How can an SME prepare for an EcoVadis assessment to improve its ESG reporting and sustainability rating?
EcoVadis assesses companies across four key themes: Environment, Labour & Human Rights, Ethics, and Sustainable Procurement. SMEs seeking an EcoVadis rating or responding to client requests require structured ESG documentation in these exact areas. A DNK report covers almost all the relevant data points, serving as the ideal foundation for completing the EcoVadis assessment.
What is EcoVadis and why is it relevant for SMEs?
EcoVadis is the world's largest platform for evaluating sustainability performance within supply chains, with over 130,000 companies registered across more than 175 countries. 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 are assessed by EcoVadis?
• Environment (32%): Carbon emissions, energy consumption, water usage, biodiversity, and waste management
• Labour & Human Rights (29%): Working conditions, health & safety, and diversity & inclusion
• Ethics (20%): Anti-corruption, whistleblowing, and fair business practices
• Sustainable Procurement (19%): Supplier management and supply chain social standards
How does a VS report support your EcoVadis rating?
The VS standard fully covers the Environment category (carbon footprint, energy, water, waste) and extensive parts of the Labour category. Companies that have compiled their VS report using ESG Lift can directly transfer the relevant data points into the EcoVadis questionnaire, eliminating duplicate efforts in their ESG reporting.
What are 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 VS report and documented ESG policies typically achieve a Bronze or Silver medal during their initial assessment.
EcoVadis rating for SMEs: What is assessed, how a sustainability report helps in preparation, and which scores SMEs can realistically achieve.