EcoVadis Assessment in the UAE: A Sustainability Consultant's Honest Take After 30+ Projects

By Danushka Prabhad (M.Sc.), Sustainability Consultant | Dubai, UAE
 

Last month, I was sitting in a gleaming Dubai World TradeCenter, across from a frustrated CEO who'd just received his company's EcoVadis results. Despite months of preparation and significant investment, his score had actually dropped from the previous year."This whole thing feels like a waste of time and money," he said, sliding the scorecard across the table. "We're doing more for sustainability than ever before, but our score went backwards. What's the point?"It's a conversation I've had dozens of times over the past five years. Having guided over 30 UAE companies through their EcoVadis assessments—from small Dubai startups to major Abu Dhabi conglomerates—I've seen every possible reaction to this platform. The frustration is real, but so is the misunderstanding about what EcoVadis actually represents.

Why EcoVadis Matters More Than Ever in the UAE Market

Let me start with the uncomfortable truth: EcoVadis isn't going anywhere. In fact, it's becoming more critical for UAE businesses every day.Just last week, I received three separate calls from companies who'd lost potential contracts because they didn't have an EcoVadis assessment. One was a Dubai-based logistics company that had been working with a European retailer for over a decade. When the retailer implemented new supplier requirements, they gave all suppliers six months to achieve at least a Bronze medal on EcoVadis. No exceptions.The UAE's position as a global trade hub means our companies are increasingly caught in these sustainability supply chain requirements. Whether you're exporting dates to Germany, providing services to multinational corporations in Dubai International Financial Centre, or manufacturing in the UAE's free zones, chances are your biggest customers will eventually ask for your EcoVadis score. 

The Numbers Don't Lie

Based on my experience with UAE companies:

• 87% of my clients received their first EcoVadis request from international customers
• 63% had less than 90 days to complete their first assessment
• 42% initially considered it "just paperwork" until they realized the business implications

The Real Purpose of EcoVadis: It's Not What You Think

Here's where most UAE companies get it wrong. They approach EcoVadis like a traditional audit—something to "pass" and forget about. But EcoVadis is fundamentally different.Think of it as a sustainability mirror. When you look in a mirror, you don't get angry at your reflection if you don't like what you see. You use that information to make changes.

My Dubai Manufacturing Client's Wake-Up Call

One of my most memorable projects involved a Dubai-based manufacturing company that had been "doing sustainability" for years. They had solar panels, recycling programs, and even an environmental policy. They were confident they'd score well on EcoVadis.Their first score? 23 out of 100.The CEO was livid. "We're one of the most sustainable manufacturers in Dubai!" he insisted. And he wasn't wrong—compared to local standards, they were doing well. But EcoVadis doesn't compare you to your neighbors; it compares you to global best practices.That "disappointing" score became the catalyst for real change. Two years later, they achieved a Gold medal and reported annual savings of AED 2.3 million from the improvements they implemented. More importantly, they secured three major international contracts specifically because of their EcoVadis performance.

The Four Pillars: What EcoVadis Actually Measures

After working with so many UAE companies, I've learned that success comes from understanding what EcoVadis really evaluates:

1. Environment (Usually 40% of total score)

This isn't just about having solar panels or recycling bins. EcoVadis wants to see:

• Systematic environmental management (policies, procedures, monitoring)
• Measurable environmental performance (energy consumption, waste reduction, water usage)
• Continuous improvement initiatives with documented results

UAE Context: Our extreme climate and water scarcity make energy and water efficiency particularly important. I've seen companies significantly boost their scores by properly documenting their DEWA energy efficiency initiatives and water conservation measures.

2. Labor & Human Rights (Usually 35% of total score)

This section often surprises UAE companies. It covers:

• Working conditions and safety protocols
• Diversity and inclusion practices
• Employee development and training programs
• Supply chain labor practices

UAE Reality Check: With our diverse workforce and complex labor dynamics, this section requires careful attention. Companies that proactively address cultural sensitivity, provide clear grievance mechanisms, and document their commitment to fair labor practices typically score higher.

