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EcoVadis Certification Guide 2026: Ratings, Medals, and Benefits

  • C² Team
  • Jan 23
  • 3 min read

In today’s global market, sustainability is no longer a "nice-to-have"—it is a business requirement. Major corporations are increasingly demanding transparency from their supply chains, and one standard has emerged as the most trusted method to validate these efforts: EcoVadis Certification.


Whether you are a supplier looking to satisfy a client request or a brand aiming to prove your ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) credibility, this guide covers everything you need to know about securing an EcoVadis rating in 2026.


What is EcoVadis Certification?


EcoVadis Certification is the world’s most trusted business sustainability rating. Unlike other certifications that might focus solely on carbon footprints or fair trade, EcoVadis provides a holistic assessment of a company’s entire Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) management system.


The platform has rated over 130,000 companies globally. It doesn't just measure what you do; it verifies how you manage it through policies, actions, and reported results. Obtaining an EcoVadis Certification signals to buyers, investors, and stakeholders that your business is reliable, transparent, and aligned with international standards like the GRI, UN Global Compact, and ISO 26000.


An infographic showing the EcoVadis Certification badge at the center, connected to four pillars: Environment, Labor & Human Rights, Ethics, and Sustainable Procurement.
Four Pillars Of EcoVadis Certification

The 4 Pillars of EcoVadis Assessment


The EcoVadis methodology evaluates companies across four distinct themes. To achieve a top-tier EcoVadis Certification, you must demonstrate documentation and performance in all of these areas:


1. Environment

This pillar assesses your impact on the planet.

  • Key Topics: Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, energy consumption, water usage, waste management, and product lifecycle.

  • What they look for: Do you measure your carbon footprint? Do you have policies to reduce plastic waste?


2. Labor & Human Rights

This examines how you treat people within your operations.

  • Key Topics: Employee health and safety, working conditions, social dialogue, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

  • What they look for: Whistleblower policies, safety training records, and fair wage commitments.


3. Ethics

This evaluates your corporate governance and integrity.

  • Key Topics: Corruption, bribery, anti-competitive practices, and data security.

  • What they look for: A Code of Conduct, GDPR compliance, and anti-corruption training for staff.


4. Sustainable Procurement

Often the most difficult section, this measures how you manage your suppliers.

  • Key Topics: Supplier social and environmental performance.

  • What they look for: Do you screen your suppliers for child labor? do you require them to have their own EcoVadis Certification?


New 2026 Medal Criteria: Percentiles vs. Scores


If you are aiming for a medal, note that the criteria have become stricter. As of late 2024 and continuing into 2026, EcoVadis has shifted from absolute score thresholds to a percentile-based system.


This means you are no longer chasing a fixed score (e.g., 65/100); you are competing against the performance of all other rated companies in the EcoVadis network.


A pyramid infographic displaying the EcoVadis medal tiers with their percentile requirements: Platinum (Top 1%), Gold (Top 5%), Silver (Top 15%), and Bronze (Top 35%).

  • Platinum Medal: Top 1% (99th+ percentile)

  • Gold Medal: Top 5% (95th+ percentile)

  • Silver Medal: Top 15% (85th+ percentile)

  • Bronze Medal: Top 35% (65th+ percentile)

Note: To be eligible for any medal, you must maintain a minimum score of 30 in each of the four themes. A low score in just one pillar (like Sustainable Procurement) can disqualify you from a medal, even if your overall average is high.

Why Your Business Needs an EcoVadis Certification

Investing time in the EcoVadis Certification process delivers ROI beyond just a badge on your website:

  1. Retain and Win Clients: Many Fortune 500 companies now mandate that their suppliers hold a valid Silver or Gold rating. Without it, you may be blocked from RFPs (Requests for Proposals).

  2. Competitive Advantage: Being in the top 5% (Gold) instantly differentiates you from competitors who only pay lip service to sustainability.

  3. Risk Reduction: The assessment highlights gaps in your compliance, helping you avoid fines, supply chain disruptions, or reputational damage.

How to Prepare for Your Assessment

The road to EcoVadis Certification relies heavily on evidence. You cannot simply say you "care about the environment"—you must prove it. This requires a dedicated team effort to gather data and documentation.


A team of four professionals in an office setting, collaborating around a large screen displaying a sustainability dashboard with charts and data.

  • Formalize Your Policies: If you have an unwritten rule about recycling, write it down, date it, and sign it. EcoVadis requires formal documentation.

  • Track Your Data: Start measuring your electricity, water, and fuel usage now. Quantitative data ("Results") scores higher than simple promises ("Policies").

  • Don't Ignore Procurement: Create a simple Supplier Code of Conduct and ask your key vendors to sign it. This is the quickest win for the Sustainable Procurement pillar.

Ready to Secure Your Rating?

Navigating the complex documentation for EcoVadis Certification can be overwhelming, but you don't have to do it alone. Whether you need help gathering data, writing policies, or optimizing your score to reach Gold or Platinum, C² is your expert partner.

👉 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 C² (Csquare) 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐝! 🌐 𝐜𝐬𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐛𝐨𝐧.𝐜𝐨𝐦 ✉️ 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐨@𝐜𝐬𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐞.𝐜𝐨.𝐢𝐧


 
 
 

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