A short story: blocked at the gate, then fast‑tracked

A manufacturing SME kept losing time on custom ESG questionnaires and stalled at “supplier risk review” even when pricing and quality were strong.

The company completed EcoVadis once, shared the validated scorecard to multiple customers, and immediately re‑qualified for strategic RFPs that previously required lengthy bespoke ESG packs.

With a recognized rating and corrective action plan, procurement could compare them quickly and move to pricing negotiation with confidence.

Why buyers lean on EcoVadis

• One standardized assessment suppliers can reuse across customers, reducing duplicate forms and speeding risk screening.
• Analyst‑validated ratings mapped to international norms and a built‑in 360° news watch support consistent comparability.
• Many large companies embed EcoVadis into onboarding or contracts, so a rating acts like a fast lane to eligibility.
• Programs track procurement ROI with performance and collaboration metrics that turn ratings into measurable supplier improvement.

Medals 101: how your result signals to customers

EcoVadis awards medals to top‑performing companies (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum) using percentile ranking over the past 12 months, with theme minimums and exclusions for specific risks.

• Bronze: top ~35%; Silver: top ~15%; Gold: top ~5%; Platinum: top ~1% in the rolling window.
• Minimum theme score of 30/100 per pillar is required; 360° Watch issues and sector exclusions may affect eligibility.

How labeling converts into revenue for SMEs

• RFP unlock: a current rating removes “ESG blocker” status and qualifies the SME to submit pricing sooner.
• Shorter cycles: a shareable scorecard reduces bespoke questionnaires and back‑and‑forth clarifications.
• Preferred lists: some buyers set medal thresholds for supplier panels or frame higher medal tiers as differentiators.
• Proof over promise: an independent rating signals credible risk management and makes renewals less fragile.

See also the EcoVadis Supply Chain Sustainability Index and press updates for adoption trends and program growth.

A practical 90‑day plan to your scorecard

1. Day 0–15: baseline policies and registers, assign owners for the four themes, collect proofs for core indicators.
2. Day 16–45: implement quick wins (energy, safety, ethics training, supplier code), finalize documentation and disclosures.
3. Day 46–75: submit assessment with evidence mapped to each theme; respond promptly to analyst clarifications.
4. Day 76–90: review scorecard, launch a corrective action plan, package a customer‑shareable summary for RFPs.

Improve iteratively via reassessment to strengthen your score and medal eligibility.

How Elia Go accelerates your EcoVadis journey

• Investor‑grade ESG diagnostic and 3‑year plan to organize policy, KPIs, and evidence across themes — see our
  ESG software.
• Manufacturing buyer alignment (OEM standards, SBTi, supplier packs) with EcoVadis‑ready evidence — see our
  manufacturing page.
• Automated reporting and EU‑hosted handling aligned with enterprise security practices and GDPR.

Always use the latest EcoVadis guidance for medal eligibility and evidence expectations before scheduling assessments.