How to improve your EcoVadis score quickly: Practical steps that work 

“Small, focused steps in policies, reporting, and supplier engagement can quickly transform your EcoVadis score.” 

If you’re asking what is EcoVadis, the platform is the world’s largest provider of business sustainability ratings. With over 125,000 companies assessed globally, an EcoVadis rating has become a benchmark for evaluating environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance and for managing risk within sustainability supply chain management (1). 

A higher EcoVadis score not only demonstrates commitment to sustainable practices but also strengthens commercial opportunities, as many large corporations require suppliers to undergo an EcoVadis assessment to win or keep contracts. Moving from silver to EcoVadis gold or even EcoVadis platinum can open doors, reduce supplier risk, and signal credibility to investors and regulators (2). 

The good news? There are quick wins that organisations can take to boost performance without overhauling their entire sustainability strategy in one go. 

Quick win 1: Formalise policies and procedures 

One of the fastest ways to raise your EcoVadis score is to formalise existing sustainability practices into written policies. Many companies actually have good initiatives in place, such as health and safety trainings, recycling programmes, or diversity commitments, but fail to document these in a structured way. 

What does EcoVadis scoring methodology look like?

EcoVadis analyses an organisation’s environmental or sustainability management system according to these aspects:

• Pillar scoring
• Company size categories
• Documentation eligibility
• Certain assessment sub-questions

By aligning policy documents with EcoVadis’ scoring methodology, companies can gain quick recognition. For instance: 

• Draft a company-wide sustainability policy that covers environment, labour, ethics, and procurement. 

• Complement this with targeted policies, such as anti-bribery, diversity & inclusion, or carbon reduction. 

• Ensure these documents are signed by top management and communicated internally. 

This sends a strong signal to EcoVadis assessors that sustainability is embedded, not improvised. 

Find out more about EcoVadis pillars, scoring and processes in our latest comprehensive guide.

Quick win 2: Data and reporting processes 

EcoVadis heavily rewards performance measurement. Simple actions like tracking energy consumption, waste volumes, or employee turnover can result in significant score improvements. You don’t need a fully integrated reporting system to start—spreadsheets are enough, as long as data is clear and repeatable. 

• Establish a Key Performance Indicator (KPI) dashboard in line with EcoVadis themes. 

• Report on greenhouse gas emissions, preferably across scope 1 and 2, or begin using the EcoVadis Carbon Action Module to tackle scope 3. 

• Introduce an annual sustainability report, even a short PDF, to demonstrate transparency. 

See Nexio Projects’ 2024 impact report to get inspired!

Consistency is the key—EcoVadis doesn’t expect perfection at first, but they do reward structured data and reporting. 

Quick win 3: Supplier engagement 

Supply chain practices are a strong differentiator. EcoVadis scores organisations higher if they manage supplier sustainability, whether through audits, questionnaires, or training. 

Steps to take immediately: 

• Map your critical suppliers and ask them for sustainability policies or certifications. 

• Introduce a supplier code of conduct. 

• Create a due diligence procedure aligned with current regulations (e.g. CSDDD). 

Even modest progress here can add valuable points to your score and strengthen your position in sustainability supply chain management. 

Read our factsheet on how to engage your supply chain below.

Quick win 4: Certify and benchmark 

Certifications are highly valued in assessments. ISO 14001 (environmental management), ISO 45001 (health and safety) and ISO 37001 (anti-bribery) are among the quick wins if your organisation already complies with good practices. 

If ISO certification is too costly, evidence of internal audits, external verification, or industry-specific certifications can still add points. 

Quick win 5: Boost your carbon management

The EcoVadis Carbon Scorecard evaluates your organisation’s carbon management across commitment, actions, and reporting. It provides a clear ranking from Insufficient to Leader and highlights both strengths and areas for improvement.

To enhance your carbon score and progress your climate strategy, consider these quick wins:

• Set clear, ambitious climate targets: Submitting a Science-Based Target can boost your Commitment score.
• Implement practical measures to reduce emissions across your operations.
• Keep your carbon inventory up to date, covering Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions comprehensively.
• Ensure your reporting is thorough and relevant, demonstrating transparency on your emissions data.
• Regularly review your strengths and gaps in the EcoVadis scorecard to focus your improvement efforts.

Client success stories: How sustainability leaders did it 

The challenge: Coca-Cola HBC wanted to demonstrate leadership on sustainability across its extensive supply chain but faced challenges in consolidating policies and streamlining disclosures across multiple jurisdictions. 

Nexio Projects’ solutions: We helped formalise sustainability policies, align reporting processes with EcoVadis focus areas, and strengthen supply chain transparency through structured KPIs and external validation. 

