Last Updated on December 3, 2024
In a Nutshell
- Companies that have their sustainability performance assessed by EcoVadis receive an EcoVadis score between 0 (‘inadequate’) and 100 (‘excellent’)
- In 2024, the criteria for awarding Ecovadis medals were adjusted: Medals are now awarded based on percentage thresholds rather than point ranges (e.g. the lowest medal level — bronze — is awarded to companies in the top 35%)
- Further adjustment: As of 1 January 2025, the score values per area will no longer be displayed as rounded figures but as unrounded figures in the scorecard and can therefore influence the company's overall score
The use of ESG software helps to keep an eye on the adjustments to the EcoVadis scoring system at all times
As sustainable business practices are becoming increasingly important in our value chains, rating systems such as EcoVadis play a key role in measuring the sustainability performance of companies. As part of the EcoVadis rating, companies can receive medals that reflect their sustainability performance in the areas of environment, labor practices, ethics and sustainable procurement. A new benchmark was set in 2024 with the adjustment of the criteria for awarding medals and scoring.
The changes to the criteria can have a direct impact on the medal status of companies. Although the changes do not necessarily affect the EcoVadis score achieved, it is possible that companies may lose their current EcoVadis medal due to the changes in the medal program or receive a medal of a lower level in the reassessment from 2024.
Due to the more precise scores of the individual areas (from rounded scores, e.g. 50/100 to unrounded scores, e.g. 52/100), companies may achieve slightly improved or slightly worse overall scores from 2025 and thus also receive a lower EcoVadis medal.
In this guide, we explain the details of the EcoVadis medal award and provide an overview of the latest changes to the medal program.
EcoVadis Scoring and Medal System
The EcoVadis scoring and medal system was developed to assess and recognise a company's sustainability performance in comparison to all rated companies in the extensive EcoVadis database. The medals serve as a dynamic indicator of continuous commitment to improvement.
The EcoVadis score ranges from 0 (‘inadequate’) to 100 (‘excellent’) and reflects the company's sustainability management system at the time of the assessment.
An EcoVadis score is calculated as follows:
- Each management indicator per topic area is scored between 0 and 100 by the analysts based on the quality and quantity of the information provided and documents filed (scored in increments of 25, i.e. 0, 25, 50, 75 or 100).
- The individual scores of the management indicators are weighted differently depending on the subject area, and then result in a score between 0 and 100 for the individual subject areas. To be eligible for a medal, a company must achieve a minimum score of 30 points in each of the four topics.
- Depending on the industry, country and company size, the individual scores for the subject areas are given different weightings, which together result in the overall score that is decisive for the award of the medal.
Example calculation of an EcoVadis score including scoring overview (far right) based on an exemplary calculation by EcoVadis in the article on the rating methodology (accessed online on November 25, 2024)
EcoVadis uses scoring guidelines that are applied by its analysts in the evaluation. The score enables a comparison with other companies in the industry and is a measure of a company's sustainability performance.
Nevertheless, the following statement from EcoVadis on their resources page about the medals is important to mention:
‘An EcoVadis medal or badge is NOT a certification or an endorsement of a company or its products or services, and it does not indicate that the company’s products or services are specifically sustainable or more sustainable than another company’s products or services.’
The EcoVadis scorecard highlights strengths and areas for improvement for each topic. The strengths highlight positive sustainability practices, while the areas for improvement highlight opportunities for corrective action. For each area of improvement, a prioritisation level is suggested for the implementation of corrective actions.
Changes to the 2024 Medal Program
In the changing structure of the EcoVadis Medal Program, significant changes have been introduced in 2024 that affect the criteria for the sustainability performance awards.
The most important changes to the EcoVadis Medal Program for 2024:
- Shift in percentage thresholds: medals will now go to the top 35 percent of companies, rather than the top 50 percent of companies as previously.
- Dynamic thresholds: No more static thresholds; medals will be awarded solely on the basis of percentage. The dynamic thresholds for July 2024 were: 84 (Platinum), 73 (Gold), 66 (Silver) and 58 (Bronze).
- Adjustment of the minimum score: The minimum score for sustainable procurement has increased from 25 to 30.
- Adjusted findings: Large companies are not excluded due to minor findings, as they are adjusted for size and complexity.
- New awards: Introduction of the ‘Committed Badge’ (for scores of 45 or more) in recognition of ‘good’ performance according to the EcoVadis methodology and the ‘Fast Mover Badge’ (for scores between 34 and 44) in recognition of an improvement of 6 points or more in the reassessment within the last 18 months.
