How much does an EcoVadis assessment cost?

EcoVadis platform subscriptions typically range from $500 to $1,500 annually for small businesses, $1,500 to $3,500 for mid-sized companies, and $3,500 to $9,000+ per year for large enterprises depending on company size and feature tiers.

How long does it take to prepare an EcoVadis submission?

Preparation typically takes 6 to 10 weeks. Unassisted internal completion usually requires 40 to 80 hours of team time to collect documentation and track metrics.

How can a company improve its EcoVadis score?

Companies can improve their score by formalizing undocumented policies, tracking measurable KPIs (such as Scope 1–3 carbon emissions), conducting supplier risk assessments, and demonstrating year-over-year continuous improvement.

How to Become an EcoSchools Certified School: Step-by-Step Guide

August 11, 2026

Sustainability

At ThisRock ESG, we recently helped a local school begin its sustainability journey by setting baselines for energy, water, waste, and greenhouse gas emissions. The next step was becoming an EcoSchool, a program that brings sustainability to life for students and staff alike.

If your school is ready to join the EcoSchools Canada program and earn a badge or medal, here is everything you need to know to get started, stay on track, and celebrate your success.

What Is EcoSchools Canada?

EcoSchools Canada is a nonprofit certification program that helps schools measure, improve, and celebrate their environmental and social impact. It’s designed for public, private, and independent schools and aligns closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and climate education.

Through the EcoSchools framework, students gain leadership skills while taking tangible environmental action in their classrooms and local communities.

The 6 Steps to Earning Your Badge

1. Create Your Action Plan

Start by logging into the EcoSchools portal and exploring the “action tiles.” Each tile represents a specific sustainability action, such as waste reduction, tree planting, or energy tracking, that earns points toward certification levels (Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum). Choose the actions that align best with your school’s goals.

If you need help identifying which activities make the most impact, our team at This Rock ESG can help you build a customized plan.

2. Hold Regular EcoTeam Meetings

Schedule consistent check-ins with your student and teacher EcoTeam. Focused meetings keep your plan moving forward, address challenges early, and ensure accountability throughout the school year.

3. Engage Students in Hands-On Eco Actions

Students are the heart of any successful EcoSchool initiative. Empower students to lead daily actions like unplugging unused electronics, monitoring classroom lighting, and conducting waste audits.

High school students can participate in the Climate Leadership Challenge, while elementary students can act as “eco-detectives” to reduce paper consumption and manage recycling streams.

4. Track and Document Progress

Document every activity with photos, meeting notes, and participation counts. Keeping organized documentation directly in the EcoSchools platform simplifies your final submission process.

5. Perform a Midyear Review

Around midyear, evaluate completed action tiles and review remaining goals. Realign student groups and administrators to ensure your certification targets remain on track for spring submission.

6. Submit Your EcoSchools Application and Celebrate

In May, finalize your uploaded documentation and officially submit your application through the EcoSchools portal. Upon review, your school receives an official certification level and a badge or medal.

Celebrate your achievement with the entire school community and begin setting goals for the next academic year!

Benefits of Certification

Action-Based Learning: Empowers students to apply sustainability concepts through measurable projects.
Data-Driven Environmental Impact: Helps schools track reductions in energy, water usage, and overall waste.
Recognition and Community Leadership: Displays your badge proudly on school websites, newsletters, and physical signage.

How This Rock Can Support Your School

At This Rock, we’ve helped more than 50 organizations worldwide take sustainability from theory to action. We offer:

Baseline tracking for energy, waste, and greenhouse gases
Engaging sustainability workshops for students and staff
Hands-on guidance for eco teams and clubs
Support with EcoSchools tiles and application preparation

If your school is ready to take the next step, explore our Sustainability Consulting Services or contact us for a free 15-minute consultation.

Together, we’ll help your school earn its badge and build a stronger, greener community.

Ready to start your EcoSchools journey? Reach out to This Rock ESG today and let’s make sustainability part of your school’s story.

Book 15-minute consult

FAQs

What is the primary goal of the EcoSchools program?

The program equips schools with a structured framework to complete environmental actions, reduce ecological footprints, and build student leadership skills through practical climate action.

Can independent and private schools apply for EcoSchools certification?

Yes, this certification in Canada is open to public, private, and independent schools across all provinces and territories.

How long does it take to get an EcoSchools badge?

Certification runs on an annual cycle corresponding to the academic school year. Applications are submitted each spring, and schools can renew and upgrade their certification level annually.