Mastering your EcoVadis assessment: Steps, strategy, and why Nexio Projects is your ultimate partner 

“The EcoVadis assessment provides a comprehensive framework for your company to demonstrate your sustainability practices, commitments and programs transparently. Leverage the rating and benchmarking to meet procurement requirements, identify improvement areas, and highlight leadership.” 

In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, sustainability is not just a buzzword—it’s a strategic imperative. Companies across industries are under increasing pressure to demonstrate their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance. The EcoVadis assessment has emerged as the gold standard for evaluating and benchmarking sustainability across global supply chains. 

Whether you’re preparing for your first EcoVadis assessment or seeking to improve your score, understanding the process and leveraging the right support can make all the difference. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key steps to a successful assessment, explore the pros and cons of working in-house versus with a consultant, demystify the role of strategic partners, and show why Nexio Projects is the preferred partner for organisations aiming for top results. 

Understanding the assessment 

What is EcoVadis and why does It matter? 

EcoVadis is the world’s most trusted provider of business sustainability ratings. Its methodology covers four key pillars: 

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

Companies are assessed on their policies, actions, and results across these areas, with scores benchmarked against industry peers. A strong EcoVadis score is increasingly a prerequisite for doing business with major buyers and can unlock new market opportunities, enhance reputation, and drive continuous improvement. 

The assessment process at a glance 

1. Registration and profile creation: Companies register on the EcoVadis platform and complete a detailed profile, providing information about their operations, locations, and industry. 
2. Tailored questionnaire: EcoVadis generates a customised questionnaire based on your company’s size, sector, and location. 
3. Document submission: You’ll need to provide supporting evidence (policies, certificates, reports) to substantiate your answers. 
4. Expert analysis: EcoVadis analysts review your submission, evaluate your sustainability management system, and assign scores for each pillar. 
5. Scorecard and feedback: Receive a detailed scorecard highlighting strengths, improvement areas, and benchmarking data. 
6. Action planning: Use the feedback to develop and implement improvement actions for future assessments. 

Curious to know more details on how the journey can go for your organisation? Our video series explains from basics, to reaching Platinum, all the necessary steps for you to take. Watch below!

Key steps to a successful assessment 

1. Preparation and internal alignment 

Begin by securing leadership buy-in and assembling a cross-functional team (sustainability, HR, procurement, legal, etc.). Map out existing policies, processes, and documentation relevant to the EcoVadis pillars. 

2. Gap analysis 

Conduct a thorough gap analysis against EcoVadis requirements. Identify missing or outdated policies, lack of evidence, or areas where performance can be improved. 

3. Evidence collection and documentation 

Gather robust, up-to-date documentation to support your responses. This may include: 

• Environmental policies and certifications (e.g., ISO 14001) 
• Employee handbooks and training records 
• Supplier codes of conduct 
• Audit reports and performance data 

4. Completing the questionnaire 

Answer each question clearly and accurately, referencing your supporting evidence. Avoid generic statements — EcoVadis values specificity and proof. 

5. Submission and follow-Up 

Submit your completed questionnaire and documents. Be responsive to any clarifications or additional requests from EcoVadis analysts. 

6. Interpreting results and continuous improvement 

Review your scorecard in detail. Prioritise improvement actions, assign responsibilities, and integrate sustainability into your business strategy for ongoing progress. 

In-house vs. consultant: Which approach delivers results? 

The in-house route 

Pros: 

• Direct control over the process 
• Deep knowledge of internal processes 

Cons: 

• Steep learning curve for first-timers 
• Time-consuming and resource-intensive 
• Risk of missing critical evidence or misinterpreting requirements 

Working with a consultant 

Pros: 

• Expert guidance on methodology and best practices 
• Efficient gap analysis and action planning 
• Higher likelihood of a strong score on the first attempt 
• Access to templates, checklists, and training 

Cons: 

• Investment required for external support 
• Need to select a credible, accredited partner 

How to decide? 

Consider your internal resources, experience with sustainability assessments, and the strategic importance of your EcoVadis score. For many organisations, partnering with an expert consultant accelerates the process and maximises results. Read further in our article.

The role of strategic partners in the EcoVadis ecosystem 

What are strategic partners? 

Strategic partners are organisations accredited by EcoVadis to provide specialised support, training, and tools to companies undergoing assessment. They bridge the gap between EcoVadis methodology and practical implementation, ensuring clients are well-prepared and positioned for success. 