New Medal Levels from 2024
- Platinum: Top1 %
- Gold: Top 5%
- Silver: Top 15%
- Bronze: Top 35%
From 2024, medals will be awarded on the basis of percentage thresholds instead of a specific number of points for each medal level, as was previously the case. In particular, the change in the criterion for awarding medals from the top 50 percent to the top 35 percent will reduce the number of companies receiving medals.
The company's percentile rank will be determined and displayed on the online scorecard at the time of publication. This percent rank provides a comparison of the company's performance against all rated companies in the EcoVadis database over the previous 12 months. The ranking is calculated across all industries, providing a comprehensive comparison rather than industry-specific scores.
The introduction of two new awards adds dynamism to the program, providing companies that do not meet the updated criteria for a medal with an opportunity to earn recognition for their commitment and ongoing improvements.
Additionally, EcoVadis does not award a medal if a company scores less than 30 points in the areas of Environment, Labor & Human Rights, Ethics, and/or Sustainable Procurement. Furthermore, a company is ineligible for a medal if the "360° Watch Findings" identify severe or major issues within the sustainability themes.
Changes to the Scoring System in 2025
Previously, the scores for individual themes were displayed as rounded values (e.g., 70/100) on the scorecard and used to calculate the overall score. This will change starting January 1, 2025: the scorecard will now display unrounded values (e.g., 68/100) for each theme. Additionally, these unrounded values will be used to calculate the overall score in the new year, which may lead to slight improvements or minor reductions in the overall rating.
EcoVadis is implementing this change to the scoring system to provide clearer and more precise insights into a company’s sustainability management system and to better reflect the development of individual themes over time.
The new scoring values can highlight opportunities for improvement within specific themes, which may influence the overall assessment. Whether the impact is positive or negative will largely depend on the company’s performance in each theme. For EcoVadis ratings in 2024, everything remains unchanged—the new rules will apply to all ratings starting January 1, 2025.
Tips for Achieving a High EcoVadis Medal
To achieve a prestigious EcoVadis medal, such as EcoVadis Gold, companies should focus on improving their sustainability performance across the four evaluated areas: Environment, Labor & Human Rights, Ethics, and Sustainable Procurement.
Here are some tips:
- Systematic Documentation: Collect comprehensive evidence such as certifications (e.g., ISO 14001), policies, and reports that demonstrate your sustainability initiatives.
- Detailed Self-Assessment: Complete the EcoVadis questionnaire thoroughly and support your answers with relevant documentation.
- Address Gaps: Use the analysis from your EcoVadis scorecard to identify weaknesses and implement targeted actions to address them.
- Sustainable Supply Chain: Actively engage with your suppliers to promote sustainable practices throughout the value chain.
- Continuous Improvement: Plan regular evaluations and set specific, achievable goals for each sustainability theme to drive ongoing progress.
Since medals are now awarded based on percentile rankings (e.g., EcoVadis Gold: Top 5%), continuous improvement is crucial to stay competitive among other rated companies.
Discover more strategies to enhance your rating in our blog article on the EcoVadis Rating.
Keeping EcoVadis Updates and Data Management Under Control: ESG Software as the Key
As EcoVadis strives to provide a dynamic framework that adapts to developments in sustainable business management, it is crucial to stay updated on the annual changes.
The continuous evolution of the EcoVadis scoring system not only requires regular adjustments to your sustainability strategy but also solid and comprehensive data management. ESG software can be instrumental in managing growing demands and streamlining processes more efficiently.
Advantages of ESG Software for Improving Your EcoVadis Rating:
- Gap Analysis: Identify weaknesses based on your last assessment and create a clear improvement plan.
- Centralized Data Management: Collect, store, and organize all documents relevant to your EcoVadis medal in one place. Automated reminders help meet deadlines, while intelligent search and filtering functions simplify access to required information.
- Automated Data Linking: Directly link internal documents and reports to the EcoVadis questionnaire requirements, streamlining data entry and ensuring consistency.
- Adaptation to Changes: Stay informed with automated updates on EcoVadis requirements, including new criteria and assessment guidelines.
- Data Integrity and Traceability: Ensure that all changes to documents or evaluations are automatically logged, providing transparency during audits or inquiries.
- Team Coordination: Facilitate collaboration by clearly assigning responsibilities, centrally managing processes, and tracking progress in real time.
By implementing ESG software, team collaboration becomes more efficient, ensuring you are fully prepared when the next re-evaluation phase begins.
Sunhat provides a flexible EcoVadis module tailored to meet your company’s specific needs. This ensures that all data and documents required for the EcoVadis evaluation are efficiently managed and seamlessly integrated into the questionnaire.
Our team of sustainability experts stays up-to-date with the latest changes in the EcoVadis scoring system, enabling you to remain prepared and benefit from the newest developments.
If you are interested in using our EcoVadis module for your next EcoVadis rating, request a demo today.
