Before you start reading
Welcome to Mon Entreprise Durable par Coptain! In a nutshell, our job is to enable CSR managers to multiply their impact! Would you like to be supported by EcoVadis? We’re here to help! Contact us by by clicking here. The whole team wishes you happy reading!
Before you start reading
Welcome to Mon Entreprise Durable par Coptain! In a nutshell, our job is to enable CSR managers to multiply their impact! Would you like to be supported by EcoVadis? We’re here to help! Contact us by by clicking here. The whole team wishes you happy reading!
Key points of the article
- Introduction: the growing importance of EcoVadis in Switzerland and internationally
- The four EcoVadis certification levels explained
- How does EcoVadis evaluate companies?
- Strategies for progressing from one level to the next
- The impact of EcoVadis certification on Swiss companies
- Beyond certification: using EcoVadis as a continuous improvement tool
- How to prepare for the EcoVadis assessment?
- Conclusion: EcoVadis, a springboard to a sustainable future for Swiss companies
Introduction: the growing importance of EcoVadis in Switzerland and internationally
In a world where corporate social responsibility (CSR) is becoming an increasingly important criterion, EcoVadis has become the tool of choice for many companies to assess the CSR performance of all their suppliers. In Switzerland and abroad, EcoVadis certification has become a veritable passport to new markets and partnerships.
EcoVadis evaluates companies on four main themes: environment, social and human rights, ethics and responsible purchasing. This global approach enables companies of all sectors and sizes 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 best companies evaluated, and to a specific range of points.
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 increase 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 best companies assessed. This level indicates that the company has begun to integrate CSR practices, but that there is still significant room for improvement. It is a recognition of initial efforts and an encouragement to continue along the path to sustainability.
SILVER: CONSOLIDATING YOUR 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 companies generally have well-defined CSR policies in place, 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 assessed. This level represents high-level recognition for companies with advanced and well-integrated CSR practices. Gold companies are often considered leaders in their sector when it comes to sustainability.
PLATINUM: THE PINNACLE OF 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 best 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 evaluation methodology based on 21 criteria divided into the four main themes mentioned above. These criteria are weighted differently according to the company’s sector of activity, 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 the provision of documentary evidence to support each claim. This 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.
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Strategies for progressing from one level to the next
From Bronze to Silver: Formalizing commitments
To move from Bronze to Silver, companies need to focus on formalizing their CSR commitments. This involves :
- Develop clear and detailed CSR policies for each theme assessed.
- Set up management systems to monitor 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 thorough implementation of CSR policies:
- Deploy specific action programs 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 CSR leaders:
- 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 certification on Swiss companies
Examples of certified companies
Several Swiss companies of all sizes have obtained EcoVadis certification:
- 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 also also obtained EcoVadis 2024 Platinum Certificationcertification, placing it in the top 1% of companies assessed.
Competitive advantages in Swiss and international markets
EcoVadis certification offers Swiss companies several competitive advantages:
- 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 EcoVadis certification from their suppliers, 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 attracted to companies that demonstrate a strong commitment to CSR.
ACCESS TO PUBLIC PROCUREMENT IN FRENCH-SPEAKING SWITZERLAND
EcoVadis certification is also recognized for public procurement in French-speaking Switzerland. This recognition gives certified companies a significant advantage in public tenders, enabling them to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. This can be particularly beneficial for Swiss SMEs seeking access to local and regional public procurement markets.
Beyond certification: using EcoVadis as a continuous improvement tool
Identify areas for improvement
EcoVadis provides a detailed report after each assessment, identifying the company’s CSR strengths and areas for improvement. This report is a valuable tool for identifying areas requiring improvement. Companies can use this information to :
- Prioritize CSR actions according to 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 to 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 involvement: not including 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 personnel in 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 the support and active involvement of management in the CSR process.
Conclusion: EcoVadis, a springboard to sustainable growth for Swiss companies
EcoVadis certification represents much more than mere recognition; it is a genuine catalyst for change for Swiss companies, whatever their size or sector of activity. By providing a structured framework for assessing and improving CSR practices, EcoVadis helps companies navigate the complex landscape of sustainability.
For Swiss companies, involvement in the EcoVadis process offers a unique opportunity to strengthen their competitiveness in national and international markets. By progressing through the various levels of certification from Bronze to Platinum, companies improve their internal practices, based on criteria that are valued both in Switzerland and internationally.
The examples of Swiss companies such as Implenia, ISS Suisse and Ecorobotix show that excellence in CSR is not only possible, but also beneficial in the long term, regardless of company size. By winning a silver medal, Ecorobotix proves that even small companies can benefit from EcoVadis certification and stand out in the marketplace.
