Pala Group’s journey from assessment to EcoVadis Gold: Support from Nexio Projects
Netherlands-based BMW and MINI dealer Pala Group has secured an EcoVadis Gold medal for its sustainability management efforts, a milestone achieved with the ongoing support of sustainability consultancy Nexio Projects.
The corporate assessment, which the multi-location automotive family originally initiated in 2023 to benchmark its environmental and social governance, has served as the framework for the group’s transition toward voluntary CSRD alignment, showroom energy renovations, and modernized employee wellbeing programs.
EcoVadis is a global sustainability rating platform that assesses companies on their environmental, social, and ethical performance across their supply chains. The Gold medal specifically indicates that a company scores in the top 5% of all rated organizations, demonstrating advanced sustainability management systems and a strong commitment to responsible business practices.
Stijn van Laarhoven, Pala Group’s finance director, says that Pala Group is comprised of several different brands, including premium car and motorcycle dealers in 19 locations, a body repair business, and a leasing company.
“Everything within the organisation is focused on serving customers to the highest standard – from an inviting showroom to smart financing to seamless damage repair. We are a family business, so thinking about the long term and future generations is in our DNA,” says van Laarhoven.
Several years ago, Pala Group made a strategic shift towards prioritising sustainability. That decision came from a true conviction -- but also from the growing chorus of clients demanding the shift.
Van Laarhoven explains: “Business customers in particular are increasingly choosing electric and hybrid vehicles, both out of personal conviction and because of tax incentives that make these options attractive. Many customers also value the sustainable choices BMW makes, such as using recycled and recyclable materials in new models like the iX3.”
The question that arose was: What can a dealership and service provider do beyond the products it sells?
Going sustainable with EcoVadis
A strong starting point is implementing a sustainability management system. EcoVadis is a globally recognised standard for this – and it became Pala Group’s entry point.
“A sustainability management system helps us understand what sustainability means for an organisation like ours, and how to integrate it into day-to-day operations,” said Enzo Verhulst, facilities and sustainability manager at Pala Group.
“Before I joined, my predecessor started the process in 2023 with a first EcoVadis assessment.”
Nexio Projects was there throughout. The team helped Pala Group understand the EcoVadis methodology, review the evidence submitted across policies, actions and results, and prepare the strongest possible submission. The result was a Silver medal – the first in the sector in the Netherlands.
Preparing for CSRD
That foundation provided a strong basis for addressing the upcoming European CSRD legislation. Nexio Projects played a role here too. The team shared knowledge on the regulation and key concepts including carbon footprints, materiality, and Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions. Work also began on collecting the right data.
“Although the Omnibus update means we are no longer required to report, we intend to produce a voluntary report. It is a valuable way to show customers and other stakeholders that we remain committed to our sustainability strategy,” explains van Laarhoven.
Taking action on emissions reduction
Pala Group is already acting on sustainability. On Scope 1 and 2 emissions – covering direct emissions from own sources and indirect emissions from purchased energy – the company has moved meaningfully.
“We drive electric and hybrid vehicles as a matter of course. Beyond that, our showrooms and workshops are an important part of the picture – and that is where my roles as Facilities Manager and Sustainability Manager come together well,” Enzo notes.
“We are currently renovating many showrooms to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere that supports an integrated, omni-channel customer experience. In each renovation, sustainability improvements are built in: insulation, combined heat and power, solar panels, and charging infrastructure are all part of the consideration.”
A change in mindset
Sustainability extends beyond the environmental dimension – the social side is equally part of ESG. This is an area where the organisation is continuing to professionalise, says van Laarhoven:
“Take performance management conversations. Where the focus used to be on KPIs and results, we now explicitly consider employee wellbeing and personal development. We focus on growth – whether that is vertical or horizontal.”
Sustainability has become a mindset and a genuine part of decision-making within the management team.
“We have found that attention to sustainability not only feels right and supports the long term – it is also recognised in the labour market and more broadly in society. Receiving an EcoVadis Gold medal in 2026 is a meaningful acknowledgement of that progress,” says van Laarhoven.
Support from Nexio Projects
Nexio Projects supported Pala Group from the very beginning, guiding the project every step of the way. The consultancy has years of experience with many other companies in achieving EcoVadis ratings.
“They were a very supportive partner that brought insight, structure, and practical advice,” said Verhulst.
“Working together with Nexio Projects went smoothly: Alongside the workshops we ran, we could always send a quick email with questions, and we had a call with their team every two weeks.”
Verhulst relfects on what others can take away from this experience: “Whatever your reason for wanting to act on sustainability, ask for help. An experienced partner like Nexio Projects brings structure, helps you take the next step each time, and transfers knowledge along the way. Do not try to climb the mountain in one go – take it step by step, and it stays manageable and even enjoyable.”
Sophia Grotz, Sustainability Consultant at Nexio Projects, said that she is happy to hear how van Laarhoven and Verhulst experienced working on the project. “Knowing that sustainability has become part of their mindset is genuinely motivating. It is a privilege to support them a little further each time – and I look forward to what comes next,” she adds.
