EcoVadis assessment success: Nexio Projects’ research-based cheat sheet 

“EcoVadis has become a global benchmark—but in 2025, success requires more than ambition. It demands strategy, clarity, and the right expert support.” 

Introduction: Why EcoVadis matters in 2025 

EcoVadis has become the global benchmark for sustainability performance, with more organisations than ever seeking high scores to secure supply chain trust and competitive advantage. However, as EcoVadis evolves, so do the challenges—especially around methodology complexity, documentation, and operational integration. Nexio Projects, a leading sustainability consultancy, has analysed three years of EcoVadis data to identify what drives success and where organisations stumble. 

Setting the context: ESG maturity through EcoVadis 

Across global markets, ESG maturity is steadily advancing. According to PwC, 96% of companies now report having a formal sustainability strategy, with over 70% integrating ESG into core business decisions (1). This broad shift reflects a growing recognition that sustainability is not just a compliance requirement, but a driver of resilience and value creation. 

Within this landscape, EcoVadis has solidified its role as the global benchmark for sustainability performance. The average score across assessed companies increased from 50.3 in 2022 to 53.4 in 2024 (2), while the proportion of organisations reaching “Advanced” status (65+) has more than doubled since 2018 (2). SMEs in particular have made strong gains, improving by 6.9 points on average, and companies reassessed over time consistently outperform first-timers by 8–10 points per theme (3). 

Participation in sector initiatives and peer networks further boosts performance—organisations involved in collaborative efforts score up to 8 points higher and share 33% more supplier data (3). These trends show that measurable improvement is possible with the right support. Against this backdrop, Nexio Projects’ three-year research highlights how challenges have evolved—from initial resource constraints to deeper issues around methodology, documentation, and strategic integration. 

Key findings from Nexio Projects’ research 

Our research draws on EcoVadis webinar polls, client feedback, and scorecard analysis from 2023–2025. Here’s what we found: 

Step-by-step overview 

1. Registration: Create your company profile, specifying business activity and contact details. This customises the questionnaire for your industry, size, and geography. 
2. Questionnaire: Complete a dynamic set of questions and upload supporting documentation. The questionnaire is updated annually and tailored to your operational context. 
3. Expert analysis: EcoVadis specialists review your submissions, often within 6–8 weeks. 
4. Results: Receive a detailed scorecard with overall and theme-specific scores, strengths, and improvement areas. 
5. Recognition: Depending on your percentile ranking, you may earn a badge or medal (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum).

The four pillars 

EcoVadis evaluates across four main pillars: 

• Environment 
• Labour & Human Rights 
• Ethics 
• Sustainable Procurement 

Each pillar is assessed through policies, actions, and results, with a strong emphasis on documentation and evidence. 

Watch our EcoVadis video series below for more details.

Common challenges and how to overcome them 

Nexio Projects’ research reveals a shift from foundational to operational and methodological challenges: 

• 2023–2024: Resource constraints, expertise gaps, and initial leadership engagement were the main hurdles. 
• 2025: 
  • 40% struggle with EcoVadis methodology complexity 
  • 25% cite documentation as primary challenge 
  • 22% find it difficult to adapt to evolving requirements 
  • 35% report insufficient internal capacity (May 2025) 

How to overcome the key EcoVadis assessment challenges 

 Nexio Projects’ three-year analysis shows that as organisations mature in their sustainability journeys, the nature of EcoVadis challenges shifts from basic resource constraints to advanced operational and methodological barriers. Below, we detail actionable solutions for each major challenge, highlighting how Nexio Projects can support your organisation at every step. 

1. Mastering methodology complexity 

Challenge: 40% of organisations in 2025 report difficulty understanding or following the evolving EcoVadis rating methodology. 

How to overcome: 

• Stay proactively informed: 
  • Subscribe to EcoVadis updates and attend quarterly webinars to keep current with requirements. 
  • Assign a sustainability lead to track and interpret new developments. 
  • Nexio Projects support: We provide regular client briefings, tailored methodology updates & webinars, and practical guides to ensure your team is always up to date. 

