How can an SME prepare for an EcoVadis assessment to improve its ESG reporting and sustainability rating?
EcoVadis assesses companies across four key pillars: Environment, Labour & Human Rights, Ethics, and Sustainable Procurement. SMEs seeking an EcoVadis rating or responding to a client request require structured ESG documentation in precisely these areas. A VSME report covers nearly all relevant data points, providing the ideal foundation for completing an EcoVadis sustainability assessment.
What is EcoVadis and why is it relevant for SMEs?
EcoVadis is the world's largest platform for evaluating sustainability performance in supply chains, with over 130,000 companies across more than 175 countries registered. When a corporate client is an EcoVadis member, they can request their suppliers (including SMEs) to complete an EcoVadis assessment and obtain an ESG rating.
Which four categories does EcoVadis assess?
• Environment (32%): carbon footprint, energy consumption, water usage, biodiversity, waste management
• Labour & Human Rights (29%): working conditions, occupational health and safety, diversity
• Ethics (20%): anti-corruption, whistleblowing, fair business practices
• Sustainable Procurement (19%): supplier management, CSR standards in the supply chain
How does a VSME report support your EcoVadis rating?
The VSME standard fully covers the environment category (carbon emissions, energy, water, waste) as well as broad aspects of the labour category. Businesses that have compiled their VSME report using ESG Lift can seamlessly transfer the relevant ESG data points directly into the EcoVadis questionnaire, eliminating administrative duplication.
What are the typical EcoVadis scores for SMEs?
The EcoVadis score ranges from 0 to 100:
• Under 25: High risk (no medal)
• 25–44: Bronze Medal
• 45–64: Silver Medal
• 65–84: Gold Medal
• 85–100: Platinum Medal
SMEs with a comprehensive VSME disclosure and documented sustainability practices typically achieve a Bronze or Silver medal in their primary ESG assessment.
EcoVadis scoring for SMEs: What is assessed, how a VSME report helps you prepare, and which scores SMEs can realistically achieve for their ESG reporting.