The EcoVadis rating system offers a framework for companies that would like to formalize their CSR approach.
Through the assignment of a score and An EcoVadis medal, companies are classified according to the seriousness of their commitments on environmental, social, ethical and responsible purchasing issues.

Starting with a minimum score, EcoVadis rewards companies with a Bronze to Platinum medal. The EcoVadis Silver medal corresponds to the second medal level.

In this article, we invite you to discover what the EcoVadis Silver medal is, our advice for obtaining it and take the next step towards the EcoVadis Gold medal.

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What is the EcoVadis Silver medal?

The EcoVadis Silver medal is a medal awarded to companies that have demonstrated their desire to structure their sustainability management system. In a few words, the company is investing in CSR issues, but there are still a lot of areas for improvement to say that the company masters all its material challenges.

To obtain this medal, you must document the company's policies, actions implemented and results obtained through the EcoVadis questionnaire.

The EcoVadis Silver medal is obtained when you are a part of the top 15% of companies evaluated by EcoVadis.

It should also be noted that no “minimum score” guarantees a medal: companies are rated among themselves and a percentile ranking is established, which then gives the right to a medal, in 2024:

• EcoVadis Bronze Medal For the top 35%
• EcoVadis Silver Medal for the top 15% *
• EcoVadis Gold Medal For the top 5%
• EcoVadis Platinum Medal For the top 1%

Obtaining an EcoVadis medal is not an end in itself, but it is credible and internationally respected recognition that can improve the company's reputation among customers, business partners and investors.

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What does it mean to get the EcoVadis Silver medal in practice

Obtaining the EcoVadis Silver medal means that the company has a good understanding of sustainability issues and is starting to build its CSR management system. But this highlights that she is not not fully mature on all its sustainability issues.

This is a great first step that validates good performance in terms of sustainability, but there are still areas where it can be improved to reach higher levels of performance, such as Gold or Platinum medals.

By obtaining the Silver medal, the company also demonstrates a desire for transparency in its communication on its sustainable practices, which can help it strengthen its credibility with stakeholders.

This medal highlights ongoing commitment of the company in improving its CSR performance and illustrates his desire to progress.

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Obtaining an EcoVadis Silver medal: our practical advice

The EcoVadis assessment represents a key step in the formalization of your CSR approach.

By recognizing and valuing the seriousness of your CSR management system, EcoVadis distinguishes companies committed to more sustainable practices. The EcoVadis Silver medal, a symbol of this commitment, is awarded to companies that share this desire for continuous improvement. 

At Ditto, our experts support businesses at every stage of this process, providing them with the tools and advice they need to successfully complete their assessment. In this chapter, we will share 6 practical tips to pass your EcoVadis assessment

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Evaluate your current performance to establish an action plan

The essential first step in earning the EcoVadis Silver Medal is to objectively assess your current sustainability performance. Identify your strengths and weaknesses in key areas such as the environment, labour and human rights, ethics and responsible procurement.

This assessment will allow you toestablish a clear and targeted action plan to improve your practices and meet EcoVadis criteria.

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Set SMART goals aligned with EcoVadis criteria

Once you have identified your areas for improvement, set yourself SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timely Defined) to guide your efforts.

Make sure these objectives are aligned with the EcoVadis criteria and that they contribute to strengthening your performance in the areas evaluated.

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Investing in low-address KSIs

A common pitfall when a company aims for the EcoVadis Silver medal is to focus only on sustainability issues that are already well under control, such as carbon emissions, at the expense of other important issues.

It is recommended to work on all your sustainability challenges to diversify your approach and improve your overall performance.

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Involve and train your employees

Your employees are key players in implementing sustainable practices within your business. Involve them in your CSR approach by Making them aware of sustainability issues and by training them to best practices.

Their commitment and expertise will contribute to strengthening your performance and creating a sustainable corporate culture!

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Collaborate with suppliers

The sustainability of your value chain is just as important as the sustainability of your own business. Collaborate with your suppliers to promote responsible practices throughout the supply chain.

For example, you can establish a supplier code of conduct and use CSR questionnaires to assess and improve the performance of your suppliers.

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Measure and monitor performance regularly

Your CSR approach must be long-term.

Measure and monitor your performance from year to year using relevant key performance indicators (KPIs).

To help you define your performance indicators, our experts have created a list of the 100 EcoVadis indicators for monitor your progress and identify areas for improvement.

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By following these practical tips, you will put all the chances on your side to obtain the EcoVadis Silver medal and structure your CSR approach over the long term.

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Change from the EcoVadis Silver medal to Gold

The EcoVadis Gold medal is a great reward, valued by your various stakeholders.

For all companies that would like to upgrade from an EcoVadis Silver medal to Gold, know that it is a great challenge, but achievable if you deploy the necessary resources.

Attention, do not forget that your medal is awarded according to your score compared to all the companies evaluated by EcoVadis over the same last 12 months. This means that maintaining your grade or increasing it by a few points does not guarantee progress to the next medal.

In this chapter, our experts share their advice to increase your score and aim for the EcoVadis Gold medal, by focusing on concrete ways to improve your business.

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Analyzing EcoVadis feedback

Start with review returns carefully that you received during your EcoVadis evaluation. It will help you identify The strengths to be consolidated and areas where improvements are needed to increase your score and aim for the EcoVadis Gold medal.

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Set even more ambitious goals

After identifying areas for improvement, Set even more ambitious goals for each sustainability challenge. 

Achieve excellence in every aspect of CSR by setting SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-Defined) that contribute to strengthen your sustainable practices and improve your overall performance.

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Strengthen management commitment

Actively involve the management of your company in your CSR approach. Strengthen their engagement by showing them the benefits of a sustainable approach for the business and for society as a whole.

Make sure management supports your ambitious CSR goals and that she is ready to provide the necessary resources to reach them.

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Strengthen collaboration with suppliers

Collaborate closely with your suppliers on CSR issues. Establish a constructive dialogue and work together to identify opportunities for innovation and progress in your supply chain.

By implementing these concrete actions to strengthen your sustainable practices, you will increase your chances of going from the EcoVadis Silver medal to Gold and of consolidating your CSR management system.

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Conclusion

Obtaining an EcoVadis Silver medal enhances your CSR commitments by emphasizing that other actions are possible to define a better CSR management system.

To pass from the EcoVadis Silver medal to Gold, take into account the feedback from the EcoVadis platform, it provides you with concrete advice on your shortcomings and areas for improvement.

Remember, EcoVadis pushes you to build a good foundation so that companies are taking their material challenges seriously.

It is not just an evaluation, just a medal, but a framework to give you the keys to reduce your negative impacts on environmental, social, ethical and ethical issues and responsible purchasing and seize opportunities related to sustainability.

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