Contents
Table of Contents
Discover also...
You need to obtain or improve your score Ecovadis ? Save time and secure your results: book a meeting to prepare your appraisal.
97% of clients of Mon Entreprise Durable say they have carried out their CSR projects without slowing down their business operations.
Introduction: the growing importance of EcoVadis in Switzerland and internationally
In a world where Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is becoming an increasingly important factor, EcoVadis has established itself as the tool of choice for many companies looking to assess the CSR performance of all their suppliers. In Switzerland and around the world, EcoVadis certification has become a true passport to accessing new markets and partnerships.
EcoVadis evaluates companies across four main areas: the environment, social and human rights, ethics, and responsible procurement. This comprehensive approach enables companies of all sizes and across all sectors to measure their impact and identify concrete areas for improvement.
The Four EcoVadis Certification Levels Explained
EcoVadis awards four levels of certification: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Each level corresponds to a certain percentage of the top-performing companies evaluated and a specific point range.
How many points do you need to reach each level?
As of January 1, 2024the points thresholds for each level are as follows:
- Bronze: 50-58 points
- Silver: 59-69 points
- Gold: 70-77 points
- Platinum: 78-100 points
It is important to note that these thresholds tend to rise over the years, reflecting the continuous improvement of CSR practices in the business world.
BRONZE: THE FIRST STEPS TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY
The Bronze medal is awarded to companies that rank in the top 50% of the companies evaluated. This level indicates that the company has begun to incorporate CSR practices, but that there is still significant room for improvement. It recognizes initial efforts and encourages the company to continue on the path to sustainability.
SILVER: STRENGTHENING ITS CSR PRACTICES
The Silver Medal is awarded to companies in the top 25%. This level demonstrates solid performance and a serious commitment to CSR. Silver-level companies have generally implemented well-defined CSR policies and are beginning to see tangible results from their efforts.
GOLD: EXCELLENCE IN SUSTAINABILITY
The Gold medal is awarded to the top 5% of companies evaluated. This level represents a high-level recognition for companies with advanced and well-integrated CSR practices. Gold-level companies are often considered leaders in their sector in terms of sustainability.
PLATINUM: THE ULTIMATE IN CSR PERFORMANCE
The Platinum Medal is reserved for the top 1% of companies. This is the highest level, awarded to companies that are leaders in CSR, with exemplary practices and full integration of sustainability principles. These companies are at the forefront of CSR innovation and often serve as role models for their industry.
Source : https://ecovadis.com/
How does EcoVadis evaluate companies?
Key criteria by certification level
EcoVadis uses an assessment methodology based on 21 criteria organized into the four main themes mentioned above. These criteria are weighted differently depending on the company’s industry, size, and location.
For each level of certification, requirements increase:
- Bronze: the company must demonstrate basic policies and a few concrete actions.
- Silver: we expect more developed policies and measurable actions.
- Gold: the company must have advanced policies, extensive actions and quantifiable results.
- Platinum: demonstrate excellence in all areas, with innovative practices and significant measurable impact.
The importance of documentary evidence
A crucial aspect of the EcoVadis assessment is providing documentary evidence to support each claim. These documents may include internal policies, audit reports, certificates of compliance, and performance data. The quality and relevance of these documents are essential to achieving a good score.
Strategies for progressing from one level to the next
From Bronze to Silver: Formalizing commitments
To advance from Bronze to Silver, companies must focus on formalizing their CSR commitments. This involves:
- Develop clear and detailed CSR policies for each assessed topic.
- Implement management systems to track CSR performance.
- Start collecting quantitative data on environmental and social impacts.
From Silver to Gold: Implementing concrete actions
The transition from Silver to Gold requires a more comprehensive implementation of CSR policies:
- Implement specific action plans for each CSR area.
- Set measurable objectives and monitor progress regularly.
- Actively involve stakeholders, including employees and suppliers, in CSR initiatives.
From Gold to Platinum: Innovate and inspire
To achieve Platinum status, companies must become leaders in CSR:
- Develop innovative practices that exceed industry standards.
- Demonstrate a measurable positive impact on the environment and society.
