Completing an EcoVadis assessment requires careful preparation. Success depends not only on filling out the questionnaire but also on collecting the right information and uploading credible documents to support your answers.
This article provides an overview of what information is required, how to prioritize your efforts, and how Greenly helps you simplify and secure the process.
What information is required in EcoVadis questionnaires?
EcoVadis assesses companies across four sustainability themes:
Environment
Labor & Human Rights
Ethics
Sustainable Procurement
For each theme, you’ll need to provide:
Policies – Written commitments (e.g., environmental policy, code of conduct).
Actions – Procedures, certifications, or initiatives implemented (e.g., training plans, ISO certifications).
Results (KPIs) – Performance data such as GHG emissions, waste reduction, workforce diversity.
Endorsements – Memberships or participation in recognized sustainability initiatives (e.g., UN Global Compact).
All information must be supported by documents that meet EcoVadis’ criteria: company name/logo, validity within the required timeframes, clear scope coverage, and credible content.
Data collection often involves several departments:
HR / Compliance: Codes of conduct, training plans, labor policies.
EHS / Sustainability: Environmental and safety procedures, GHG inventories.
Finance / Procurement: Supplier codes of conduct, sustainable sourcing programs.
Data format and requirements
Accepted formats: .pdf, .docx, .xlsx, .pptx, .jpeg, .png (max. 30 MB each)Documents and Proofs for Ecovad….
Validity periods:
Policies and actions – up to 8 years
KPI reporting – max. 2 years old
Certificates – until expiry date (or 3 years if no expiry date is mentioned)
Company scope: Documents must cover at least 80% of operations (sites, employees, revenues)Summary of Documents and proofs….
Credibility: No self-declarations, drafts, or documents created only for EcoVadis will be accepted.
This list is not exhaustive. Ecovadis has defined up to 30 different compliance criteria that documents must respect (criteria list depends on the nature of the document: certificate, audit report, policy, etc). Our Document AI-based Audit system covers all criteria, and review all documents with them.
How to prioritize your effort
Not all questions have the same impact on your final score. To maximize results:
Focus first on high-weight questions (those tied to policies, certifications, and measurable results).
Secure your critical documents early (ISO certifications, CSR reports, KPI datasets).
Avoid spending too much time on low-impact items (e.g., minor endorsements or older non-relevant documents).
🔎 Tip: Companies often lose points not because they miss questions, but because their documents lack the required quality, coverage, or validity.
Document management and reassessment
First assessment: You can upload up to 55 documents. Broad, multi-purpose documents (e.g., a CSR report) can be linked to several answersDocuments and Proofs for Ecovad….
Reassessment: Valid documents from a previous assessment can be reused. Only documents that have expired (e.g., KPIs older than 2 years, certificates past expiry) must be replaced.
Greenly advantage: We centralize all your validated materials and flag outdated documents so reassessments are faster and easier.
How Greenly helps you streamline data collection
AI auto-filling: Our system analyzes your existing ESG materials and automatically fills the EcoVadis questionnaire, saving countless hours and ensuring no questions are overlooked.
Reliability boost: AI cross-checks answers against your documents to avoid inconsistencies.
AI-based document audit: Before submission, our tool reviews each document to ensure it meets all EcoVadis criteria (validity, scope, formatting).
Granular feedback: Beyond EcoVadis’ generic suggestions, we provide detailed insights at criterium level to strengthen your documents and boost your score.