Is EcoVadis Worth It? In-House vs. Consultant Comparison

Many companies first hear about EcoVadis when a major customer, like AstraZeneca or General Motors, sends an invitation saying, “You need to complete this questionnaire to get a sustainability rating.”

If you are at this crossroads, you are likely asking: is EcoVadis worth it? Whether you choose to handle the submission in-house or hire a specialist, the goal is to reflect your business’s hard work in a score that protects your contracts. At This Rock ESG, we’ve guided over 60 companies through this process, and we’re here to help you weigh the pros and cons of each path.

What is EcoVadis?

EcoVadis is a global supplier sustainability rating platform. It evaluates how well your company integrates ESG principles into four key pillars: Environment, Labor and Human Rights, Ethics, and Sustainable Procurement.

The assessment is annual. Once you complete it, you’ll receive a score and rating that you can share back with your customers to prove you are a responsible partner. For a deeper look at what the scores actually signify, check out our EcoVadis Ratings Guide.

The Reality of a DIY “In-House” Submission

Managing EcoVadis in-house is possible, but it is often more work than businesses realize. If you go the DIY route, here is what your team will need to manage:

1. Documenting Policies and Commitments

You need formal policies for all four pillars. These aren’t just simple statements; they must include quantitative commitments and targets. These documents must also be in place for at least three months before you can use them as evidence.

2. Proving Your Measures

EcoVadis requires proof of action. If you train your team on health and safety, you need the training deck with a date on it. If you upgraded to energy-efficient equipment, you need the invoices. For a breakdown of how to prepare these, see our EcoVadis certification process guide.

3. Reporting and Data Collection

This is the heavy lifting. You will need 12 months of data for your baseline year, including energy consumption (kWh) and waste tonnage. You also need to report on social metrics, such as the percentage of employees who signed your code of conduct.

The Benefit of an EcoVadis Consultant

While doing it in-house saves on external fees, “solo” submissions often score between 25% and 55% in the first year. Working with an EcoVadis consultant changes the equation.

On average, our clients achieve a score of approximately 79%. We help you find the sustainability stories you are already telling but haven’t written down yet, like a weekly phishing test for cyber security or new energy-saving fans in your warehouse. Using an approved training partner ensures your evidence matches analyst expectations, which is critical now that EcoVadis has “raised the bar” by basing medals on strict global percentiles rather than fixed scores.

Finding the ROI in Sustainability

Is the investment worth it? Beyond keeping customers happy, professional guidance often leads to a direct return on investment. By looking at your energy and waste data over several years, we can often find ways to reduce your spend. This isn’t just about “checking a box” for a client; it is about making your business more efficient and resilient.

Get Expert Help with Your Sustainability Reporting

Don’t let the EcoVadis questionnaire pull your team away from their core work. Our team at This Rock ESG acts as your dedicated sustainability partner. Book a 15-Minute Strategy Call with Lindsay.

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