• Invest in targeted training: 
  • Conduct internal workshops using the latest EcoVadis guidance. 
  • Use real-world case studies to make abstract criteria actionable. 
  • Nexio Projects support: Our consultants deliver bespoke training sessions, break down complex requirements, and facilitate learning with proven examples from your sector. 

• Leverage expert guidance: 
  • Partner with EcoVadis specialists to clarify scoring logic and assessment nuances. 
  • Nexio Projects support: We offer hands-on coaching, detailed checklists, and direct support during your assessment preparation, ensuring you interpret and apply the methodology correctly. 

2. Elevating documentation quality and processes 

Challenge: 25% of organisations struggle with aligning documentation to EcoVadis’ evidence requirements. 

How to overcome: 

• Centralise and systematise documentation: 
  • Implement a digital document management system for all sustainability evidence. 
  • Map each EcoVadis criterion to specific, up-to-date documents. 
  • Nexio Projects support: We help design and implement documentation frameworks, create evidence matrices, and audit your current materials to identify and fill gaps. 

• Formalise and standardise evidence: 
  • Regularly update policies and records to ensure they are current and consistent. 
  • Standardise core documents across all business units, supplementing with local evidence as needed. 
  • Nexio Projects support: Our team reviews your documentation for completeness, provides templates, and assists in preparing evidence that meets EcoVadis’ strict criteria. 

• Clarify scope and relevance: 
  • Clearly indicate the applicability of each document (group, division, or site level). 
  • Annotate submissions to explain relevance. 
  • Nexio Projects support: We guide you in annotating and organising evidence for maximum clarity and impact, reducing the risk of misinterpretation by EcoVadis analysts. 

• Prepare for stricter scoring: 
  • Ensure documentation includes measurable targets and, where possible, third-party certifications. 
  • Nexio Projects support: We help identify and secure relevant certifications, and translate your achievements into evidence that scores well. 

3. Building internal capacity and expertise 

Challenge: 35% cite insufficient internal capacity to manage the assessment and ongoing sustainability integration. 

How to overcome: 

• Develop a cross-functional team: 
  • Involve procurement, HR, compliance, and operations to embed sustainability organisation-wide. 
  • Assign clear roles for data collection and improvement. 
  • Nexio Projects support: We facilitate cross-departmental workshops and help define roles and responsibilities, ensuring sustainability becomes a shared objective. 

• Invest in skills development: 
  • Offer targeted EcoVadis and ESG training at all levels. 
  • Promote internal knowledge sharing. 
  • Nexio Projects support: Our training programs are tailored to your team’s needs, from executive briefings to operational staff workshops, building in-house expertise for long-term success. 

• Utilise technology: 
  • Adopt ESG management tools for automated data collection and reporting. 
  • Visualise progress with dashboards. 
  • Nexio Projects support: We recommend and help implement the right digital tools, and set up dashboards to track your EcoVadis readiness and performance. 

4. Securing leadership engagement 

Challenge: Low engagement from leadership remains a persistent barrier, affecting 20% of organisations. 

How to overcome: 

• Demonstrate strategic value: 
  • Present EcoVadis achievements as business differentiators. 
  • Link sustainability to contract wins, reputation, and risk reduction. 
  • Nexio Projects support: We provide board-level briefings and business case materials to help you secure executive buy-in and position EcoVadis as a strategic imperative. 

• Establish accountability: 
  • Integrate EcoVadis targets into executive KPIs. 
  • Schedule regular leadership updates on progress and challenges. 
  • Nexio Projects support: We help set up reporting structures and accountability frameworks, ensuring leadership remains engaged and invested. 

• Showcase success stories: 
  • Share internal and external case studies to illustrate impact. 
  • Nexio Projects support: We curate and present relevant case studies, including success stories from similar organisations, to inspire and motivate your leadership team. 

5. Keeping pace with methodology and regulatory changes 

Challenge: 22% find it difficult to adapt to evolving EcoVadis requirements and broader ESG regulations. 