3. Ethics (Usually 15% of total score)

• Anti-corruption policies and training
• Data protection and privacy measures
• Transparent business practices
• Whistleblower protection

4. Sustainable Procurement (Usually 10% of total score)

• Supplier sustainability requirements
• Supply chain risk assessment
• Local sourcing preferences
• Supplier monitoring and development

The Consultant Question: DIY or Hire Help?

"Do I need to hire someone like you to get a good score?" It's usually the second question I get asked (after "How much will this cost?").The honest answer? It depends on your situation.

When You Can DIY Successfully:

• You have dedicated internal resources (at least 2-3 months of someone's time)
• Your company already has strong documentation practices
• You're comfortable with detailed policy development
• You have experience with international standards and frameworks

When You Should Consider Professional Help:

• You're facing a tight deadline (less than 6 months)
• Your team is already stretched thin
• You want to avoid common mistakes that could cost you points
• You're aiming for Silver or Gold medals on your first attempt

The Middle Ground Approach

Many of my UAE clients choose what I call the "guided DIY" approach. I provide initial training and framework development, their team handles the documentation and evidence gathering, and I review everything before submission. This typically costs 60-70% less than full-service consulting while still achieving strong results.

Why Scores Drop Even When Performance Improves

This is the part that frustrates UAE companies most. You invest in solar panels, implement new policies, train your staff, and still your score goes down. How is that possible?

The Competitive Reality

EcoVadis uses a competitive scoring system. Your score isn't just based on what you do—it's based on how you perform compared to others in your industry sector.Every year, the thresholds for Bronze, Silver, and Gold medals typically increase. What earned you a Silver medal last year might only get you Bronze this year, even if your actual performance improved.

A Real Example from Abu Dhabi

One of my Abu Dhabi clients experienced exactly this scenario. Between 2022 and 2023, they:

• Reduced energy consumption by 15%
• Implemented a comprehensive waste management program
• Achieved ISO 14001 certification
• Launched an employee sustainability training program

Their EcoVadis score dropped from 67 to 64.Initially, they were devastated. But when we dug into the detailed feedback, we discovered that while their environmental performance had improved significantly, their labor practices documentation had become relatively weaker compared to industry peers. Other companies in their sector had made major strides in diversity and inclusion reporting, raising the bar for everyone.This insight led them to focus on the labor pillar for their next assessment, ultimately achieving their highest score ever: 73 with a Gold medal.

The Wrong Mindset vs. The Right Approach

The Score-Chasing Trap

I've seen too many UAE companies fall into the "score-chasing" trap. They become obsessed with points and medals, losing sight of the actual business benefits.This mindset leads to:

• Superficial improvements that look good on paper but don't create real value
• Frustration when scores don't improve despite significant investment
• Missing opportunities for genuine operational improvements

The Transformation Mindset

The companies that succeed with EcoVadis—and I mean really succeed, not just get good scores—approach it differently. They see EcoVadis as:

• A roadmap for improvement rather than a test to pass
• A tool for competitive advantage rather than a compliance burden
• An opportunity for innovation rather than a box-ticking exercise

Case Study: The Dubai Success Story

One of my most successful clients, a Dubai-based trading company, perfectly exemplifies this approach. Their first EcoVadis score was 31—barely Bronze level. Instead of getting discouraged, they used the detailed feedback to identify opportunities.Over 18 months, they:

• Redesigned their office space for energy efficiency (22% reduction in electricity costs)
• Implemented a supplier sustainability program (discovered 15% cost savings through local sourcing)
• Launched an employee wellbeing initiative (reduced turnover by 30%)
• Developed a comprehensive environmental management system

Their latest EcoVadis score? 78, with a Gold medal. But more importantly:

• Annual operational savings of AED 1.8 million
• Secured four major international contracts specifically citing their sustainability performance
• Became the preferred supplier for three existing customers
• Improved employee satisfaction scores by 35%

The CEO now regularly speaks at Dubai sustainability events, positioning the company as an industry leader.