- Share best practices and inspire other companies in their sector.
The Impact of EcoVadis Certifications on Swiss Companies
Examples of certified companies
Several Swiss companies have earned EcoVadis certification, regardless of their size:
- ImpleniaSwitzerland’s leading provider of construction and real estate services, retained its gold medal in 2024 with a score of 75 points..
- ISS Switzerland, another exemplary company, was awarded the platinum medal in 2024 with a score of 79/100.
- TSG Group has also earned the 2024 EcoVadis Platinum Certification, placing it among the top 1% of companies evaluated.
Competitive advantages in Swiss and international markets
EcoVadis certification offers several competitive advantages to Swiss companies:
- Market differentiation: certification enables companies to stand out from their competitors by demonstrating their commitment to sustainability.
- Access to new markets: Many large companies now require their suppliers to have EcoVadis certification, thereby opening up new business opportunities.
- Enhanced brand image: certification strengthens the company’s reputation with customers, investors and business partners.
- Attracting and Retaining Talent: Employees are increasingly drawn to companies that demonstrate a strong commitment to CSR.
ACCESS TO PUBLIC PROCUREMENT IN FRENCH-SPEAKING SWITZERLAND
EcoVadis certification is also recognized in public procurement in French-speaking Switzerland. This recognition offers certified companies a significant advantage in public procurement tenders, allowing them to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility. This can be particularly beneficial for Swiss SMEs seeking to access local and regional public procurement markets.
Beyond Certification: Using EcoVadis as a Tool for Continuous Improvement
Identify areas for improvement
EcoVadis provides a detailed report after each assessment, identifying the company’s strengths and areas for improvement in CSR. This report is a valuable tool for identifying areas that need improvement. Companies can use this information to:
- Prioritize CSR initiatives based on their potential impact.
- Efficiently allocate resources to the most important initiatives.
- Benchmark their performance against industry peers.
Implement a sustainable action plan
Based on the results of the assessment, companies can develop a comprehensive CSR action plan:
- Define SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time-bound) objectives for each area of improvement.
- Assign clear responsibilities for each CSR initiative.
- Establish an implementation schedule with regular milestones.
- Set up monitoring systems to measure progress.
- Communicate regularly on progress, both internally and externally.
How Can You Effectively Prepare for the EcoVadis Assessment?
Common mistakes to avoid
- Lack of documentation: not providing sufficient documentary evidence to support claims.
- Inconsistency between policies and actions: well-written policies but little evidence of concrete action.
- Neglect of certain themes: focus solely on environmental aspects, neglecting other areas.
- Lack of stakeholder engagement: failing to include employees, suppliers, and customers in CSR initiatives.
Key resources to mobilize
- Dedicated team: set up a multidisciplinary team to manage the assessment process.
- Training: Train key staff on EcoVadis criteria and CSR best practices.
- Management systems: Implement tools to collect and analyze CSR data.
- External expertise: consider using specialist consultants to guide the process if necessary.
- Management Commitment: Ensure management’s support and active involvement in the CSR initiative.
Conclusion: EcoVadis, a springboard to sustainable growth for Swiss companies
EcoVadis certification is much more than just recognition; it is a true catalyst for change for Swiss companies, regardless of their size or industry. By providing a structured framework for assessing and improving CSR practices, EcoVadis helps companies navigate the complex landscape of sustainability.
For Swiss companies, participating in the EcoVadis process offers a unique opportunity to strengthen their competitiveness in both the domestic and international markets. As they progress through the various certification levels—from Bronze to Platinum—companies improve their internal practices based on criteria that are valued both in Switzerland and internationally.
The example of Swiss companies such as Implenia, ISS Switzerland, and Ecorobotix shows that excellence in CSR is not only possible but also beneficial in the long term, regardless of a company’s size. By winning a silver medal, the SME Ecorobotix proves that even small companies can benefit from EcoVadis certification and stand out in the market.
Your goal is to obtain the EcoEntreprise certification? Put your trust in a company that has been through the same programme. We also support you with the standards B Corpand CSRD and EcoVadis.
