EcoVadis compared to other frameworks

EcoVadis vs B Corp

A clear comparison between EcoVadis and B Corp, explaining how operational CSR assessment differs from impact certification, and how companies can strategically use or combine both.

Ugo Le Borgne

Head of ESG

Comparison between EcoVadis and B Corp highlighting evaluation, certification, and sustainability use cases.
Copied !

EcoVadis and B Corp are two major references for measuring and recognising corporate sustainability performance.

While they share the same goal — accelerating the transition towards responsible business models — they differ significantly in terms of purpose, methodology, and scope.

EcoVadis vs B Corp: what are the differences?

Compared element EcoVadis B Corp
Type of assessment Non-certifying CSR assessment platform based on documented evidence and scoring International certification awarded to companies meeting high social and environmental standards
Main objective Assess CSR maturity and benchmark performance against peers Recognise companies generating a positive impact on society and the environment
Final outcome Score out of 100 and a medal (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum) valid for 12 months Official B Corp certification, valid for 3 years with a minimum score of 80/200
Thematic scope Environment, Social & Human Rights, Ethics, Sustainable Procurement Governance, Workers, Community, Environment, Customers
Methodology PDCA-based approach and review of supporting documents (up to 55) B Impact Assessment (BIA) plus in-depth audit by B Lab, including business model review
Verification Document review by EcoVadis analysts, no on-site audit Thorough audit by B Lab (data verification, interviews, on-site evidence)
Target audience Suppliers, SMEs, mid-sized companies, and large groups in B2B supply chains Companies of all sizes seeking to formalise their social and environmental mission
Legal requirements No legal or statutory changes required Mandatory integration of the impact mission into company bylaws
External visibility Confidential by default, visible mainly to B2B partners (can be made public) Public certification, highly visible to consumers (B Corp™ label)
Recognition Global B2B reference with 125,000+ companies assessed Well-known global movement with 8,000+ certified companies in 90+ countries
Duration / renewal Annual assessment, no certification cycle Certification renewed every 3 years with full score revalidation

EcoVadis vs B Corp: what do they have in common?

Shared aspect Description
Responsible business vision Both promote sustainability, transparency, and positive social and environmental value creation
Common frameworks Aligned with major CSR standards: ISO 26000, GRI, UN Global Compact, CSRD
Systemic approach Cross-functional assessment covering governance, human rights, environment, and ethics
Continuous improvement Encourage progress at each assessment cycle (annual for EcoVadis, every 3 years for B Corp)
Evidence-based Require policies, indicators, and documents to substantiate sustainability practices
Positive business impact Strengthen CSR credibility and preference among partners or consumers

Should you choose EcoVadis or B Corp?

Choose EcoVadis if:

  • you need to meet B2B client or partner requirements;
  • you want a standardised and efficient CSR assessment;
  • you aim to benchmark your performance against peers;
  • you are an SME or mid-sized company starting to structure CSR.

Choose B Corp if:

  • your ambition is to embody an impact-driven business model;
  • you want to join a visible, values-driven global community;
  • you are ready to adapt governance and bylaws to embed impact into the business;
  • public transparency and brand recognition are strategic priorities.

Combining both allows you to:

  • use EcoVadis to manage and prove CSR performance to B2B stakeholders;
  • and B Corp to embody purpose, mission, and public impact.

EcoVadis vs B Corp – Key takeaways

Topic EcoVadis B Corp Why it matters
Main role Operational CSR maturity assessment Impact-driven certification Measurement versus recognition
Primary audience B2B partners and supply chains Consumers and impact communities Different visibility strategies
Outcome Score and medal Public certification Operational proof vs brand signal
Best use case Structuring and proving CSR performance Affirming mission and values Strategic positioning
Combined value EcoVadis measures performance, B Corp recognises commitment Credibility in B2B and visibility in B2C

Bon à savoir : Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur.

Lorem ipsum

Lorem ipsum

Articles

Explore EcoVadis articles

Ready to get compliant? Ditto.

Turn your CSR program into a strategic advantage with a compliance copilot that’s with you every step of the way.