The Documentation Dilemma: Authenticity vs. Gaming the System

I'll address the elephant in the room: Do companies fake their EcoVadis submissions?In my experience, outright fabrication is rare but embellishment is common. I've seen companies:

• Exaggerate the scope of their sustainability initiatives
• Present pilot programs as company-wide policies
• Submit aspirational goals as current performance
• Misrepresent the robustness of their monitoring systems

Why This Strategy Backfires

Here's what these companies don't realize: EcoVadis is getting smarter. Their assessment methodology becomes more sophisticated each year, and they're increasingly good at spotting inconsistencies.More importantly, EcoVadis often requires on-site verification for high-scoring companies. I've seen companies lose medals and face significant reputational damage when their documentation didn't match reality.

The Authentic Approach

The companies that build lasting success with EcoVadis focus on authentic improvement. They:

• Start with honest self-assessment
• Implement genuine changes before documenting them
• Build systems that can withstand scrutiny
• Focus on continuous improvement rather than one-time compliance

This approach takes longer initially but creates sustainable competitive advantages.

Practical Advice for UAE Companies Getting Started

1. Start with a Realistic Timeline

• Minimum 6 months for your first assessment
• 3-4 months for annual updates
• 12+ months if you're aiming for Gold on your first attempt

2. Assign Dedicated Resources

Don't treat EcoVadis as something to handle "when we have time." Assign specific people with clear responsibilities:

• Project manager (25% of their time minimum)
• Data collectors from each department
• Executive sponsor for decision-making authority

3. Focus on Documentation First

Before implementing new initiatives, properly document what you're already doing. I've seen companies achieve Bronze medals simply by organizing and presenting their existing activities effectively.

4. Leverage UAE-Specific Opportunities

• DEWA energy efficiency programs (strong evidence for environmental performance)
• UAE Vision 2071 alignment (demonstrates strategic commitment)
• Local supplier programs (supports sustainable procurement)
• Emiratization initiatives (relevant for labor practices)

5. Plan for Continuous Improvement

Treat your first submission as a baseline, not a final destination. Build systems that will support ongoing improvement and annual updates.

The Future of EcoVadis in the UAE

Based on current trends, I predict EcoVadis will become even more important for UAE companies over the next few years:

Increasing Customer Demands

• 67% of my new clients are responding to customer requirements
• Average minimum score requirements are rising annually
• Verification requirements are becoming more common

Government Alignment

The UAE's Net Zero 2050 commitment and increasing ESG regulations will likely make EcoVadis scores more relevant for:

• Government contract tenders
• Banking and finance relationships
• Free zone benefits and incentives

Regional Expansion

I'm seeing increased interest from companies across the GCC, suggesting EcoVadis will become a regional standard, not just a UAE requirement.

Final Thoughts: Is EcoVadis Worth It?

After five years and 30+ projects, my answer is unequivocally yes—but only if you approach it correctly.EcoVadis is not a waste of time and money if you:

• Understand it's a tool for improvement, not just compliance
• Invest in authentic changes rather than superficial documentation
• Use it as a catalyst for operational excellence
• Maintain a long-term perspective on sustainability transformation

The UAE companies that succeed with EcoVadis don't just get better scores—they become better businesses. They reduce costs, improve employee satisfaction, strengthen customer relationships, and build competitive advantages that extend far beyond sustainability.The question isn't whether you can afford to invest in EcoVadis. The question is whether you can afford not to.Ready to start your EcoVadis journey? As a Dubai-based sustainability consultant with extensive experience helping UAE companies achieve their sustainability goals, I'd be happy to discuss your specific situation. Contact me for a complimentary assessment consultation.About the Author: Danushka is a sustainability consultant based in Dubai, specializing in helping UAE companies navigate international sustainability requirements. With over 10 years of experience and 30+ successful EcoVadis projects, he provides practical guidance for businesses looking to improve their sustainability performance and competitive positioning.