Challenging Your EcoVadis Score: How to Submit a Scorecard Inquiry

If you disagree with your EcoVadis score

A disappointing result on the EcoVadis assessment can be frustrating for companies—especially when significant progress has been made internally on sustainability. However, before rushing to launch a new optimization project, those in charge should check whether the current result is due to a correctable error. EcoVadis offers a formal, structured mechanism specifically for this purpose: the Scorecard Inquiry.

In this article, you’ll learn, step by step, how to critically analyze your score, identify errors, and initiate corrections—based on publicly available information from EcoVadis and our consulting experience.

Understanding How EcoVadis Rates Companies—and Why It Matters

EcoVadis does not assess a company’s sustainability impact per se, but rather the quality and formal maturity of its sustainability management system. The assessment focuses on documented policies, measures, and related reporting across four key areas: the environment, labor and human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement.

In concrete terms, this means that even measures implemented in an exemplary manner do not automatically result in a high score—unless the documentation meets the formal requirements. Only information that is verifiable, valid, and attributable to the correct scope is evaluated.

Typical causes of score drops are therefore not necessarily related to content, but rather to structure:

• Outdated or formally inadequate documents
• Documents that could not be assigned to the business unit under review
• Insufficient correlation between questionnaire responses and supporting documentation
• Missing page numbers or document titles

EcoVadis publishes its own scoring methodology and detailed documentation requirements on this topic (see Sources).

The official procedure: Submit a scorecard inquiry instead of filing a general complaint

With the Scorecard Inquiry, EcoVadis offers a formalized process for correcting potential assessment errors. It is important to note that:

• This is not a contradiction of the overall result.
• New supporting documents can no longer be submitted.
• The inquiry is intended solely to determine whether documents that have already been submitted were not taken into account or were incorrectly considered during the evaluation.

An inquiry is free of charge for all evaluated companies and should be submitted within the scorecard’s validity period (12 months).

How to Take a Strategic Approach: A Step-by-Step Guide to the Scorecard Inquiry

1. Detailed analysis of the scorecard

Start by carefully reviewing the scorecard. Don’t just look at the overall score; analyze the strengths and areas for improvement within each category.

The goal is to identify exactly those areas for improvement where you have demonstrably submitted the relevant documents. This will allow you to pinpoint any discrepancies.

Example: If the feedback indicates that there are no climate targets, but you have documented a climate target approved by a committee, this could be a starting point.

2. Internal document review from the analysts' perspective

Now take another look at the supporting documents you submitted—this time with a critical, formal eye:

• Is the document credible (logo, date, author, affiliation with the company)?
• Is it recent enough (e.g., KPI data no older than two years)?
• Is the scope correct (e.g., specific to the subsidiary)?
• Is the relevant information easy to find (e.g., not on page 98 of a PDF that cannot be searched)?

Documents that do not meet these requirements will not be considered, even retroactively, in the event of an inquiry.

3. Formulating specific questions for evaluation

The Scorecard Inquiry is designed to include up to 15 specific questions. These should be professional, objective, and clearly structured. Avoid emotionally charged language.

A tried-and-true structure is:

“Regarding the area for improvement ‘[Area for Improvement]’, we would like to point out that evidence of this can be found in our document ‘[Document Name]’, on page [Page Number]. It contains the following passage: ‘[Quote or Description]’. We would appreciate an explanation as to why this evidence was not taken into account.”

This format provides clarity, is easy to follow, and allows analysts to review the assessment.

4. Official submission of the inquiry

The request is submitted via the EcoVadis support portal (https://getsupport.ecovadis.com):

• Select the topic: “Understanding scorecard results”
• Enter company information
• Enter questions directly into the form or upload them as a PDF

Once you have submitted your application, you will receive a confirmation of receipt and be informed of the next steps. A team of analysts will review your information and notify you of the results.

Alternative option: Paid analyst session

For companies with more complex questions or those seeking a more in-depth analysis, EcoVadis offers a paid analyst session. This session lasts one hour, takes place via video conference, and includes:

• Review of the Evaluation Matrix
• Comments on strengths and areas for improvement
• Suggestions for optimization based on methodology

The session is available starting at 500 EUR (depending on the subscription plan). For Premium and Corporate customers, it may be included at no additional cost. For more information, visit: https://ecovadis.com/plans-pricing

Learning from mistakes: Strategic optimization for the next evaluation

Even if a Scorecard Inquiry does not have an immediate impact, the process provides valuable insights for improving the structure of your sustainability management.

Therefore, use your evaluation not just as a justification, but as a tool for systematic improvement:

• Correct any incomplete documentation (e.g., missing page numbers, outdated information, incorrect scope)
• Use the Corrective Action Plan feature within the scorecard for internal task tracking
• Conduct a gap analysis based on the EcoVadis indicators (Policies, Actions, Reporting)
• Start preparing the reassessment questions early on so that you can properly document evidence-based measures

With a structured improvement process, you’ll not only position yourself to achieve better scores, but also to engage in well-informed sustainability communication with customers, partners, and investors.

Conclusion: From Contradiction to Further Development

An unsatisfactory EcoVadis score can be frustrating—but it doesn’t have to be the end of the story. By understanding the methodology, conducting a structured analysis of your scorecard, and submitting a scorecard inquiry with clearly documented questions, you can identify errors and have them corrected.

At the same time, the true value of a scorecard lies not only in its numerical value, but also in its potential as a strategic management tool for sustainability. Companies that view the process as an opportunity for learning and improvement reap dual benefits: better ratings and substantial progress in the maturity of their own ESG organization.

Sources and further information:

• EcoVadis: Scorecard Inquiry Guide
• EcoVadis: How to Get Help with Your Scorecard
• EcoVadis: Scoring Principles
• EcoVadis: Document Guide
• EcoVadis: Corrective Action Plan

Note: Five Glaciers Consulting is not an official EcoVadis partner, but we are familiar with the assessment requirements and processes from numerous client projects. We would be happy to assist you in making informed improvements to your scorecard.