How to overcome: 

• Implement a continuous improvement cycle: 
  • Conduct quarterly audits using the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) model. 
  • Update policies promptly as requirements evolve. 
  • Nexio Projects support: We facilitate regular gap analyses and improvement workshops, ensuring your practices and documentation are always aligned with the latest standards. 

• Engage in industry networks: 
  • Join working groups and benchmarking initiatives to stay ahead of trends. 
  • Nexio Projects support: We help you identify the relevant industry networks and share insights from our broader client base, so you benefit from collective learning. 

• Leverage appeals and feedback: 
  • Use the EcoVadis appeal process to address scoring or 360° Watch inaccuracies. 
  • Nexio Projects support: Our consultants assist in preparing appeals, gathering supporting evidence, and crafting clear, compelling narratives to challenge or clarify scores. 

6. Addressing SME-specific barriers 

Challenge: SMEs face unique challenges, including limited resources and less formalised documentation. 

How to overcome: 

• Prioritise material issues: 
  • Focus on the most relevant EcoVadis themes for your business. 
  • Use streamlined processes and cost-effective tools. 
  • Nexio Projects Support: We help SMEs identify priority areas, simplify documentation, and leverage existing strengths for the best possible score, such as EcoVadis platinum. 

• Emphasise clarity and organisation: 
  • Ensure documentation is well-organised and directly linked to assessment questions. 
  • Communicate actions and improvements transparently. 
  • Nexio Projects Support: Our team provides easy-to-use templates and checklists, making the process manageable even with limited resources. 

Nexio Projects experts are here to guide you throughout your whole Ecovadis journey. Contact us now and get an initial consultation!

Proven strategies for higher scores 

Nexio Projects’ evidence-based recommendations: 

FAQ: EcoVadis assessment essentials 

Q: How long does the EcoVadis assessment take? 

A: Typically 6–8 weeks from submission to scorecard. 

Q: What’s the most common reason for low scores? 

A: Inadequate or outdated documentation, and lack of strategic integration of sustainability. 

Q: Why partner with Nexio Projects? 

A: As a global strategic partner to EcoVadis since 2018, Nexio Projects offers unparalleled expertise and end-to-end support for organisations navigating the EcoVadis assessment process. Being a strategic partner means we are not only recognised by EcoVadis for our technical capabilities and training credentials, but we also collaborate closely with their team to stay ahead of evolving methodologies and best practices, ensuring our clients always receive the most up-to-date and effective guidance. Nexio Projects is proud to be recognised as the №1 EcoVadis consultancy worldwide by total number of clients 

Our impact is measurable

Nexio Projects has supported over 400 clients across 30 countries, delivering more than 1,000 sustainability projects and achieving an average client score improvement of 25% on EcoVadis certifications. In fact, 87% of our clients have improved their EcoVadis score after working with us, and our clients complete the assessment process more than five months faster than the global average.

We are proud to have maintained Platinum status since 2021, placing us among the top 1% of companies assessed globally by EcoVadis. By choosing Nexio Projects as your EcoVadis partner, you gain access to a dedicated team of experts, proven methodologies, and a partnership focused on turning sustainability ambitions into tangible, long-term results. 

Download our latest EcoVadis guide, and find out everything you need to prepare for your assessment!

Looking for monthly EcoVadis updates & ESG news? Subscribe to our newsletter.

References: 

1. PwC (2023) 2023 Global ESG Executive Pulse Survey. [Online] Available at: https://www.pwc.com/gx/en/issues/esg.html [Accessed 30 June 2025]. 
2. EcoVadis (2024) Global CSR & Sustainability Scorecard Trends Report. [Online] Available at: https://ecovadis.com [Accessed 30 June 2025]. 
3. EcoVadis & CSR Europe (2023) Sustainable Procurement Barometer Report. [Online] Available at: https://ecovadis.com/resources/ [Accessed 30 June 2025]. 
4. Nexio Projects (2025) EcoVadis Performance Trends: Internal analysis based on 2023–2025 poll data and scorecard reviews. Unpublished internal report.