The outcome: Coca-Cola HBC achieved EcoVadis Gold, reflecting excellence in transparency, reporting discipline, and consistent disclosures across its operations. 

The challenge: This maritime logistics firm needed to improve its ESG performance rapidly to remain competitive with global partners and strengthen internal governance frameworks. 

Nexio Projects’ solutions: We embedded sustainability directly into corporate governance structures, ensuring board-level buy-in and aligning business ethics with environmental and social criteria. 

The outcome: Burando Atlantic Group improved their standing significantly, securing a strong EcoVadis performance upgrade and demonstrating that executive commitment can accelerate improvement towards EcoVadis Gold level practices. 

The challenge: As an SME in consumer goods, Hey Honey entered its first EcoVadis assessment with ad-hoc sustainability initiatives but lacked structured policies and supply chain documentation. 

Nexio Projects’ solutions: Together, we developed clear sustainability policies, implemented supplier codes of conduct, and introduced data collection processes aligned with EcoVadis requirements. 

The outcome: Hey Honey created a robust reporting foundation and secured their first EcoVadis Gold medal, laying the groundwork for stronger supply chain and policy-driven performance in future cycles. 

The challenge: IBG aimed to fast-track its sustainability maturity in light of customer and investor requests, but carbon management and supply chain engagement were underdeveloped. 

Nexio Projects’ solutions: We supported IBG in conducting carbon footprint measurements, setting emissions targets, and implementing supplier due diligence aligned with regulatory trends. 

The outcome: IBG rapidly advanced to EcoVadis Gold, a testament to how prioritising climate reporting and supply chain management are critical levers for fast score improvements. 

The challenge: Stolthaven needed to demonstrate leadership in sustainability reporting within the chemicals and logistics sector, where climate action and supplier compliance are under high scrutiny. 

Nexio Projects’ solutions: We worked with Stolthaven to design climate transition plans, track emissions using key KPIs, and strengthen supplier due diligence programmes. 

The outcome: Stolthaven achieved EcoVadis Gold, combining rigorous climate strategy with supply chain integrity, positioning itself as a benchmark for sustainability excellence in its field. 

Interested in more case studies?

From action to momentum 

Improving your EcoVadis score quickly is about turning existing good intentions into structured evidence — policies, data, engagements, and certifications. These quick wins add up, often shifting scores by one or even two medal levels in a single cycle. 

Start today with policies, reporting, and supplier engagement, and layer on climate action for long-term credibility. By focusing on both quick wins and scalability, your company can stand out as a valued, trusted partner in sustainable business. 

Nexio Projects is here to support 

As a global EcoVadis strategic partner since 2018 and a platinum-rated company ourselves, we understand the challenges and opportunities of navigating EcoVadis assessments. Our in-house experts have worked with 400+ clients, across 1000+ projects in 20+ countries, guiding organisations in 25+ sectors including shipping, logistics, manufacturing, chemicals, and consumer goods. 

Since 2019, we have also been proud to be B Corp certified, with an in-house team of certified B Leaders and a recognised B Corp Way partner. This unique combination of expertise in EcoVadis, B Corp, CSRD, ESRS, GRI and other key ESG frameworks means we can help you not only improve your EcoVadis rating but also future-proof your broader sustainability strategy. 

Stay connected & take the next step 

Subscribe to our newsletter: Get monthly EcoVadis updates, reporting insights, and practical sustainability guides straight to your inbox. 

Book a free consultation call: Speak directly with our EcoVadis and ESG experts to explore how we can help accelerate your sustainability journey. 

Beyond consulting, we’ve built a wide library of resources to help companies decode EcoVadis requirements, accelerate improvement and turn reporting into a strategic advantage. 

Further reading: Deep-dive EcoVadis insights 

• Five simple actions to raise your EcoVadis score 
• Beyond the medal: Navigating your 2025 EcoVadis assessment with confidence 
• Behind the scenes of Nexio Projects’ annual EcoVadis assessment 
• Improve supply chain transparency with EcoVadis 
• Ecovadis 2025 unpacked: your top questions answered 
• Ecovadis 2025 unpacked: your top questions answered 

References:

1. EcoVadis (n.d.) About Us, EcoVadis. Available at: ecovadis.com/about-us/ (Accessed: 22 August 2025).
2. EcoVadis (2025) EcoVadis Study: 87% of U.S. Companies Quietly Boost Sustainability Spending Despite Regulatory Debate and Uncertainty, EcoVadis. Available at: resources.ecovadis.com/news-press/ecovadis-study-87-of-u-s-companies-quietly-boost-sustainability-spending-despite-regulatory-debate-and-uncertainty (Accessed: 22 August 2025).