Why do strategic partners matter? 

Working with a strategic partner means benefiting from up-to-date knowledge, proven methodologies, and direct lines of communication with EcoVadis. This can significantly enhance your assessment experience and outcomes. 

Who are the strategic partners? Spotlight on Nexio Projects 

Nexio Projects: Your global EcoVadis partner 

Nexio Projects is a globally recognised EcoVadis training and consulting partner, supporting organisations of all sizes and sectors. Our team of accredited experts has guided hundreds of companies through the the assessment, delivering measurable improvements in scores and sustainability performance, such as reaching EcoVadis platinum. Nexio Projects is the number one consultancy for EcoVadis worldwide by total number of clients.  

How Nexio Projects supports you 

• Comprehensive gap analysis: Identify strengths and weaknesses against EcoVadis criteria. 
• Tailored roadmap: Develop a clear action plan for documentation, policy updates, and process improvements. 
• Evidence preparation: Ensure all submissions meet EcoVadis standards for specificity and credibility. 
• Workshops and training: Build internal capacity for sustainability management. 
• Supplier engagement: Extend sustainability practices throughout your value chain. 

Watch our on-demand video for more information on how we support with your EcoVadis journey.

Other strategic partners

EcoVadis collaborates with a diverse range of partners to embed sustainability into procurement, supply chain, and risk management systems. Strategic partnerships include platforms like Ivalua, Taulia, and Celonis, as well as data and diversity providers such as TealBook. EcoVadis also works with consulting and training organisations besides Nexio Projects including Accenture, CSRWorks, and DFGE to help companies build ESG capabilities and improve supplier performance. These collaborations extend EcoVadis’s reach and impact, supporting companies in making sustainability a core part of business operations.

You can explore more here: EcoVadis Partnerships

Case examples

Norican Group, a global leader in metal parts formation, Norican Group worked with Nexio Projects on strengthening their sustainable procurement strategy and levelling it out across all entities. On top of that, Norican Group aimed to improve their EcoVadis Score. The project resulted in an EcoVadis Bronze Medal as well as an action plan to improve the sustainability performance of Norican Group.

“Nexio Projects uses a pragmatic and action‑oriented approach that makes sustainability easy to understand and implement in the organisation and with our vendors.”

– Senior VP Strategic Sourcing & CPO, Norican Group

Read the case study further here.

In response to customer requests for an EcoVadis assessment, Coca-Cola HBC sought expert support to ensure its score accurately reflected the company’s consistent, wide-ranging progress on sustainability. With strategic guidance and insights into the assessment criteria, the company was able to confidently navigate the assessment process and demonstrate the full scope of its ESG performance. Thanks to our partnership, the company was awarded with EcoVadis Gold Medal and was placed among the top 5% of assessed companies.

“Thanks to the expert training and hands-on support of Nexio Projects, the whole team was delighted with the final result, and we can now communicate our EcoVadis score to customers and suppliers and move forward on our EcoVadis journey with confidence.”

– Sustainability Reporting Specialist at Coca-Cola HBC

Read the case study further here.

The Nexio Projects advantage 

Why choose Nexio Projects? 

• Accredited expertise: Recognised by EcoVadis as a global strategic partner. 
• Proven results: Clients consistently achieve higher EcoVadis scores and unlock new business opportunities. 
• Holistic approach: Support across all four EcoVadis pillars, from environment to sustainable procurement. 
• Continuous improvement: Ongoing support to maintain and enhance your sustainability performance year after year. 
• A plethora of client testimonials

The EcoVadis assessment is a powerful tool for driving sustainability, meeting customer expectations, and gaining a competitive edge. However, navigating the process can be complex and resource-intensive. The right partner makes all the difference. 

Nexio Projects stands out as the premier EcoVadis partner, combining accredited expertise, tailored support, and a proven track record of success. Whether you’re new to EcoVadis or aiming for a higher score, our team is here to guide you every step of the way. 

Start by downloading our newest EcoVadis guide, and find comprehensive insights tailored for your organisation’s EcoVadis certification journey.

Ready to achieve your best EcoVadis score and embed sustainability into your business DNA? Contact Nexio Projects today for a tailored consultation and discover how our accredited experts can elevate your sustainability performance. 

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