the EcoVadis Rating – Using the Silver Medal as an Example

A guide for companies that want to showcase their sustainability performance

Whether driven by customer pressure, rising internal expectations, or regulatory requirements, many companies are now facing the challenge of presenting their sustainability performance in a transparent and comparable manner. The EcoVadis rating plays a central role in this process, having established itself as a global standard for CSR and ESG assessments.

In this article, we explain what the EcoVadis medals and badges are all about, why the Silver medal is a good benchmark— but not the only measure of success —and how you can strategically leverage the assessment process to your advantage.

What is the EcoVadis rating?

EcoVadis evaluates companies based on a structured questionnaire covering four key areas:

• Environment

• Labor & Human Rights

• Ethics

• Sustainable procurement

The evaluation is based on a scale of 0 to 100 points. Depending on the score achieved and in comparison with other evaluated companies, companies are awarded a medal classification:

A silver medal means a company is already among the top 15% of all rated companies worldwide—this is no sure thing, but requires strategic sustainability management and relevant, up-to-date, and valid evidence.

What exactly does the silver medal represent?

The Silver Medal attests to sound sustainability management. It demonstrates that a company has established structured processes and guidelines to take environmental and social responsibility seriously—even if there is still room for improvement. Performance may vary across individual sustainability topics—an opportunity for targeted improvements.

It’s important to note that the medal reflects the current level of maturity—it’s not a final judgment. Especially when participating for the first time, earning a medal is already a very significant achievement. A Committed Badge or a Fast Mover Badge are also meaningful and measurable successes, particularly when they serve as a foundation for systematic progress toward more ambitious goals.

And what are the EcoVadis badges?

In addition to medals, EcoVadis awards so-called badges, particularly to companies that have not yet qualified for a medal but are showing positive progress:

• Committed Badge: 45 points or more

• Fast Mover Badge: for an improvement of at least 6 points compared to the last evaluation

Especially for first-time participants, a badge can be a valuable intermediate step—and an ideal starting point for structured further development. It shows that we’re on the right track.

Our advice: Define your goals, develop a strategy

Whether bronze, silver, or (in the future) gold—the EcoVadis rating is not an end in itself. Companies should address the following questions early on:

What do we hope to achieve with this rating?

• Improved market reputation?

• Meet customer requirements?

• Initiate internal improvement processes?

How do we incorporate the rating into our sustainability strategy?

• What goals should we set for the next evaluation?

• Which areas are particularly relevant or risky for us?

• Where do we need data, documentation, or processes to improve our performance?

Tips for Your (First or Next) EcoVadis Assessment

1. Transparency over perfection

Even incomplete measures can be viewed positively—provided they are presented honestly and transparently.

2. Make goals measurable

Use KPIs that are as specific as possible and highlight progress—even small steps count.

3. Define internal responsibilities

Sustainability shouldn't be an afterthought. Appoint people to take charge and build up internal expertise.

4. Thinking about the supply chain

Strong performance in sustainable procurement is often a key factor in standing out from the competition—especially for leading companies.

5. Use feedback

The EcoVadis scorecard provides specific feedback on which areas received lower ratings. Use this as a strategic guide for your ongoing improvement.

Conclusion: Silver is not a goal, but a milestone

Silver is ambitious—and therefore a strong symbol of progress. But even a lower rating or a badge can serve as a valuable impetus for setting the right strategic course.

What matters is not the award itself, but how consistently and systematically a company uses the results to drive its own development. Those who view the rating as a strategic tool can grow step by step toward excellence—regardless of where they start.

Are you looking to prepare for your first or upcoming EcoVadis assessment—or simply want to determine whether it’s worth the effort for your company? We’ll guide you through the process—in a structured, easy-to-understand way, with a clear focus on your goals.