FAQ

 1. Why do large multinational enterprises use the EcoVadis SP scoring system ?
Large multinationals use the EcoVadis CSR evaluation solution, due to the increasing complexity of regulations as well as the rapidly changing environment of Environmental and Social standards, which makes CSR evaluations too demanding to handle internally. Moreover, by choosing an evaluation solution, pooled between several Buying organisations, multinationals wish to make the process more efficient and less expensive, while at the same time, improving the reliability of information.

2. Why has someone asked me to provide an EcoVadis SP evaluation?
Your clients ask for an evaluation on the CSR performance of their most strategic suppliers, either based on the amount of contracts you have with them, or due to the criticality of products/services supplied to them. If you are a new supplier your client could ask for an EcoVadis SP evaluation, as a pre-requisite for signing a contract. If you are an existing supplier, your customer could ask for an EcoVadis SP evaluation part of the overall performance management review of your company.

3. What does the EcoVadis SP evaluation provide for my company?
• Demonstrate to your client the quality of your Sustainable Development initiatives
• Benchmark your current performance against your competitors and identify areas of improvements.
• Allows you to benefit from an Evaluation report that you can share with other clients.
• Allows you to benefit from a 3rd party evaluation, guaranteeing neutrality and transparency.

4. Will the results of my evaluation be kept confidential?
The information that you provide will be kept strictly confidential. No one will be able to access your information, as stated in the general terms and conditions of usage. If another one of your clients wishes to access your evaluation results, your authorization will be required, either through our secure online portal, or by written confirmation by email, before the information is shared. Please note that that the general terms and conditions of usage of the EcoVadis solution have been created to guarantee the confidentiality of your data/information.

5. How much does the EcoVadis SP evaluation cost?
The cost of the EcoVadis SP evaluation is shared between the Client who has asked for the evaluation and its suppliers. The assessment fee charged to the supplier depends on the size of your business. This fee covers the analysis of the CSR questionnaire, the audit of the supporting documentation, telephone support and development of the evaluation scorecard.

6. What is the EcoVadis SP evaluation comprised of?
The evaluation is comprised of 2 steps: (i) an online questionnaire adapted to your industry sector. This questionnaire contains 20 to 50 questions depending on the size and activities of your company. (ii) the analysis of the supporting documents and other evidence of your CSR policies that you supply us with.
The criteria used in the EcoVadis evaluation are based on international standards such as the Global Reporting Index (GRI), ISO 26000 and the Global Compact principles.

7. How will the EcoVadis SP Evaluation results be used by my clients?
The EcoVadis evaluation scorecard comprises an overall CSR rating along with a description of strengths and weaknesses of each company’s practices. The EcoVadis evaluation is neither a label nor a certification. Each customer decides on the minimum performance level requirements for its suppliers. In case you do not meet the minimum criteria required, your client might ask you to submit a corrective action plan.