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Introduction: the keys to understanding the costs of CSR certification
CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) certifications have become an essential lever for companies wishing to demonstrate their commitment to sustainable practices. Whether to reinforce their credibility, enhance their reputation or gain access to new markets, these certifications offer undeniable competitive advantages. However, cost often remains a barrier for many organizations.
The price of a CSR certification varies according to several factors: the size of the company, the label chosen and the duration of the commitment. In this article, we compare the costs of the three most popular certifications – EcoVadis, EcoEntreprise and B Corp – over a three-year period, taking into account sales and company size. The aim? To help you choose the certification best suited to your needs and budget.
3 CSR labels and certifications
EcoVadis
EcoVadis is an international CSR performance assessment platform used by over 130,000 companies worldwide. Its process is based on a detailed questionnaire tailored to each business sector, followed by expert analysis. Companies receive a score out of 100 points, and can earn medals (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum) based on their performance. The EcoVadis score is recognized and valued in international supply chains.
EcoEntreprise
EcoEntreprise is a Swiss certification based on ISO 2600, the CSR standard developed by over 90 countries. It offers two options: simple self-declaration or full certification with in-depth audit. This flexibility makes it an affordable solution for SMEs and large companies in Switzerland. Self-declaration is inexpensive, but less credible, while full certification offers local recognition in line with Swiss and international standards.
B Corp
B Corp is a demanding international label issued by the NGO B Lab. It assesses a company’s overall social and environmental impact through the B Impact Assessment (BIA), a comprehensive tool that analyzes five key areas: governance, employees, community, environment and customers. To obtain certification, a company must achieve a minimum score of 80 points out of 200, and commit to revising its bylaws to integrate social and environmental objectives. B Corp is particularly suited to companies engaged in a global sustainable transformation.
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Cost comparison by company size
The cost of CSR certification varies according to company size and sales. Here are two concrete examples: one for a company with between 25 and 50 full-time equivalents (FTEs) and sales of between CHF 5 and 50 million, and the other for a company with fewer than 25 FTEs and sales of less than CHF 5 million.
Companies with 25 to 50 FTEs and sales of CHF 5 to 50 million
| Certification | 3-year subscription | Audit / Evaluation | External budget Total 3 years | Implementation time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EcoEntreprise (Auto) | CHF 4,000 | - | CHF 4'000 | 30% FTE / 2-3 months |
| EcoVadis | - | CHF 2,600 | CHF 2'600 | 30% FTE / 3-5 months |
| EcoEntreprise (Cert.) | CHF 4'000 | CHF 10'000 | CHF 14'000 | 30% FTE / 9-12 months |
| B Corp | CHF 7'500 | CHF 5'000 | 12'500 CHF | 30% FTE / 12-18 months |
Companies with fewer than 25 FTEs and sales of less than CHF 5 million
| Certification | 3-year subscription | Audit / Evaluation | External budget Total 3 years | Implementation time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EcoEntreprise (Auto) | CHF 2,000 | - | CHF 2'000 | 20% FTE / 2-3 months |
| EcoVadis | - | CHF 2,000 | CHF 2'000 | 20% FTE / 3-5 months |
| EcoEntreprise (Cert.) | CHF 2,000 | CHF 7,500 | CHF 9'500 | 20% FTE / 9-12 months |
| B Corp | CHF 6'000 | CHF 2'500 | CHF 8'500 | 20% FTE / 12-18 months |
- External budget: rounded figures, source: reference sites (Nov. 2024)
- Implementation time: average, depending on company maturity
Difference analysis
For both examples, several points of differentiation stand out:
EcoEntreprise: self-declaration remains the most economical solution, albeit with less credibility, while full certification, which is more expensive, offers solid recognition on the local market.
EcoVadis: offers moderate cost with rapid assessment and international recognition, generally involving fewer formal exchanges.
B Corp: requires a greater investment and longer time to obtain due to multiple exchanges with assessors, but offers strong differentiation and a significant impact on sustainable transformation.
Time required to obtain certification: procedures vary greatly depending on the label. While EcoEntreprise (self-declaration) and EcoVadis are quicker to implement, full EcoEntreprise and B Corp certification require more extensive auditing and formalization time (ranging from 9 to 18 months), including preparatory sessions and regular exchanges with assessors.
A cost not to be overlooked: time invested
In addition to direct expenses, the time spent on the certification process represents a cost that is often underestimated. This is divided into several components: implementation time (preparation of documents and submission of dossiers), formalization/documentation time, and follow-up time during certification. For example, with EcoVadis, you may observe few formal exchanges, whereas with EcoEntreprise, an on-site audit with a complementary preparation session is often required. Similarly, the B Corp procedure involves several interactions with assessors over the course of the assessment. These variations in terms of time and effort need to be carefully factored into your choice.
For companies with more than 50 FTEs or CHF 50 million in sales, CSR certification rates require a personalized analysis. Here are the official resources for each program:
Tips for choosing the right certification
Selection criteria
Company size and available budget: small businesses can get started with cost-effective solutions such as the EcoEntreprise self-declaration.
Geographical scope: for international activities, EcoVadis or B Corp are more appropriate.
The best advice to follow: identify the certification or label that your customers value; it’s this recognition that will bring you maximum benefits.
Recommendations
For Swiss SMEs: start with EcoEntreprise (self-declaration), then move on to full certification.
For international companies: choose EcoVadis for a quick assessment or B Corp for a deeper commitment.
Conclusion: a profitable long-term investment
The costs of CSR certification vary according to the size of the company and the label chosen, but the investment is justified by the long-term benefits. Whether you opt for EcoVadis, EcoEntreprise or B Corp, each certification offers specific advantages in terms of credibility, reputation and access to new markets.
Contact us at Mon Entreprise Durable to assess which CSR certification is best suited to your company and prepare for the certification process with minimum effort.
Questions about CSR certifications, labels or standards?
