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What is EcoVadis?
EcoVadis manages the first collaborative platform that allows companies to monitors Your own sustainability performance and those of its suppliers, through an evaluation based on environmental, social and ethical criteria.
The assessment is provided by EcoVadis based on a questionnaire filled out by the company: applications vary depending on the sector to which they belong and the number of employees.
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How EcoVadis works: the 21 sustainability criteria taken into consideration
EcoVadis believes that, to be effective, a sustainability management system must develop policies, implement actions and Communicate results.
In the evaluation of the sustainability management system, they are then examined 21 sustainability criteria, grouped into 4 themes:
- environment;
- labor practices and human rights;
- ethics;
- sustainable purchases.
Environment
The “Environment” category assesses the company's commitment to management of natural resources And in the reduction of environmental impact.
Environmental issues concern the impacts onentire product lifecycle: impacts deriving from production processes, from the use of products and from the end of the life cycle.
The criteria evaluated in this area are:
- energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions;
- water;
- biodiversity;
- air pollution;
- materials, chemicals and waste products;
- use of the product;
- end of life of the product;
- customer health and safety;
- promotion and environmental services.
Labor Practices and Human Rights
This category reviews business practices regarding the respect for workers' rights and the promotion of a fair and safe work environment.
The criteria evaluated are:
- employee health and safety;
- working conditions;
- social dialogue;
- career management and training;
- child labor, forced labor and trafficking in human beings;
- diversity, equity and inclusion;
- human rights of external stakeholders.
Etica
Ethics focuses on the practices of transparency, anti-corruption and ethical behavior of the company.
The criteria evaluated are:
- corruption;
- anticompetitive practices;
- responsible information management.
Sustainable shopping
This category assesses how the company manages sustainability in its supply chain.
The criteria evaluated are:
- environmental practices of suppliers;
- social practices of suppliers.
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The 3 steps of the EcoVadis evaluation process
We can evaluate the evaluation process as a path divided into 3 main steps. Let's see them below.
1. Gathering Information
The first step in the EcoVadis assessment process is the collection of information: at this stage, as we have seen, companies must fill in a questionnaire detailed and provide supporting documents that demonstrate the veracity of the answers provided.
2. Analysis of information
Once the information has been collected, EcoVadis sustainability experts undertake afull analysis of the documents, looking for tangible evidence relating to the statements made in the questionnaire. Analysts check the responses to the questionnaires and reject or approve the statements provided, based on supporting documents and methodological requirements.
3. Final score and report
After the analysis, EcoVadis assigns a Final score to the company and provides a detailed report with strengths and areas for improvement. This report can be used to develop continuous improvement strategies.
Each management indicator, within each theme, is assigned a Score from 0 to 100.
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What is EcoVadis certification and why is it important
Once the final score has been assigned, the EcoVadis certification, which demonstrates a company's commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.
The advantages of EcoVadis certification
Today, sustainability performance is an essential component of a company's value: sustainability has become a strategic priority which it is necessary to take into account, if you want to maintain high competitiveness.
In this sense, obtain the EcoVadis certification can lead to numerous pluses for a company:
- Increased brand visibility: an internationally recognized certification helps to consolidate a company's reputation.
- Customer Retention: a certification like EcoVadis guarantees greater access to the market for consumers who are increasingly choosing products and services that are attentive to sustainability.
- Improving business reputation: being EcoVadis certified improves the company's reputation, demonstrating a concrete commitment to sustainability.
- Access to new market opportunities: certification can open doors to new market opportunities, especially with customers and partners that value sustainability.
EcoVadis Platinum: What is it all about
EcoVadis Platinum It is the highest award within the sustainability performance assessment system provided by EcoVadis.
The EcoVadis Platinum score is awarded to companies that demonstrate excellence in sustainability practices and that have obtained a very high score in the final evaluation.
Specifically, the award is awarded to top 1% of companies, that is, the realities that obtain a Overall score between 80 and 100.
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How to get EcoVadis certified
We have seen the phases of the evaluation process, but what are the activities that a company can implement to try to obtain the highest possible score?
Complete the EcoVadis questionnaire It's not enough to ensure a good score is achieved. Before compiling, it is useful to make sure that you have trials and materials to testify that the company has implemented sustainability policies (even better if these have led to the obtaining of other certifications).
Let's look at some activities that can help the company increase its EcoVadis score:
- Calculation of emissions (required in 5 questions of the questionnaire);
- emission mitigation strategy;
- purchase of 100% renewable energy;
- staff involvement and training activities;
- involving suppliers in sustainability activities.
These are just a few examples of activities you can do before filling out the EcoVadis questionnaire.
In Up2You we support you in filling out the EcoVadis questionnaire and provide you with the necessary tools to achieve the score EcoVadis Platinum.
- Let's review the first compilation of the questionnaire.
- We identify a series of medium-term actions to improve sustainability performance.
- We create an action plan with the activities to be implemented in order to obtain the EcoVadis Platinum level.
- We will give you a technical report with the results obtained.
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FAQ: Some frequently asked questions about EcoVadis
How long does it take to get EcoVadis certified?
The time needed to obtain certification varies depending on the size of the company and the availability of the information requested, but it can generally take from a few weeks to a few months.
How can I prepare for the EcoVadis assessment?
Preparation involves the collection of relevant documents and information on corporate sustainability practices and the accurate compilation of the EcoVadis questionnaire.
Is EcoVadis suitable for all types of businesses?
Yes, EcoVadis is suitable for companies of all sizes and sectors that want to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and improve business practices.
How do I sign up for EcoVadis?
To receive the EcoVadis assessment, the company can register independently by creating its own account. After completing the registration, EcoVadis needs a maximum of 6 business days to verify company information and customize the questionnaire and offer. Once ready, it will notify the company via email.
What is EcoVadis Vitals?
EcoVadis Vitals is a short questionnaire on key sustainability issues. This solution allows business partners to better understand and manage the sustainability risk of their supply chain, inviting their suppliers to fill it out.
