EcoVadis is one of the leading platforms for the assessment of corporate sustainability management systems. It not only offers companies the opportunity to transparently present their ESG (environmental, social and governance) performance, but also serves as a strategic tool to strengthen business relationships, minimize risk and achieve long-term resilience. However, the path to a high EcoVadis score can be challenging and requires a structured and strategic approach.

Why is a good EcoVadis score important?‍

A convincing EcoVadis score is far more than just proof of responsible action. It strengthens competitiveness, opens doors to new business opportunities and secures long-term partnerships. Companies that achieve a high score, for example, show their stakeholders that they have comprehensively integrated sustainability into their strategy. Companies that receive a bronze medal, for example, also show that they are among the top 35% of companies worldwide.

Advantages of a high score for your company

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Mastering challenges in the EcoVadis process

The path to a successful EcoVadis assessment is often more complex than initially thought. A common problem is understanding the platform's requirements precisely and addressing them specifically. EcoVadis does not assess concrete results, such as the reduction of emissions, but rather the quality of the management systems on which the key figures are based. This means that even ambitious sustainability measures without corresponding documentation are not given sufficient consideration. The following difficulties arise, particularly for companies going through this process for the first time:

• ‍Diversesubject areas: EcoVadis evaluates up to 21 sustainability aspects, which are assigned to the four core topics 'Environment', 'Labor and human rights', 'Ethics' and 'Sustainable procurement'. The range of topics makes it difficult to maintain an overview.‍
• Time bottlenecks: Companies often start collecting evidence for the first time too late, especially if deadlines are set for submission due to specific customer requirements. Additional deadlines from Ecovadis make timely implementation more difficult.‍
• Missing or inadequate documentation: Companies can implement ambitious measures but fail to provide correct evidence of them. EcoVadis does not assess the results, but the quality and traceability of the management system.‍
• Data collection: Collecting and structuring all relevant data is time-consuming and requires clear processes. Without an appropriate infrastructure, this quickly becomes a challenge

The role of consulting: Why external support makes the difference

Working with experienced EcoVadis consultants can be critical to efficiently meeting the requirements and optimizing the assessment process. While many companies bundle their sustainability initiatives in individual departments, there is often a lack of overarching understanding of EcoVadis requirements. This is where we come in together with you - we strategically anchor EcoVadis as a sustainability initiative throughout the company by creating transparency about gaps in your current sustainability management, highlighting optimization potential for processes and focusing on both short and medium-term goals with a holistic roadmap.

Examples of concrete measures

A key aspect of the EcoVadis assessment is the quality of the documentation provided. This includes guidelines on topics such as environmental protection, human rights and ethics. In one of our projects with a technology company, the focus was on developing a comprehensive code of conduct for suppliers. By clearly formulating expectations and conducting regular audits, we were not only able to meet the EcoVadis criteria, but also make the company's supply chain more sustainable and thus meet regulatory requirements. In addition, the accompanying involvement of employees through specially developed training programs created the basis for improvements in the area of the company's labour and human rights.

Conclusion: Seeing EcoVadis as an opportunity

EcoVadis offers companies the opportunity to strategically anchor sustainability and use it as a competitive advantage. With the right advice, companies can optimize their processes, make their strengths visible and secure their market position in the long term. Working with an experienced partner such as Five Glaciers Consulting enables you to design the assessment process efficiently, achieve the best possible results and initiate a continuous improvement process. Because: The EcoVadis assessment does not end when you receive your score and sustainability is not an isolated task.

Let's work together on your EcoVadis strategy and take your company to the next level!