What is the Carbon Rating methodology? How is the Carbon Rating result calculated?

The EcoVadis Carbon Rating enables requesting companies to evaluate their supply chain through qualitative and quantitative assessments. 

The EcoVadis Carbon Rating methodology is based on the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) system management process promoted by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). 

The EcoVadis Carbon Rating focuses on best practices in GHG management. Best practices are grouped into 11 indicators across 3 broad categories–the management stages–that represent the elements of the PDCA system. Each of the 3 stages assesses the expected management qualities as follows:

1. Commitment (Plan): a promised future result for GHG emissions reductions to be achieved by the rated company. At this stage, the company should demonstrate the development of a business strategy and operational plans that guarantee the achievement of the GHG emission reduction targets committed by the company.
2. Actions (Do): a series of actions implemented to reduce GHG emissions within the control of the company’s business activities, including engagement with its value chain.
3. Reporting: the EcoVadis Carbon Rating breaks down this last category into the following two phases:

• Monitoring (Check): the ability to ensure complete and accurate tracking of the GHG emissions performance. The company should demonstrate that all material GHG emissions sources and activities have been monitored and included in the inventory.
• Performance Reporting and Review (Act): conducted by the rated company to assess progress against the commitments. At this final management stage, the focus is on progress tracking, whether performance is falling behind, on track, or ahead of its expected progress.

Your result is based on your answers to the EcoVadis Carbon Rating questionnaire. Questions about Commitment account for 25% of your result, questions about Actions account for 25%, and questions about Reporting for 50%. 

For more information on the assessment methodology, including assessment indicators and weights, check the EcoVadis Carbon Methodology Overview and Principles.