Table of Contents

• What is EcoVadis certification

• How the rating system works

• Evaluated themes and scoring

• Why achieve a good EcoVadis score

• How to prepare for the evaluation

• Strategies to improve your performance

• How Metrikflow can support you

What is EcoVadis certification

The EcoVadis certification is not a formal “certification” in the regulatory sense, but a widely recognized international ESG (environmental, social, and governance) rating system. Founded in 2007, EcoVadis evaluates corporate sustainability across four key areas: Environment, Labor & Human Rights, Ethics, Sustainable Procurement.

It is used by over 130,000 companies in 180 countries as a tool to monitor supplier performance along the supply chain. In many cases, achieving a minimum EcoVadis score has become a necessary condition to participate in tenders or remain on vendor lists of large global players.

How the rating system works

The process starts with company registration on the platform and completion of a customized questionnaire based on size, sector, and country. The questions relate to policies, actions, and results in each thematic area.

Responses must be supported by solid documentation (signed policies, sustainability reports, ISO certifications, etc.). EcoVadis analysts assess the quality and completeness of the evidence provided for each of the 21 specific criteria, assigning scores that form a final scorecard from 0 to 100.

Evaluated themes and scoring

The four macro-areas evaluated by EcoVadis are:

• Environment: includes energy management, GHG emissions, waste, biodiversity.

• Labor & Human Rights: working conditions, health and safety, inclusion.

• Ethics: anti-corruption, fair competition, privacy, responsible taxation.

• Sustainable Procurement: ESG criteria in supplier selection and management.

The final score places the company in a percentile compared to the global database. If the company ranks in the top 50%, it can receive a medal (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum). Medals are increasingly requested as a guarantee of ESG reliability.

Why achieve a good EcoVadis score

A high EcoVadis score is not just a reputational badge. It is a commercial lever. It helps to access new contracts, retain the most demanding B2B customers, improve the corporate ESG score, and strengthen reputation towards investors and talents.

Furthermore, it demonstrates a concrete commitment to sustainability, facilitating alignment with European regulations such as CSRD and the due diligence criteria of future EU directives.

How to prepare for the evaluation

Preparation starts with a gap analysis: mapping what the company already has (ethical codes, policies, certifications, ESG KPIs) and what is missing. This allows for targeted action to fill documentary gaps and improve internal practices.

It is important to involve key functions from the start: HR, procurement, legal, environment, compliance. Sustainability is a cross-cutting process.

Strategies to improve your performance

To achieve a high EcoVadis score, it is essential to adopt a structured approach that combines the implementation of sustainable practices with the ability to document them clearly and verifiably. Companies should start with a thorough understanding of EcoVadis criteria and conduct a gap analysis to identify areas of strength and weakness against the required standards.

One of the most effective strategies is to formalize ESG policies, including clear commitments on the environment, human rights, business ethics, and sustainable procurement. It is equally important to acquire recognized certifications such as ISO 14001, ISO 45001, or SA8000, which represent objective indicators of compliance and good practices.

Measuring and monitoring performance indicators – such as CO₂ emissions, workplace injuries, training hours, or the percentage of renewable energy used – allows concrete demonstration of results achieved. Furthermore, the integration of ESG criteria into supplier selection and management processes is now a decisive aspect, strengthening the entire value chain.

Finally, the adoption of a continuous improvement system is crucial: analyzing feedback received on the EcoVadis scorecard, filling highlighted gaps, and setting action plans with measurable objectives helps the organization to evolve over time, strengthening its reputation and competitive market position.

How Metrikflow can support you

Metrikflow offers a digital platform designed to facilitate the management of ESG data and preparation for the EcoVadis rating:

• Centralizes environmental, social, and governance data in a single system.

• Organizes and stores all necessary documentation for evaluation.

• Monitors KPIs with intuitive dashboards and customizable reports.

• Helps fill gaps through structured action plans.

• Allows easy sharing of evidence with internal teams or EcoVadis.

With Metrikflow, preparing for the EcoVadis evaluation becomes an organized and strategic process. Achieving a Gold or Platinum medal is finally within your reach.