Everything you need to know about the EcoVadis Bronze medal

‍The EcoVadis Bronze medal is often the first level for companies that want to structure and value their sustainability commitments. Get this EcoVadis medal Prove that the company is aware of its sustainability challenges, while emphasizing areas for improvement. 

In this article, we explain what the EcoVadis Bronze medal is, we share our practical tips for getting it and going even further towards the EcoVadis Silver medal.

Whether you are just starting out in your CSR approach or are looking to formalize your existing efforts, in this article, you will find concrete ways to strengthen your sustainability management system.

What is the EcoVadis Bronze medal?

The EcoVadis Bronze medal is awarded to companies through the EcoVadis assessment, which takes into account the performance of companies on its sustainability issues.

The evaluation is based on a set of criteria grouped into four main themes: environment, social and human rights, ethics and responsible purchasing. We explain everything about the EcoVadis assessment system in this article.

The EcoVadis Bronze medal is one of four possible awards, it is the first followed by The EcoVadis Silver medal, Gold and finally the EcoVadis Platinum medal. 

Obtaining the EcoVadis Bronze medal indicates that the company has achieved an above average level of CSR performance compared to other companies, but which it still has a good margin for improvement.

In other words, it's a great first step that highlights a Willingness to get involved with numerous areas where the company can improve its impact.

What does it mean to get the EcoVadis Bronze medal in concrete terms?

Obtaining an EcoVadis medal is factual proof that shows the seriousness of your CSR approach. Often valued by your stakeholders, this distinction makes it possible to compare companies on their CSR performance thanks to a clear and harmonized framework.

The EcoVadis medal corresponds to Top 35% of companies evaluated by EcoVadis over the last 12 months and in 2024, you must have a score of at least 56/100.

Concretely, obtaining the EcoVadis Bronze medal means that, although you have implemented sustainable practices, but all Key Sustainability Issues (KSI) (KPI) are not yet fully optimized. 

You are starting your CSR approach or are beginning to formalize this approach and include your commitments in a desire for continuous improvement to reduce your impacts.

Indeed, this distinction values your efforts while encouraging you to continue to improve your practices in areas identified as requiring further attention.

By investing in these areas and diversifying your approach, you can strengthen your overall CSR performance and why not improve your score in the years to come.

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Obtaining an EcoVadis Bronze medal: our practical advice

To get an EcoVadis medal, it is important to Define a structured method and rigorous focused on CSR practices already implemented in the company. In our guide, you will find the 5 steps to help you prepare your EcoVadis assessment.

At Ditto, our experts support more than a hundred companies to help them structure their CSR approach and pass their EcoVadis assessment.

In this paragraph, we share with you all our tips for structuring and improving your sustainability practices and optimizing your score :

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Know the evaluation criteria

The first step in earning the EcoVadis Bronze medal is to fully understand the evaluation criteria. EcoVadis assesses businesses on four main themes: environment, social and human rights, ethics, and responsible purchasing. Familiarize yourself with these criteria for know exactly what is expected of you.
You should know that depending on the size of your company, your sector of activity and your location, EcoVadis will not assess all 21 sustainability issues. The importance of the themes will also be adapted to the type of your business.
Take this parameter into account for do not spend energy on a theme on which you have a low impact and which will earn you fewer points!

Understand and cover all KSIs

Key Performance Indicators (or KSIs) are essential for evaluating your sustainability performance. Make sure you understand these indicators and start addressing them.

A balanced approach that covers all KSIs will help you improve your overall performance.
To help you define the right indicators for your CSR approach, we are sharing with you a list of 100 ESG indicators, which will allow you to fully understand the impacts of your business.

Evaluate your current performance

Before setting goals, assess where you are. Use internal audits and evaluations to identify your strengths and areas for improvement. This assessment will give you a solid basis for planning your next steps.

Set realistic goals

Set SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timely Defined). These objectives should be aligned with the EcoVadis criteria. and aim to improve your performance in the areas evaluated.

Realistic and well-defined goals will guide you towards concrete and measurable improvements.

Engaging all stakeholders

Engage your employees, partners, and suppliers in your approach to multiply your impact.

