The CSRD requirements: Reporting on performance and goals
April 03, 2023
EcoVadis isn’t just a score-it’s a catalyst for real change, driving companies to embed sustainability into their DNA and lead the way in responsible business.”
The EcoVadis assessment has become a global benchmark for sustainability performance, now spanning over 65,000 companies. As we move into 2025, the methodology and recognition system have evolved-raising the bar for transparency, documentation, and impact. Here’s what you need to know to stay ahead and make your next assessment count.
What is EcoVadis and why does it matter?
EcoVadis is one of the world’s most comprehensive sustainability rating platforms, assessing organisations on environmental, social, ethical, and supply chain practices. Unlike many ESG ratings, EcoVadis bases its evaluation on thorough documentation analysis, ensuring transparency and credibility across the supply chain.
To fully grasp the strategic importance of EcoVadis, watch our four-part video series, that offers a comprehensive walkthrough of the EcoVadis journey.
The first episode of the series provides a vast introduction to EcoVadis. Whether you’re a procurement or sustainability manager, or simply looking to enhance your company’s responsible practices, watch the episode below to build or strengthen your foundations.
The EcoVadis assessment: Step-by-step
- Registration
Create your company profile, specifying business activity and contact details. This tailors the questionnaire to your industry, size, and geography.
- Questionnaire
Access your custom dashboard, complete the questionnaire, and upload supporting documents. The questionnaire is dynamic and may change annually based on updated criteria.
- Expert Analysis
EcoVadis specialists review your responses and evidence-typically within 6 to 8 weeks.
- Results
Receive a detailed scorecard summarising your overall and theme-specific scores, strengths, and improvement areas.
- Recognition
Depending on your performance, you may earn a badge or medal, reflecting your percentile ranking among all assessed companies.
Understanding the steps and requirements of the assessment is complex. Find out more about how the EcoVadis assessment works, and how to align your sustainability management system with EcoVadis through the next two episodes of our series below.
What’s new for 2025?
To get further information and details about methodology changes, and how to successfully implement them in your ESG strategy, download our EcoVadis guide!
Expert tips & best practices for 2025
1. Start early and monitor changes
Open your questionnaire as soon as possible to identify new or changed criteria. Review EcoVadis’ quarterly methodology updates and adjust your evidence accordingly.
2. Prioritise coverage and verification
Ensure certifications and training cover all relevant sites and employees. Attach certificates and provide clear metrics to demonstrate coverage. Use third-party assurance where possible for higher scores.
3. Elevate documentation quality
Formalise policies and procedures, schedule regular reviews, and centralise document management. Ensure evidence is robust, dated, and directly addresses each criterion.
4. Align evidence with assessment scope
Match documentation to the entity being assessed-group-level or subsidiary-and clarify applicability in your responses. Misalignment can cost valuable points.
5. Prepare for stricter scoring
To achieve top marks, especially in policy and measure indicators, ensure your documentation includes specific targets (e.g., Scope 1 and 2 emissions, DEI goals) and meets new quality factors.
6. Leverage the carbon scorecard
Strengthen your climate commitments, implement reduction actions, and report comprehensively on all emission scopes.
As a best practice example, watch our on-demand video where our EcoVadis expert interviews a gold-medalist client, showcasing strengths and pain points, as well as actionable tips to improve your score.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should we take the assessment?
Annually. Medals are valid for one year, and regular reassessment supports continuous improvement.
Can we request a reassessment?
Yes, especially if your score doesn’t meet partner requirements or you have new evidence to submit.
Is support available?
EcoVadis offers technical support, but for strategic guidance and optimisation, Nexio Projects is your certified partner.
Should we assess at group or subsidiary level?
It depends on documentation coverage and partner requests. Group-level assessments require evidence that covers all entities; otherwise, a subsidiary approach may yield better results.
Can I ask my suppliers to complete the EcoVadis assessment?
Yes, you can ask your suppliers to complete the EcoVadis assessment-a core feature of the EcoVadis platform is its ability to facilitate supplier transparency and manage supplier relationships through assessment requests. As a buyer, you can invite your suppliers to undergo the EcoVadis assessment, after which both you and your suppliers will receive notifications and updates on the process and results.
However, it’s important to recognise that for many suppliers, especially those new to sustainability reporting or EcoVadis, the process can be complex and even daunting. Suppliers may face challenges in understanding the requirements, gathering documentation, and navigating the platform. This is where proactive engagement and support are critical.
Where can I find more information?
Our on-demand video features experts fron Nexio Projects and EcoVadis, covering the latest methodology changes and providing tips, while answering your most pressing questions as well. Watch here and stay ahead of the curve!
How Nexio Projects supports supplier engagement
Nexio Projects specialises in designing and delivering supplier engagement programmes that help both buyers and suppliers succeed throughout the EcoVadis assessment process. Here’s how we can support your supplier engagement efforts:
- Supplier Engagement Programmes: We help buyers develop and implement structured supplier engagement strategies, including clear communication of sustainability goals, tailored invitations, and ongoing support throughout the assessment journey.
- Training and capacity building: Nexio Projects offers supplier training sessions, workshops, and knowledge-sharing initiatives to demystify the EcoVadis process, highlight its benefits, and prepare suppliers for successful participation.
- Dedicated support for suppliers: Our team provides hands-on assistance to suppliers, guiding them step-by-step through the assessment, helping them understand documentation requirements, and identifying improvement opportunities. This support is especially valuable for suppliers unfamiliar with EcoVadis or sustainability reporting frameworks.
- Performance monitoring and corrective actions: We assist buyers in tracking supplier progress, interpreting EcoVadis scorecards, and working with suppliers to implement corrective action plans where needed. This ensures continuous improvement and alignment with your sustainability objectives.
- Incentive and recognition programmes: By helping you design incentive structures-such as recognition for high-performing suppliers or preferential terms-we foster a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration across your supply chain.
In summary, while the EcoVadis platform enables buyers to request supplier assessments, the real value comes from a comprehensive engagement programme. With Nexio Projects as your partner, you can ensure your suppliers are not only assessed but also supported, empowered, and motivated to improve-turning a daunting process into a catalyst for real, measurable sustainability progress.
If you’re not quite ready to ask your suppliers to complete the EcoVadis assessment but are still interested in learning more about the process and best practices for supplier engagement, feel free to download our practical factsheet, “Data collection throughout the supply chain”. This guide explores key challenges, common barriers, and proven approaches for improving transparency and collaboration between buyers and suppliers-helping you prepare for successful value chain engagement at your own pace
Why are medals more challenging to achieve?
EcoVadis has raised the bar to ensure medals reflect genuine sustainability leadership and drive continuous improvement. This shift rewards proactive, high-impact initiatives and encourages all companies to strive for excellence.
The last episode of our video series focuses on improving your EcoVadis score, and walks you through the most crucial information on the journey towards Platinum medal. Watch below and lead your organisation towards purpose!
Sustainability in motion: How Nexio Projects can help
At Nexio Projects, we simplify sustainability-helping you navigate EcoVadis assessments, close gaps, and embed responsible practices across your organisation. With over 400 clients in 25+ sectors, our experts provide tailored support, from strategy to reporting and beyond.
Ready to accelerate your sustainability journey and achieve EcoVadis recognition?
Contact Nexio Projects today for expert guidance and hands-on support for your 2025 assessment.
As a strategic partner, Nexio Projects stays ahead of the latest EcoVadis news and best practices. Subscribe to our newsletter for consistently updated insights.
