EcoVadis 2025: What CSR managers need to know

The year 2025 marks an important turning point in the evaluation process EcoVadis. With the introduction of a new scoring model for thematic scores,

EcoVadis is taking a step forward to offer greater precision and transparency. These developments are particularly relevant for SMEs and mid-caps that want to improve their sustainability performance and meet the growing expectations of their stakeholders.

Here is a simple article to help you understand these changes and effectively prepare for them.

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What will change with EcoVadis in 2025?

As of January 1, 2025, EcoVadis is adopting a new scoring model for thematic scores. The main changes are:

• Even more accurate thematic scores:
  Instead of getting thematic scores rounded to the nearest ten (for example, 80/100 for the environment), businesses will now receive unrounded scores, like 83/100. This allows for a more detailed view of their performance on the four main themes:

• Environment,
• Social and human rights,
• Ethics,
• And responsible purchasing.

• Better readability of the evolution of scores:
  Even minimal progress will be more visible during reevaluations. Businesses will be in a position to better understand the impacts of their corrective actions and to adopt new strategies to improve.
• Tips for help you aim for continuous improvement:
  The new scores provide clearer indications of strengths and weaknesses, to help CSR managers prioritize their efforts.

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Why is this change important for SMEs and ETIs?

The expectations of customers, investors and other stakeholders in terms of CSR are constantly increasing. For SMEs and ETIs, being aligned with these requirements is becoming essential in order to:

• Strengthen their competitiveness: A good EcoVadis score can be a decisive criterion in tenders or commercial relationships.
• Improving their brand image: By positioning themselves as responsible actors, companies gain credibility.
• Preparing for new regulations: in particular the CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive) which includes some points from the EcoVadis evaluation.

This new scoring model, even though it will be a source of challenge, makes it possible to better assess the effectiveness of the actions put in place and prove one's commitment to sustainability issues.

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How do you prepare for the EcoVadis 2025 assessment?

To prepare for your EcoVadis assessment in 2025, we are sharing some practical tips with you.

Update your CSR data

Ensure that all of the information required for the assessment is up to date and well-documented:

• Your main policies (environmental, social, ethical, responsible purchasing, etc.)
• Your key performance indicators (KPIs)
• Etc.

A well-structured file will increase your chances of getting a high score.

Analyze your previous EcoVadis results

Take the time to read your EcoVadis scorecard results carefully. You will find recommendations and tips to improve your score, it is very important to take them into account.

With the new model, even small improvements will be valued.

Prioritize your actions

SMEs and ETIs often have limited resources to be more effective, identify the themes where you can have the most impact quickly. If you have little impact on water pollution, don't spend time on this topic, focus your efforts on topics that have an impact on your business.

Engage your internal stakeholders

A successful evaluation is based on the involvement of the entire company. Inform your employees of the goals and expected results so that they understand their role in this process.

Use external resources

If you are a novice or have difficulty structuring your approach, do not hesitate to seek the help of specialized solutions. At Ditto, we support SMEs and ETIs in their preparation for the EcoVadis assessment in order to value the efforts put in place and obtain a suitable score.

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The advantages of a good EcoVadis score for SMEs and ETIs

A good EcoVadis score is not an end in itself, it is the recognition of all the efforts made to take control of its CSR impacts and risks. Obtaining a good score is an advantage for a company, it allows you to:

• Access new markets: More and more large companies require their suppliers to meet the EcoVadis assessment.
• Reducing your risks: better management of CSR issues limits non-compliance and reputational risks.
• Optimize your costs: an effective CSR strategy can lead to savings, for example through more efficient energy management or waste reduction.

With the EcoVadis scoring model in 2025, you will have a more accurate view of your impact, to define and implement more effective sustainable strategies.

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Frequently asked questions from CSR managers

The evolution of the EcoVadis score in 2025 raises what questions for companies. EcoVadis has answered some of them, we are sharing with you the answers of the two that we considered the most important.

Will my overall EcoVadis score change in 2025?

First of all, the result of your current evaluation will not be updated automatically in 2025 with this new scoring system. Starting on January 1, EcoVadis is adopting these changes for new evaluations.

And, in general, the new model provides more precision in thematic scores, but that doesn't always mean that your overall performance will be better or worse.

How can I explain the changes in my EcoVadis score in 2025 to my stakeholders?

If your score decreases, don't worry, this will probably be the case for many businesses. To justify it, take the time to explain to your clients the new EcoVadis scoring model, which makes it possible to provide more precision.

Then, present your action plan to improve your CSR performance and clearly indicate where you are focusing your efforts.

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Conclusion

SMEs and ETIs have a lot to gain by adapting now to EcoVadis developments. The new thematic scoring model is an opportunity to better understand your performance and strengthen your position in an increasingly demanding environment.

Remember to anticipate 2025 now to take advantage of EcoVadis developments.

Do you need support? At Ditto, we support more than 200 companies to structure their CSR approach, improve their performance and obtain an EcoVadis score that meets their expectations.