Collaboration and the commitment of all stakeholders are critical to success.

For example, you can organize training and awareness-raising sessions to actively involve them! We recommend two accessible and impactful courses:

• The climate fresco (or another fresco),
• The 2 Tons workshop.

Communicate about your efforts

Communication is key.

Share your efforts and progress with all stakeholders.

Use reports, newsletters, and regular updates to inform and inspire. Good communication reinforces commitment and transparency!

Collaborate with suppliers

Your suppliers play a crucial role in your value chain. Collaborate with them to help them improve their sustainability practices. 

Integrate social and environmental criteria into your procurement processes and work together to reach higher standards.

Measuring and monitoring progress

Finally, measure and monitor your progress regularly.

We recommend using performance indicators for monitor your improvements and adjust your strategies accordingly. 

Track these performances continuously to stay on track and to make adjustments as needed.

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By following these steps and adopting a structured approach, you can earn the EcoVadis Bronze medal and demonstrate your CSR commitment.

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Change from the EcoVadis Bronze medal to Silver

Obtaining the EcoVadis Bronze medal is a very good start, but aiming for the EcoVadis Silver medal is an even more ambitious step that anchors your company in a sustainable CSR approach and continuous improvement.

In this paragraph, our EcoVadis experts share some tips for taking this step and getting the EcoVadis Silver medal.

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Analyze Evaluation feedback in depth

To make progress, start with an in-depth analysis of EcoVadis evaluation feedback. Identify areas where your scores are low and specific areas that need improvement.

This analysis will allow you to precisely target your efforts and develop an effective improvement strategy.

Cover and address missing KSIs

Key Performance Indicators (KSIs) are essential to achieve the Silver medal.

Identify KSIs that you have not yet fully addressed and implement concrete actions to improve them.

This may include additional environmental initiatives, strengthened social policies, stronger ethical practices, and responsible purchasing.

Have a CSR project manager who communicates with management

Management coordination and support are crucial to the success of your CSR approach.

We recommend that you appoint a dedicated CSR project manager, responsible for coordinating and managing all sustainability initiatives.

Make sure that this person Communicate regularly with management to ensure strategic alignment and get the necessary support!

Increase the time and budget allocated to CSR teams

Sustainability projects require resources.

To aim for the Silver medal, it is often necessary to increase the time and budget allocated to your CSR teams. These additional resources will make it possible to develop and implement more ambitious initiatives And of sTrack progress more rigorously

Formalize documents

Formalizing your practices is a key element for progress.

Create and update documents such as sustainability policies, environmental action plans, ethical codes of conduct, and other documents relevant to your sustainability challenges.

These documents show your commitment and give clear guidelines to all your stakeholders.

Engaging all stakeholders

The success of your CSR approach depends on the commitment of all stakeholders. Raise awareness and train your employees, involve your partners, and collaborate closely with your suppliers.

Their commitment and active participation will strengthen your overall sustainability performance!

Communicate about your efforts

Communication is key to maintaining engagement and transparency. Share your progress regularly and your initiatives with all stakeholders through reports, newsletters, and other communication channels. Good communication builds trust and show your seriousness in your efforts.

Measuring and monitoring progress

To stay on track, measure and monitor your progress regularly. Use performance indicators to monitor your improvements and adjust your strategies according to the results obtained. Monitoring your indicators will allow you to stay aligned with your goals and to quickly correct any discrepancies.

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Going from the EcoVadis Bronze medal to Silver is a challenge, but with a structured approach, it is an entirely achievable goal!

Each step helps you define and implement a better CSR management system to engage in environmental, social, ethical and responsible purchasing issues.

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Conclusion

Obtaining the EcoVadis Bronze medal is a great first step that demonstrates not only your commitment to integrating responsible practices, but also your desire for continuous improvement.

Through this article, we offer you build solid foundations for your CSR management system by adopting a structured approach and rigorous.

The questionnaire EcoVadis values your long-term commitments and your ability to cover all the sustainability challenges specific to your business. 

To take the next step and get the EcoVadis Silver medal, we recommend that you continue to assess, improve, and communicate your efforts to make progress in sustainability.