EcoVadis Gap Assessment

EcoVadis is amongst the world’s most widely adopted platforms for corporate sustainability assessment. It offers third-party evaluations across four core themes—Environment, Labor & Human Rights, Ethics, and Sustainable Procurement covering 21 sustainability criteria. These assessments culminate in a score (0–100) and percentile-based medals (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum) as well as badges (Committed and Fast Mover). This reflects a company’s maturity in managing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance. Do note, the percentile to medals and badges relationship is dynamic in nature. For actual numbers relevant to a particular year, please contact us or check the official EcoVadis website.

More than 100,000 companies worldwide, including a large number of Indian suppliers, are part of the EcoVadis network. Buyers use the platform to evaluate ESG risks, screen suppliers for responsible sourcing, and benchmark sustainability performance across their supply chain. A high EcoVadis score often improves a supplier’s eligibility for global contracts, preferred status in vendor portals, and participation in ESG-focused tenders.

The EcoVadis scoring methodology follows a three-pillar model: Policies, Actions, and Results (P-A-R). Companies are evaluated on seven indicators, such as the quality of their formal policies, the implementation of controls (e.g., audits, training, certifications), and the presence of performance data and KPIs. Supporting documentation is mandatory, and scores are valid for 12 months.

However, EcoVadis itself does not offer consulting or hands-on support for improvement. While it provides a scorecard, analyst debrief sessions, benchmarking tools, and access to the EcoVadis Academy, companies must bridge the identified gaps independently or with external gap assessment.

This is where EcoVadis Gap Assessment and Score Improvement Services become crucial.

1. Is EcoVadis a certification or compliance requirement?
   EcoVadis is neither a certification nor compliance requirement in the nature of various ISO standards. Instead, it’s a sustainability rating platform that grades organizations across four verticals.
    
2. Does EcoVadis help organizations improve their score directly?
   No, EcoVadis does not help organizations improve their scores directly. However, it signals where improvements can be made and DQS India can help in the gap assesment.
    
3. Is an ISO certification mandatory for a good EcoVadis score?
   No, ISO certificates are not a mandatory requirement for a good EcoVadis score. However, ISO certifications lay the groundwork for good processes, which directly impact scores.
    
4. Can SMEs get a high EcoVadis score?
   Yes, SMEs can absolutely earn a high EcoVadis score, provided they implement documented policies and structured ESG practices relevant to their size and sector.
    
5. Is EcoVadis a one-time expenditure?
   No, EcoVadis is not a one-time expenditure. The scores are valid for a period of 12 months only, with percentile criterion for medals fluctuating on an annual basis. It is common for buyers of goods and services to expect fresh scores from their suppliers.
    
6. Can I submit any document as evidence for EcoVadis?
   No. While it is permissible for SMEs to think that basic policy documents or internal SOPs will suffice, this is not the case. EcoVadis specific, formalized documents with proof of implementation.
    
7. How much exactly does EcoVadis cost and why is third-party support separate?
   Ecovadis has different tiers for businesses of various sizes, the cost of which varies based on many factors. Improvement support is not a service that EcoVadis provides and so companies needs support services for the same. The cost of gap assesement also varies; please refer to the section above.

EcoVadis offers different subscription tiers: Basic, Premium, Corporate, and Select. These range in scope and access to tools, such as analyst debrief sessions and benchmarking dashboards. In parallel, third-party support providers like DQS India offer improvement consulting as a separate service, tailored to each company’s size, industry, and level of readiness.

DQS India is a leading certification and sustainability assurance body with decades of experience delivering ISO management systems, ESG evaluations, and responsible sourcing assurance pan-India. Our EcoVadis support services are designed to ensure compliance and strategic alignment with global procurement expectations.