Pressure is growing from customers, investors, and regulators to demonstrate environmental and social responsibility. A strong EcoVadis assessment result has become a competitive necessity, especially for suppliers of large companies. But where do you start on the journey to improve your rating?

This checklist distils key insights from my experience working towards better EcoVadis ratings. It identifies 31 practical steps across critical sustainability domains you can begin implementing today to strengthen your policies, programs, and performance in alignment with the EcoVadis rating criteria.

Small actions lead to significant results. Pick three items that resonate with your priorities and get moving. Then, revisit the checklist monthly to add new initiatives. This regular rhythm of continuous improvement will steadily increase your sustainability assessment scores and lead to a significant EcoVadis rating improvement. Let's go.

Governance and Ethics

Clear policies and governance structures related to ethical business practices provide a strong foundation for your EcoVadis assessment.

• Establish a Code of Conduct: Clearly define ethical standards and behaviours expected from all employees and stakeholders.
• Implement Anti-Corruption Policies: Develop and enforce policies to prevent bribery, corruption, and other unethical practices.
• Conduct Regular Ethics Training: Provide training sessions for employees on ethical conduct and compliance with company policies.

Environmental Sustainability

Managing your environmental impacts is critical for any company.

• Draft an Environmental Policy: Formulate a policy that outlines your commitment to environmental protection and sustainable practices.
• Reduce Carbon Footprint: Implement energy-saving measures, switch to renewable energy sources, and optimise logistics to lower emissions.
• Enhance Waste Management: Develop strategies for reducing waste generation, promote recycling, and explore opportunities for circularity.
• Conserve Water: Implement water-saving technologies and practices in operations to reduce water consumption.

Social Responsibility

Upholding labour and human rights demonstrates you care about people and society.

• Draft a Labour & Human Rights Policy: Develop a policy outlining your commitment to upholding labour and human rights within your operations and supply chain.
• Promote Diversity and Inclusion: Foster a diverse workplace and implement inclusive hiring practices.
• Ensure Fair Labour Practices: Monitor and enforce fair labour standards, including fair wages, working hours, and the prohibition of child and forced labour.
• Support Employee Well-being: Offer programs that support physical and mental health, professional development, and work-life balance.

Sustainable Procurement

Your supply chain can significantly impact your (perceived) sustainability performance.

• Develop a Sustainable Procurement Policy: Create guidelines to select suppliers based on their social and environmental practices.
• Conduct Supplier Assessments: Evaluate suppliers' sustainability performance and work with them to improve their practices.
• Promote Responsible Sourcing: Prioritise sourcing materials and environmentally friendly and ethically produced products.

Performance Management

Measuring is necessary to manage and improve your sustainability.

• Set Sustainability Targets: Define measurable sustainability goals aligned with global standards.
• Monitor and Report Progress: Regularly track and communicate progress towards sustainability targets internally and externally.
• Engage in Continuous Improvement: Regularly review and update sustainability strategies and practices based on performance data and stakeholder feedback.

Stakeholder Engagement

Communicating sustainability efforts shows accountability.

• Enhance Stakeholder Communication: Establish transparent communication channels with stakeholders to share your sustainability efforts and achievements.
• Participate in Sustainability Networks: Join industry groups or initiatives focused on sustainability to share best practices and collaborate on common challenges.
• Seek External Certifications: Obtain recognised environmental or social certifications to validate your sustainability management systems and practices.

Documentation and Evidence

Robust documentation is crucial for EcoVadis assessment success.

• Maintain Comprehensive Documentation: Keep detailed records of policies, actions, and performance data to support your EcoVadis assessment responses.
• Provide Robust Supporting Evidence: Submit relevant documents, such as policy statements, audit reports, and training materials, to substantiate your claims.
• Highlight Innovations and Leadership: Showcase any unique sustainability initiatives or leadership activities that differentiate your company.

EcoVadis Specific Strategies

Beyond overall sustainability, optimise for EcoVadis.

• Understand the EcoVadis Methodology: Gain a deep understanding of the EcoVadis scoring system and the criteria used in the assessment.
• Focus on High-Impact Areas: Identify and prioritise areas within the EcoVadis framework where improvements can significantly impact your score.
• Respond Thoroughly to the Questionnaire: Provide detailed, accurate responses to all questions in the EcoVadis assessment, backed by evidence.
• Engage in the Corrective Action Plan: If provided, actively work on the corrective action plan suggested by EcoVadis to address identified gaps.
• Benchmark Against Peers: Compare your performance with industry peers to identify areas for improvement and set competitive targets.
• Leverage EcoVadis Feedback: Use the detailed feedback from your EcoVadis assessment to guide your sustainability strategy and improvement efforts.
• Prepare for Re-assessment: Start preparing for your next EcoVadis assessment well in advance by updating your documentation and continuing to implement improvements.
• Seek Expert Advice: Consult with sustainability experts or firms specialising in EcoVadis assessments to gain insights and strategies for improving your rating.

Incorporating these actions will help boost your EcoVadis score and demonstrate your commitment to improvement and better outcomes.

Improving your EcoVadis sustainability assessment score does not happen overnight. By regularly implementing small, focused actions across these domains, you build momentum and scale up impact over time. Within a year, you could move to a higher rating by following this tactical roadmap.

If you need support to accelerate your progress, please contact me.