The year 2025 marks an important turning point in the EcoVadis assessment process. With the introduction of a new thematic scoring model,

EcoVadis takes a further step towards greater precision and transparency. These developments are particularly relevant for SMEs and SMIs seeking to improve their sustainability performance and meet the growing expectations of their stakeholders. 

Here's a simple article to help you understand and prepare for these changes.

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What will change with EcoVadis in 2025?

From January 1, 2025, EcoVadis will adopt a new rating model for thematic scores. The main changes are :

• Even more precise thematic scores:
  Instead of receiving thematic scores rounded to the nearest ten (for example, 80/100 for the environment), companies will now receive unrounded scores, such as 83/100. This gives a more detailed view of their performance on the four main themes:

• Environment,
• Social and human rights,
• Ethics,
• And responsible purchasing.

• Better visibility of score evolution:
  Progress, however small, will be more visible when reassessments are made. Companies will be able to better understand the impact of their corrective actions, and adopt new strategies for improvement.
• Tips to help you aim for continuous improvement:
  The new scores provide clearer indications of strengths and weaknesses, to help CSR managers prioritize their efforts.

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Why is this change important for SMEs and ETIs?

The CSR expectations of customers, investors and other stakeholders continue to rise. For SMEs and SMBs, being in line with these requirements is becoming essential in order to :

• Strengthen their competitiveness: A good EcoVadis score can be a decisive criterion in calls for tender or commercial relations.
• Improve their brand image: By positioning themselves as responsible players, companies gain credibility.
• Preparing for new regulations: in particular the CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive), which incorporates certain points from the EcoVadis assessment.

Although this new rating model will be a source of challenge, it will enable us to better assess the effectiveness of our actions and demonstrate our commitment to sustainability issues.

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How to prepare for the EcoVadis 2025 assessment?

To help you prepare for your EcoVadis assessment in 2025, we'd like to share a few practical tips with you.

Update your CSR data

Make sure that all the information required for the assessment is up to date and well documented:

• Your main policies (environmental, social, ethical, responsible purchasing, etc.)
• Your key performance indicators (KPIs)
• Etc.

A well-structured dossier will increase your chances of obtaining a high score.

Analyze your previous EcoVadis results

Please take the time to read the results of your EcoVadis scorecard carefully. You'll find recommendations and advice on how to improve your score, and it's very important to take them into account.

With the new model, even small improvements are worthwhile.

Prioritize your actions

SMEs often have limited resources to be more effective, so identify the issues where you can have the greatest impact quickly. If you have little impact on water pollution, don't spend time on this issue, concentrate your efforts on issues that have an impact on your business.

Involve your internal stakeholders

A successful evaluation relies on the involvement of the whole company. Inform your employees of the objectives and expected results, so that they understand their role in the process.

Call on external resources

If you're a novice or are having difficulty structuring your approach, don't hesitate to seek the help of a specialized solution. At Beavr, we help small and medium-sized businesses prepare for the EcoVadis assessment, so that they can capitalize on the efforts they've made and get the score they deserve.

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The benefits of a good EcoVadis score for SMEs and SMIs

A good EcoVadis score is not an end in itself, but recognition of all the efforts made to take control of CSR impacts and risks. Obtaining a good score is an advantage for a company, enabling it to :

• Gain access to new markets: more and more large companies are requiring their suppliers to pass the EcoVadis assessment.
• Reduce risks: better management of CSR issues limits non-compliance and reputational risks.
• Optimize costs: an effective CSR strategy can lead to savings, for example through more efficient energy management or waste reduction.

With the EcoVadis rating model in 2025, you'll have a clearer view of your impact, so you can define and implement more effective sustainable strategies.

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Frequently asked questions from CSR managers

The evolution of the EcoVadis score in 2025 raises a number of questions for companies. EcoVadis has answered some of them, and we're sharing with you the answers to the two we considered most important.

Will my overall EcoVadis score change in 2025?

First of all, the results of your current assessment will not automatically update in 2025 with this new rating system. From January 1, EcoVadis will adopt these changes for new assessments.

And, in general, the new model brings more precision to the thematic scores, but this doesn't mean that your overall performance will be better or worse.

How can I explain changes in my EcoVadis score in 2025 to my stakeholders?

If your score goes down, don't panic - it's likely to be the case for many companies. To justify this, take the time to explain to your clients the new EcoVadis rating model, which provides greater precision. 

Then, present your action plan to improve your CSR performance and clearly indicate where you are focusing your efforts.

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Conclusion 

Small and medium-sized businesses have a lot to gain by adapting to EcoVadis developments now. The new thematic rating model is an opportunity to better understand your performance and strengthen your position in an increasingly demanding environment.

Think ahead to 2025 and take advantage of EcoVadis developments.

Need support? At Beavr, we help over 200 companies to structure their CSR approach, improve their performance and obtain an EcoVadis score that meets their expectations.