EcoVadis methodology updates & how to interpret them

An EcoVadis assessment depends on the quality, relevance and clarity of the information a company provides. The latest methodology updates introduce clearer expectations for quantitative targets, reporting metrics, biodiversity measures and “Other” questionnaire options. 

The Q3 2026 changes apply from 14 October 2026. Planned updates for January 2027 will also change how EcoVadis assesses reporting disclosures and allocates medals. [1] [2] 

What the Q3 methodology updates change 

Quantitative targets need a baseline year 

From 14 October 2026, quantitative targets must include a baseline year, a target year and a target value. 

This applies to percentage reductions, absolute targets and zero incident commitments. Targets without a baseline year will no longer be accepted for the Policy indicator. [1] 

Companies should therefore review all targets before their next submission. Each target should clearly show where performance started, the result the company wants to achieve and the year by which it plans to achieve it.1 

Reporting questions now include standardised metrics 

EcoVadis has reorganised reporting questions and introduced new standardised metrics. These metrics align with GRI, ESRS, the Voluntary Standard and ISSB. 

New metrics include: 

• Employee turnover 

• Collective agreement coverage 

• Product take back rates 

• Revenue linked to environmental benefits 

• Biodiversity sensitive sites 

• Identified human rights incidents  

These are only some of the added metrics. Find the full list on EcoVadis’ update. 

Tailoring questions to an organisation’s material impacts simplifies assessments and helps companies report high-impact, comparable data aligned with international frameworks. [1] 

“Other” answers need an explanation 

“Other” questionnaire options remain optional. However, companies selecting an “Other” option should include a description of what they want EcoVadis to consider. 

If no explanation is provided, the answer will be ignored. [1] 

This means that selecting “Other” alone will not provide useful context. Companies should describe the metric, action or evidence they want EcoVadis to pick up on. 

The same principle applies to reporting data more broadly. Each answer should be linked to a clear definition, the relevant reporting period and supporting evidence. 

“Other” questionnaire options remain optional, and leaving them unselected will not negatively affect the assessment score. Companies should select “Other” only when none of the listed options apply. If selected, they should describe the metric, action or evidence they want EcoVadis to consider. 

“Understanding the changes is one thing. Applying them to your sustainability management system requires a collaborative effort across teams.” 

Biodiversity questions are expanding 

The Q3 update introduces new biodiversity questions for medium and large companies in selected sectors. 

These companies can now report actions that mitigate biodiversity impacts linked to living modified organisms. The change brings the Biodiversity criterion more closely in line with CSDDD Annex II requirements. [1] 

The relevance of this update will depend on a company’s size, sector and activities. Companies in scope should identify whether they have relevant impacts, actions and supporting evidence before completing the questionnaire. 

Planned January 2027 changes 

EcoVadis has also announced planned updates for release on 12 January 2027. Two areas deserve particular attention. 

Reporting indicator scoring 

The Reporting indicator scoring formula will consider the proportion of predefined metrics that a company discloses. 

Requirements will also differ by company size. Small and Medium companies with fewer than 1,000 employees will have eased requirements. 

For example, a Small and Medium company seeking a score of 100 will need to meet two of three conditions: 

• Materiality analysis 

• Alignment with a reporting standard 

• Third party verification or assurance  

All three conditions will no longer be required under this planned approach. [2] 

Medal allocation 

Medal allocation will continue to use the existing percentile bands, but score thresholds will be calculated separately within each company size group. 

EcoVadis will assess companies against peers in the same size category: Extra Small, Small, Medium or Large. The percentile thresholds will remain as: Platinum, top 1%; Gold, top 5%; Silver, top 15%; and Bronze, top 35%. [2] 

Nexio Projects’ guidance on preparing for an EcoVadis assessment explains how evidence, ownership and implementation contribute to a stronger submission. [3] 

“A first EcoVadis medal starts with a management system that people can prove, not a folder they assemble at the deadline.” 

Other changes 

Other changes include updates to reporting questions for employment agencies, revisions to Voluntary Standard terminology and guidelines, new strengths and improvement areas to provide greater scorecard detail, and methodology adjustments following China’s Ministry of Commerce Order No. 2. [1] 

How Nexio Projects can help 

At Nexio Projects, we help organisations bring methodology updates into their assessment preparation and sustainability management. 

Our support can include: 

• Reviewing quantitative targets for baseline years, target years and target values 

• Mapping new reporting metrics to the right data owners 

• Checking explanations for “Other” questionnaire options 

• Reviewing biodiversity actions and supporting evidence 

• Identifying reporting gaps before the next submission 

• Preparing for the planned changes to Reporting indicator scoring and medal allocation  

Our EcoVadis assessment support helps organisations translate questionnaire requirements into clear priorities, evidence and actions. [4] 

The Q3 updates provide more clarity on what EcoVadis expects to see. The next step is to review how those expectations apply to your organisation. 

“The strongest preparation starts with clear targets, relevant metrics and evidence that can be traced back to the business.” 

Your strategic EcoVadis partner 

We are an international sustainability consultancy dedicated to guiding organisations on their journey from compliance to positive impact. We help companies strengthen their sustainability management, reporting and EcoVadis assessment preparation. 

Recognised in the Verdantix Buyer’s Guide and as a Top Brand in sustainability by EUPD, we are here to help you understand these updates and apply them to your organisation. 

Contact Nexio Projects to review your targets, reporting metrics and evidence before your next EcoVadis submission. 

References 

[1] EcoVadis. Methodology Updates Q3 2026. https://support.ecovadis.com/hc/en-us/articles/39115659839378-Methodology-Updates-Q3-2026. Accessed October 2026. :cite[ffm] 

[2] EcoVadis. Planned January 2027 methodology updates. Source text shared internally on 5 October 2026. 

[3] Nexio Projects. EcoVadis assessment: How to earn your first medal. https://nexioprojects.com/ecovadis-assessment-how-to-earn-your-first-medal/. Accessed October 2026. :cite[1791190065337_eco_vadis_assessment_first_medal_nexio_projects] 

[4] Nexio Projects. EcoVadis assessment consultancy. https://nexioprojects.com/solutions/ecovadis-assessment/. Accessed October 2026. :cite[1791190065337_eco_vadis_assessment_consultancy_nexio_projects] 

[5] Verdantix. Buyer’s Guide: Boutique ESG and Sustainability Strategy Services. https://www.verdantix.com/client-portal/report/buyer-s-guide-boutique-esg-and-sustainability-strategy-services-2023. Accessed October 2026. 

[6] EUPD. Nexio Projects: Top Brand in sustainability. https://eupd-group.com/top-brand/nexio-projects/. Accessed October 2026.