EcoVadis evaluates a company’s CSR performance based on 21 criteria grouped into four major themes: Environment, Labor & Human Rights, Ethics, and Sustainable Procurement.
These criteria reflect an organization’s ability to integrate sustainability into its strategy, operations, and long-term management system.
A Framework Based on International Standards
The EcoVadis methodology is built on the ISO 26000 guidelines (Social Responsibility), combined with GRI, the UN Global Compact, and other globally recognized standards.
The objective: deliver a harmonized, comparable, and reliable CSR assessment worldwide.
Each criterion is evaluated across three dimensions, broken down into seven sub-dimensions:
1. Policies – the organization’s formal commitments:
- Policies: mission statement, objectives, governance
- Endorsements: participation in external CSR initiatives
2. Actions – the evidence-based measures implemented:
- Measures: concrete CSR programs and procedures
- Certifications: recognized standards (e.g., ISO 14001)
- Coverage: deployment rate of initiatives (for companies with >1,000 employees)
3. Results – the organization’s documented performance:
- Reporting: KPIs and sustainability reports
- 360° Watch: external alerts, controversies, sanctions or awards
The Four EcoVadis Themes
1. Environment
This theme assesses the organization’s environmental footprint and ability to transition toward sustainable operations.
Main criteria:
- Energy, GHG emissions and water management
- Pollution prevention and waste management
- Responsible use of natural resources
- Eco-design and product lifecycle management
- Biodiversity protection
Example of expected evidence: Environmental policy, ISO 14001 certificate, carbon footprint report, waste-reduction action plan.
2. Labor & Human Rights
This theme evaluates how the company protects employees and respects fundamental rights across its value chain.
Main criteria:
- Employee health & safety
- Working conditions and social dialogue
- Diversity, inclusion and equal opportunities
- Training & skills development
- Human rights due diligence (forced labor, child labor, discrimination)
Example of expected evidence: HR charter, diversity policy, H&S program, social performance indicators.
3. Ethics
This theme measures how the company prevents unethical or non-compliant behavior.
Main criteria:
- Anti-corruption and anti-competitive practices
- Data protection and privacy
- Ethical governance and transparency
- Conflict of interest and gifts policy
- Whistleblowing mechanisms
Example of expected evidence: Code of ethics, anti-corruption procedure, compliance charter, audit report.
4. Sustainable Procurement
This theme assesses how CSR risks are managed within the supply chain.
Main criteria:
- CSR integration in supplier selection and evaluation
- Supplier engagement and training
- Environmental and social compliance monitoring
- Supply chain traceability and transparency
- Vigilance plans and supplier risk management
Example of expected evidence: Responsible purchasing charter, supplier CSR assessments, supplier audit reports.
A 21-Criteria Evaluation Grid
Every company is assessed on 21 CSR criteria, activated or not depending on its size and industry.
Examples:
- GHG emissions management
- Chemicals and raw materials handling
- Working conditions & worker protection
- Anti-corruption mechanisms
- Supplier environmental and social practices
Each criterion is weighted according to sector-specific risks (e.g., environment for manufacturing, ethics for financial services).
The Main Criteria Assessed by EcoVadis — Key Takeaways
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