By Thaddée Leblond · Published · Updated: June 2026
The EcoVadis rating is a score from 0 to 100, a weighted average of four themes (environment; labour and human rights; ethics; sustainable procurement) across 21 criteria; depending on the percentile, it leads to a medal valid for 12 months. But the real secret is not to excel on one theme — it is to neglect none, and to document, for each, policies, actions and results.
Understanding the rating
EcoVadis assesses the quality of your sustainability management system from documentary evidence. The overall score is a weighted average — by sector, size and geography — of four themes: environment, labour and human rights, business ethics, sustainable procurement. Each criterion is analysed through three lenses: formalised policies, concrete actions and measurable results.
Medals and badges
Medals are awarded by percentile — your position relative to companies assessed over the past twelve months — so their thresholds shift every year. As an order of magnitude: Bronze from around 50, Silver around 59, Gold around 70, Platinum above. Since 2024, two badges complement the system: "Committed" (an intermediate score) and "Fast Mover" (progress of at least six points).
The pitfall that disqualifies: neglecting one theme
This is the most costly mistake. No medal is awarded if one of the four themes falls below 30/100. A company excellent on environment but with no ethics or sustainable-procurement policy will be penalised. The priority is therefore not to excel on one theme, but to leave none exposed.
How to improve concretely
The winning logic comes in three steps, on each theme: formalise a written policy, implement traceable actions, measure results. On environment, for example, a carbon-footprint measurement tool is one of the most effective levers. Everywhere, it is the evidence — documents, procedures, indicators — that makes the score, far more than declarations.
Anticipating the request
The assessment is most often triggered by a customer. Preparing it in advance — assembling your evidence file before being asked — avoids a constrained deadline and turns the exercise into a commercial advantage.
EcoVadis thresholds, badges and eligibility rules evolve. Verify the methodology in force on the official channels before committing.
Frequently asked questions
An overall score from 0 to 100, a weighted average of four themes (environment, labour and human rights, ethics, sustainable procurement) assessed across 21 criteria. Depending on the percentile, the score leads to a medal (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum) valid for 12 months.
Thresholds are percentile-based and change every year. As a recent order of magnitude: Bronze from around 50, Silver around 59, Gold around 70, Platinum above. A 'Committed' or 'Fast Mover' badge rewards intermediate scores and progress.
Neglecting one theme. No medal is awarded if any of the four themes falls below 30/100. A company strong on environment but weak on ethics or procurement can be disqualified.
By documenting the three dimensions of each criterion: formalised policies, implemented actions and measurable results. Evidence counts far more than intentions.
Sources
- EcoVadis — methodology (medals and badges)
- EcoVadis — sustainability ratings overview