At a Glance
- EcoVadis rewards structured systems supported by evidence.
- Most low scores come from missing documentation rather than poor practices.
- Businesses can improve their rating by strengthening policies, actions, and performance data.
Introduction
More businesses around the world are completing the EcoVadis assessment as sustainability becomes a growing expectation in global supply chains. Many companies expect strong results on their first attempt, only to receive a much lower EcoVadis rating than anticipated.
The reason is simple. EcoVadis does not evaluate good intentions; rather, it evaluates documented systems, structured processes, and clear evidence.
The positive side is that most low scores come from predictable gaps that can be fixed with the right approach.
This article helps you understand the five most common mistakes and how to avoid them so you can build a stronger EcoVadis score and demonstrate credible sustainability performance to your customers.
What EcoVadis Measures
EcoVadis evaluates a company’s sustainability management system across four themes:
- Environment
- Labor and Human Rights
- Ethics
- Sustainable Procurement
Each theme is broken down into policies, actions, and measurable outcomes.
EcoVadis medals and badges indicate maturity in these areas. They are not certifications or product endorsements. They show that a company has documented sustainability systems and is working toward continuous improvement.
With this framework in mind, here are the most common mistakes that prevent companies from scoring higher.
1. Relying on Verbal Practices Instead of Written Policies
Many companies believe they are strong performers because they recycle, manage safety risks responsibly, or follow ethical labor practices.
EcoVadis cannot evaluate intentions. It evaluates documentation.
If policies are missing, vague, or informal, the score drops across all themes.
Typical gaps include:
- No environmental policy addressing key operational impacts
- No formal code of ethics
- No documented supplier sustainability expectations
- No health and safety policy outlining responsibilities and procedures
EcoVadis wants to see structure, clarity, and internal communication.
Policies do not need to be complex. They simply need to be documented, relevant, and regularly reviewed.
Tip: Create a core policy set covering environment, labor practices, ethics, and procurement. It is one of the fastest ways to lift your score.
2. Missing Evidence of Implementation
EcoVadis gives credit for actions that are documented with clear proof.
This is where many companies lose the most points.
They may have strong sustainability practices, but they lack the evidence to demonstrate it.
Common evidence gaps include:
- No records of employee training
- No sustainability data, such as energy, water, or waste figures
- No audit logs or monitoring reports
- No documentation of supplier screenings
- No safety performance tracking
Evidence is the backbone of the EcoVadis rating. Even simple documentation can lead to meaningful score improvements.
Tip: Create an evidence folder for each theme. Include training logs, meeting notes, ESG performance metrics, screenshots, and audit reports.
3. Using Generic or Outdated Policies
Some businesses submit policies that were downloaded from the internet or created several years ago.
EcoVadis checks for quality, relevance, and recency.
Issues that reduce your score:
- Policies older than two or three years
- Templates that do not reflect your company’s operations
- Documents with no version control
- Policies that do not align with your industry’s sustainability risks
EcoVadis wants to see that policies are customized, reviewed regularly, and connected to operational realities.
Tip: Review and update policies annually. Include version numbers and approval dates to show active governance. Use feedback from previous assessments to ensure improvement.
4. Weak or Nonexistent Supplier Management Systems
Sustainable procurement is one of the most challenging areas for businesses.
EcoVadis expects companies to manage supply chain risks using the same structure as their internal operations.
This category often generates the lowest scores because companies rarely formalize supplier expectations.
Common issues include:
- No supplier code of conduct
- No sustainability criteria during onboarding
- No supplier risk assessment
- No monitoring or audits
- No internal procedures for managing high-risk suppliers
For companies in manufacturing, logistics, construction, engineering, or retail, supplier management represents a substantial portion of the score.
Tip: Start small. Adopt a supplier code of conduct, create a basic risk rating, and request simple ESG disclosures from key suppliers.
5. Limited Performance Tracking and Sustainability Data
EcoVadis evaluates performance indicators to understand how sustainability is monitored in practice.
A lack of data prevents companies from scoring higher, even if policies and actions are solid.
Typical missing data includes:
- Energy consumption
- Waste volumes
- Water usage
- Emissions estimates
- Safety metrics
- Diversity or employee well-being indicators
EcoVadis rewards companies that track performance consistently and demonstrate year-on-year improvement.
Tip: Choose a few KPIs to start with. Track them quarterly and expand over time. Data demonstrates commitment and maturity.
How Businesses Can Improve Faster
Regardless of your current medal level (Bronze, Silver, or Gold), EcoVadis improvements follow a clear structure:
1. Build formalised policies
Clear, tailored documentation strengthens multiple themes at once.
2. Create strong evidence folders
Even small actions count if properly documented.
3. Strengthen supplier engagement
Buyer expectations increasingly include supply chain sustainability.
4. Track performance data
Data is essential for transparency and improvement narratives.
5. Update systems annually
As the criteria for the EcoVadis assessment evolves, so should your systems.
This approach applies globally and helps businesses meet the expectations of international buyers.
EcoVadis Score Improvement Timeline
Timeframe | Action | Expected Impact |
Week 1-2 | Gap assessment and documentation audit | Identify quick wins and priority areas |
Week 3-6 | Policy development and evidence organization | Foundation for 10-15 point improvement |
Week 7-10 | Supplier engagement and data collection | An additional 5-10 points across themes |
Week 11-12 | Final review and submission preparation | Ready for reassessment |
Typical Result | Bronze to Silver or Silver to Gold | 15-25 point increase average |
Businesses in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and wider MENA markets face additional momentum as regional sustainability frameworks continue to expand.
The EcoVadis score is increasingly used in cross-border supply chain evaluations, which makes early preparation a strategic advantage.
How Consultmania Supports EcoVadis Improvement
EcoVadis assessments can feel complex, especially when companies are unsure where points were lost or how to build better documentation.
Consultmania helps companies strengthen their sustainability systems with clarity, structure, and practical tools.
We support businesses with:
- Full EcoVadis gap assessments
- Policy development and system design
- Evidence organisation and documentation support
- Supplier management improvements
- Submission support for stronger future scores
Our focus is to help companies build sustainability systems that are credible, aligned with global expectations, and ready for long-term improvement.
Consultmania supports SMEs in strengthening their sustainability systems and improving their EcoVadis score through practical, structured guidance.
Contact us here to improve your Ecovadis score.
FAQs
Strengthen your policies, provide clear evidence of implementation, and organize your documentation. These three steps alone can significantly improve scores.
At least once per year, ideally before each submission.
Most companies see measurable improvements within six to twelve weeks, depending on internal readiness.
Supplier engagement is often informal. EcoVadis requires structured processes, documentation, and clear expectations.
No. Medals indicate maturity in sustainability management. They do not certify products or guarantee compliance.
