The EcoVadis certification provides companies with an assessment and rating based on their ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) performance. It is one of the most globally recognized sustainability assessments, used by thousands of companies to:
- Assess and improve their sustainability practices
- Develop responsible procurement strategies
EcoVadis bases its assessment on four fundamental pillars:
- Environment
- Labor & Human Rights
- Business Ethics
- Sustainable Procurement
Benchmarking: a dynamic evaluation system
A key strength of this certification is the comparability of results with peers in the same sector. EcoVadis makes intensive use of benchmarking to position companies within its rating system, which includes the levels:
- Bronze
- Silver
- Gold
- Platinum
Thus, when a company receives an EcoVadis rating:
- It is not only being assessed on its own performance
- It is also being compared with the performance of other organizations in the same sector
Relative rating: sector performance matters
How does this play out in practice?
- If a company achieved a Gold medal in 2024
- And in 2025 maintained the same performance level
- It may still see its rating drop to Silver
This happens because:
- Other companies in the sector may have significantly improved their ESG practices
- The sector standard rises, and the “minimum requirements” become more demanding as the market evolves
Why use the EcoVadis assessment?
EcoVadis is a comprehensive tool that offers more benefits than the final rating itself. Through EcoVadis, a company can:
- Develop and improve its sustainability management system
- Identify opportunities to improve processes, documentation, and activities
Gateway to new opportunities
Large multinationals use this assessment as a requirement to:
- Select suppliers
- Monitor practices across the entire value chain
Achieving a strong EcoVadis rating:
- Improves corporate reputation
- Strengthens internal performance
- Opens doors to commercial opportunities and strategic partnerships
- Enables more effective value chain management
Intuitive interface and ongoing support
The EcoVadis platform stands out for:
- Having a very intuitive, user-friendly interface
- Facilitating the completion of assessment questionnaires
- Providing asynchronous sustainability training modules
- Offering helpful support materials for effective navigation and use
Beyond compliance: an opportunity for transformation
It is essential that companies approach EcoVadis as:
- Not just a compliance tool
- But an opportunity for lasting transformation
- And an active strategy for responsible procurement
When well integrated, sustainability:
- Strengthens internal commitment
- Fosters a corporate culture focused on continuous improvement
- Creates real value for society and the environment
Sustainability is no longer optional — but each organization’s positioning remains a choice.
📩 Start your sustainability journey at: hello@aliados.consulting
🖊 Article by Mafalda Sousa , Sustainability Consultant at Aliados Consulting and Official Training Partner of EcoVadis
