A practical approach to stakeholder engagement
November 03, 2022
“We are extremely pleased with this gold rating from EcoVadis, which demonstrates our commitment to enhancing the sustainability of our operations and those of the wider supply chain and reducing our impact on the environment and the communities in which we operate.”
– Guy Bessant, President of Stolthaven Terminals
“One of the things that working with Nexio Projects opened our eyes to is how even our day-to-day initiatives add value to the assessment when properly organised.”
Introduction to Nexio Projects & Stolthaven Terminals
Nexio Projects is a leading sustainability consultancy and full-service partner, helping organisations tackle complex ESG challenges and drive meaningful climate action. Recognised by Verdantix as one of the world’s top 10 boutique ESG consultancies, we provide expert support across strategy, reporting, and implementation. As a global EcoVadis strategic partner since 2018, our team has delivered more than 600 EcoVadis assessments through our clients across the globe .
In 2024, Stolthaven Terminals, a global leader in storage and handling of bulk liquids, achieved a significant milestone: earning a Gold rating from EcoVadis, placing them in the top 2% of all companies evaluated globally. This leap from the Silver rating achieved in 2023 to Gold in 2024 is not just an accolade — it’s a testament to Stolthaven Terminal’s systematic, company-wide approach to sustainability, ethics, and responsible business practices.
What can other organisations learn from Stolthaven Terminals’ journey? This article unpacks the strategies, cultural shifts, and operational changes that powered this success, offering a blueprint for sustainability leaders seeking to improve their own EcoVadis performance.
Understanding EcoVadis and its impact
EcoVadis is a globally recognised sustainability ratings platform, assessing companies on their environmental, social, ethical, and procurement practices. The Gold rating is awarded to the top 5% of performers, with Stolthaven’s score placing them in the top 2%—a rare achievement in their sector.
Watch our video series for a closer look into understanding EcoVadis.
Why EcoVadis matters
Stolthaven’s sustainability journey: From silver to gold
The starting point
In 2023, Stolthaven held a Silver EcoVadis rating. While commendable, the company saw room for improvement, particularly as sustainability expectations from customers and regulators intensified.
The leap forward
By 2024, Stolthaven had improved its Ecovadis score by ten points, with significant progress in all categories: environment; ethics; labour and human rights; and sustainable procurement, earning Gold status. This achievement covered all wholly owned terminals globally, reflecting a unified, company-wide commitment to sustainability.
“This gold certification is a milestone that highlights our commitment and progress towards our sustainability ambitions and reflects our continuous improvements in key areas.”
– Piran Patel, Global Programme Manager – Sustainability (1).
Best practice learnings from Stolthaven’s EcoVadis success
1. Leadership commitment and clear ambitions
Clear sustainability ambitions have been identified: to reach net zero CO2e emissions by 2050; and to reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 50% relative to the 2018 baseline by 2030. This galvanised action at every level of the organisation.
Key Takeaway:
Clearly state sustainability ambitions and ensure leadership communicates them consistently.
Download below our guide on decarbonisation and tackling Scope 3 emissions for your organisation.
2. Company-wide engagement
Achieving Gold was not the result of a single department’s efforts. Stolthaven Terminals engaged employees across all operations, embedding sustainability into daily decision-making and operational practices.
Key Takeaway:
Foster a culture where sustainability is everyone’s responsibility, not just the remit of a dedicated team.
3. Robust Sustainability Management Systems
Stolthaven Terminals invested in strong management systems to track, report, and improve performance across all EcoVadis categories:
- Environment: Implementing energy efficiency measures, emissions tracking, and waste reduction initiatives.
- Labour & Human Rights: Prioritising employee well-being and fair labour practices.
- Ethics: Upholding strict codes of conduct and anti-corruption measures.
- Sustainable Procurement: Engaging suppliers and integrating sustainability criteria into procurement decisions.
Key Takeaway:
Develop comprehensive management systems with clear KPIs, regular monitoring, and transparent reporting.
