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EcoVadis & ISS ESG: Ratings as a Strategic Lever

Improving your score – strategically and measurably.

Sustainability assessments such as EcoVadis and ISS ESG are no longer a voluntary instrument – they have become decisive competitive criteria in global supply chains and on capital markets. More and more large corporations require their suppliers to demonstrate measurable ESG performance, and a strong EcoVadis rating can determine whether a company is invited to tender. At the same time, institutional investors use the ISS ESG rating to assess risks and opportunities within their portfolios.

For many organisations, participating in the EcoVadis assessment is complex, time-consuming and resource-intensive. Questions around data collection, documentation and prioritisation frequently remain unanswered. Since EcoVadis calibrates its medal thresholds against the full pool of assessed companies, a result achieved once is not enough: organisations that do not continuously develop their score lose ground relatively – even without any deterioration in their own performance. Active rating management is therefore not a one-off project, but a strategic process.

 

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Ratings and rankings. Strategic success factor.

  • Securing competitiveness and convincing stakeholders: A strong EcoVadis rating is a prerequisite for tendering and supplier listing with major clients in many industries. Organisations that improve their score strategically secure market access, meet rising ESG requirements across the value chain, and strengthen their credibility with all relevant stakeholder groups. In industries with high supply chain pressure – such as automotive, mechanical engineering, or consumer goods – a higher rating can have a direct impact on revenue.
  • Managing sustainability with a data-driven approach: Preparing for a rating creates transparency about an organisation's sustainability status and provides a reliable data foundation for internal management, target development, and decision-making. What begins externally as a rating process becomes internally an instrument for structured and scalable sustainability management.
  • Improving sustainability performance systematically: Preparing for a rating is more than a reporting exercise. It is an opportunity to identify gaps in sustainability management and close them in a targeted way. Quick wins can deliver results in the short term, while a clear roadmap secures long-term improvements.

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Our Approach: Developing and Anchoring Ratings Systematically

We guide organisations through a structured, experience-based process – from the initial assessment of their current position through to submission in the portal. In doing so, we combine deep rating expertise with over 15 years of experience in sustainability consulting.

ScoreReady – Baseline Assessment and Getting Started

Before working on the EcoVadis assessment itself, we begin with a clear picture of where your organisation stands today. We conduct a structured gap analysis, identify existing documents and data gaps, and develop a prioritised action plan. In a joint workshop, we build understanding of the EcoVadis methodology and define realistic targets for the next rating cycle – creating the foundation for an efficient and focused process.

ScoreNavigator – Guidance Throughout the Entire Process

For organisations seeking more comprehensive support, we take on the coordination of data collection, build a KPI dashboard, and develop a concrete improvement plan based on the current scorecard. We guide the completion of the questionnaire, support documentation, and maximise efficiency on the client side. Regular check-ins ensure the process stays structured and on schedule.

Scorechampion – Full Implementation and Optimisation

Our most comprehensive offering is designed for organisations that want to get the most out of their rating. We take on the review and, where necessary, the creation of relevant policies, manage the submission in the EcoVadis portal, and conduct sector benchmarking to contextualise your score within the market. The package includes an internal review and a final feedback meeting to evaluate results and define next steps.

ISS ESG Rating – Creating Transparency and Meeting Requirements

The ISS ESG rating assesses the sustainability performance of organisations by sector and country, and is an important factor for institutional investors. We analyse the rating requirements in the context of your specific situation, identify areas for improvement, and derive concrete measures. Together with our clients, we develop strategies to enhance performance – realising quick wins in the short term while building long-term progress on sustainability topics.

Roadmap and Integration into the Sustainability Strategy

A rating is only as valuable as the measures that follow from it. That is why we always combine rating advisory with a strategic perspective: Which improvements contribute to the overarching sustainability strategy? What synergies exist with existing initiatives such as Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) reporting, climate strategy, or supply chain management? In workshops and co-creation formats, we work with those responsible to develop an action plan that delivers impact beyond the next rating cycle.

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Why Organisations Work With Us

Deep methodological expertise

We know the EcoVadis methodology and ISS ESG requirements in detail – including medal thresholds, scoring logic, and sector-specific characteristics. We apply this knowledge precisely to improve your score efficiently and sustainably.

A strategic perspective beyond the rating

A rating is not an end in itself for us. We consistently connect rating advisory with your overarching sustainability strategy – identifying synergies with CSRD reporting, climate strategy, and supply chain management. This turns the rating process into genuine strategic value.

Experience that counts

With over 15 years of consulting experience and more than 400 clients supported across a range of industries, we bring proven approaches – and know which measures truly make a difference.

Kreishintergrund

How well is your EcoVadis score really positioned? We analyse your current scorecard and show you exactly where the greatest levers for improvement lie. Request an analysis now.


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Markus Goetz Kreishintergrund
Your contact person
Markus Goetz
Director
T

+49 (160) 82 13 61 4

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Services
sustainable AG management consulting
Deutschland