Article
How can you improve your EcoVadis score quickly before renewal?
In brief
"Small, focused steps in policies, reporting, and supplier engagement can quickly transform your EcoVadis score."
EcoVadis is the world's largest provider of business sustainability ratings, and a higher score strengthens commercial opportunities: many large corporations require suppliers to undergo an assessment to win or keep contracts. The good news — there are quick wins that boost performance without overhauling the entire sustainability strategy in one go.
Quick win 1: how do you formalise policies and procedures?
The fastest lever: turn existing practices — health and safety training, recycling programmes, diversity commitments — into written, structured policies. Draft a company-wide sustainability policy covering environment, labour, ethics and procurement (high-level commitments), complemented by targeted policies (anti-bribery, diversity & inclusion, carbon reduction). Have them signed by top management and communicated internally: a strong signal that sustainability is embedded, not improvised.
Understand what you are optimising against — the scoring grid behind each theme:
| Layer | Component (weight within layer) | What is assessed | Scoring bands |
|---|---|---|---|
| Policies (25%) | Policies (80%) | Policies, objectives, targets, governance | 0 / 25 / 50 / 75 / 100 |
| Endorsement (20%) | External CSR initiatives endorsed (e.g. UN Global Compact) | 0 / 25 / 50 / 75 / 100 | |
| Actions (40%) | Measures (65%) | Actions supporting objectives and targets | 0 / 25 / 50 / 75 / 100 |
| Certifications (35%) | Certifications, labels, third-party audits | 0 / 25 / 50 / 75 / 100 | |
| Coverage | Deployment level of certificates and actions | 0 / 25 / 50 / 75 / 100 | |
| Results (35%) | Reporting (40%) | Quality of reporting available to stakeholders | 0 / 25 / 50 / 75 / 100 |
| 360° Watch (60%) | Standpoints of stakeholder representatives (authorities, unions, NGOs) | 0 Severe / 25 Major / 50 Minor / 75 None / 100 Positive |
Quick win 2: which data and reporting processes do you set up?
EcoVadis heavily rewards performance measurement. Tracking energy consumption, waste volumes or employee turnover can move the score — and spreadsheets are enough to start, as long as data is clear and repeatable. Establish a KPI dashboard aligned with the EcoVadis themes; report GHG emissions, preferably Scope 1 and 2 (the Carbon Action module helps tackle Scope 3); introduce an annual sustainability report, even a short PDF, to demonstrate transparency. Consistency is the key: EcoVadis doesn't expect perfection at first, but rewards structured data.
Quick win 3: how do you engage suppliers quickly?
Supply chain practices are a strong differentiator. Immediate steps: map your critical suppliers and assess their risks by geography, industry and management system; introduce a supplier code of conduct; create a due diligence procedure aligned with current regulations (e.g. CSDDD). Even modest progress adds valuable points.
Quick win 4: which certifications and audits should you target?
Certifications are highly valued: ISO 14001 (environmental management), ISO 45001 (health & safety) and ISO 37001 (anti-bribery) are quick wins if the organisation already complies with good practices. If ISO certification is too costly, evidence of internal audits, external verification or industry-specific certifications still adds points.
Quick win 5: how do you boost carbon management?
The Carbon Scorecard evaluates carbon management across commitment, actions and reporting, with a ranking from Insufficient to Leader. Quick wins: set clear, ambitious climate targets (a Science-Based Target boosts the Commitment score); implement practical emission-reduction measures; keep the carbon inventory up to date across Scopes 1, 2 and 3; report transparently; and regularly review strengths and gaps on the scorecard.
What do these wins deliver across the ESGIM portfolio?
Engagements delivered by ESGIM and its consultants:
- CIREPA (flexographic printing, Wallonia, size S) — carbon management and supplier engagement were underdeveloped against customer and investor demands. ESGIM ran the carbon footprint measurement, set emissions targets and aligned supplier due diligence with regulation: moved from Bronze to Silver.
- CPRO (chemicals and logistics) — a sector where climate action and supplier compliance are under high scrutiny. Climate transition planning, KPI-tracked emissions and a supplier due diligence programme: Silver at the first assessment, with ESGIM.
- Groupemeca — consolidating policies and streamlining disclosures across multiple jurisdictions. Formalised policies, reporting aligned with the EcoVadis focus areas, structured KPIs and external validation: Bronze secured; the engagement is ongoing and the move to Silver is all but settled.
How do you turn action into momentum?
Improving quickly is about turning existing good intentions into structured evidence — policies, data, engagements, certifications. These quick wins add up, often shifting scores by one or even two medal levels in a single cycle. Start with policies, reporting and supplier engagement, and layer on climate action for long-term credibility.
Key takeaways
- Formalise what you already do: signed, communicated policies are the fastest points.
- Start measuring now — spreadsheets suffice; consistency beats tooling.
- Suppliers: mapping, code of conduct, due diligence — a strong differentiator.
- Certify where feasible (ISO 14001/45001/37001); audits are the fallback.
- Carbon management (targets, inventory, reporting) compounds across both scorecards.