4. Focus on continuous improvement
Stolthaven Terminals treated the EcoVadis assessment as a tool for continuous improvement, not just a one-time certification. They used feedback from previous assessments to identify weaknesses and implement targeted improvements.
Key Takeaway:
View sustainability ratings as part of an ongoing journey. Use assessment results to drive year-on-year progress.
5. Supplier engagement and sustainable procurement
One area where Stolthaven Terminals performed well was sustainable procurement. The company worked closely with suppliers to ensure alignment with its sustainability standards.
Key Takeaway:
Extend sustainability efforts beyond your own operations — engage suppliers and support them in meeting higher standards.
6. Transparent communication
Stolthaven Terminals communicated its sustainability progress both internally and externally, building trust with employees, customers, and partners.
Key Takeaway:
Be transparent about both achievements and challenges. Regularly share updates and celebrate milestones.
Practical steps for your own EcoVadis success
1. Conduct a gap analysis
- Review your previous EcoVadis assessment.
- Identify areas with the largest improvement potential.
2. Set clear, ambitious targets
- Define what success looks like by setting solid sustainability targets (e.g., Gold rating, top 5%).
- Align targets with business strategy and stakeholder expectations.
3. Engage leadership and employees
- Ensure buy-in from the executive team.
- Train employees on sustainability priorities and their role in success.
4. Strengthen management systems
- Implement robust data collection and reporting processes.
- Assign clear ownership for each sustainability category.
5. Collaborate with suppliers
- Assess suppliers’ sustainability performance.
- Provide support and incentives for improvement.
6. Monitor progress and celebrate milestones
- Use KPIs and dashboards to track progress.
- Communicate achievements internally and externally.
Overcoming common challenges
Siloed sustainability efforts
Siloed sustainability efforts often occur when different departments work independently on ESG initiatives, leading to fragmented progress and a lack of unified direction.
Solution: Break down silos by integrating sustainability into all business functions and incentivising cross-departmental collaboration.
Supplier resistance
Supplier resistance is a common challenge, as suppliers may be hesitant to adopt sustainable practices due to perceived costs, lack of awareness, or fear of change.
Solution:
Build capacity for suppliers on the business benefits of sustainability and provide resources to help them improve.
Data collection and reporting
Data collection and reporting can be difficult because organisations frequently struggle with inconsistent, inaccessible, or fragmented ESG data across departments and systems.
Solution:
Invest in digital tools and platforms to streamline data management and reporting.
The role of external partners
Stolthaven Terminals’ journey was supported by expert partners like Nexio Projects, who provided guidance on EcoVadis requirements and best practices.
Key Takeaway:
Seek external expertise where it makes sense to accelerate your sustainability journey.
Looking ahead: Next steps for Stolthaven Terminals
With Gold status achieved, Stolthaven Terminals is not resting on its laurels. Keeping your EcoVadis score is another challenge on its own. Organisations need consistent improvement year on year, since medal allocations are based on percentiles and it’s becoming more competitive. Accordingly, the company is now focused on:
- Further reducing its environmental footprint
- Innovating in energy use and emissions management
- Supporting suppliers in their own sustainability journeys
- Preparing for future regulatory and stakeholder demands
Conclusion
Stolthaven Terminals’ EcoVadis Gold rating is a powerful example of what’s possible when leadership, culture, and systems align around a shared sustainability vision. Their journey offers a roadmap for other organisations aiming to improve their own EcoVadis performance and make a meaningful impact.
Ready to elevate your sustainability performance and achieve your own EcoVadis success?
Contact Nexio Projects today for tailored support and expert guidance on your sustainability journey.
For more best practice guides and case studies, visit the Nexio Projects blog.
Download our EcoVadis guide below to find more best practice examples, and tailored tips from our experts.
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References:
- Stolt-Nielsen (2024) Stolthaven Terminals’ sustainability performance receives Gold rating from EcoVadis. Available at: https://www.stolt-nielsen.com/news-insights/news/stolthaven-terminals-sustainability-performance-receives-gold-rating-from-ecovadis/ (Accessed: 4 July 2025).
