Taking control of the Group’s climate impacts

Situation

Relais Group Plc is a leading consolidator and acquisition platform in the vehicle aftermarket in the Nordic and Baltic regions. Through its business operations, the company aims to extend the lifecycle of vehicles and enable the transition toward low-emission mobility. The Group consists of numerous subsidiaries, whose operations are focused on two business areas: wholesale of spare parts and accessories, and maintenance and repair services for commercial vehicles and trailers.

Relais conducted its first Group-level carbon footprint calculation for the year 2024 in accordance with CSRD requirements, in collaboration with UseLess. The 2024 calculation established a baseline for monitoring the Group’s climate impacts and setting climate targets. The Group-level calculation was also carried out for 2025.

Challenge

Relais Group sought to gain a comprehensive and reliable understanding of the Group’s carbon footprint. A key challenge was collecting data from multiple companies operating in different countries, as well as ensuring consistent calculation principles across the organization. In addition, the goal was to produce a calculation that meets international standards and requirements and withstands external assurance.

Solution

In collaboration with UseLess, Relais Group implemented a Group-level carbon footprint calculation in accordance with CSRD and ESRS requirements, based on the widely applied international GHG Protocol standards.

The calculation covered the entire value chain (scopes 1–3), and the process was designed to be repeatable and continuously developable on an annual basis. At the core of the solution were structured data collection processes, consistent calculation methodologies, and transparent reporting that meets external assurance requirements.

The results were reported at the Group level, providing a comprehensive overview of Relais Group’s climate impacts. Company-level carbon footprints were calculated based on actual data for the parent company and those subsidiaries representing approximately 80% of the Group’s revenue, enabling the results to be utilized in the climate work of the largest entities. The remaining subsidiaries’ emissions were included in the Group-level calculation using a carbon intensity-based modeling approach.

The carbon footprint calculation evolved into a practical tool that enabled Relais Group to identify its key emission sources, monitor the development of its emissions, and meet regulatory sustainability reporting requirements. At the same time, the Group’s largest subsidiaries are able to leverage the results in their own operations.

The results of the carbon footprint calculation deepened Relais Group’s understanding of its climate impacts. They provided a strong foundation for resilience analysis, a transition plan assessment, and the development of a climate roadmap, enabling the company to further refine its material impacts, risks, and opportunities, as well as to set emission reduction targets.

Next steps

As Relais Group will remain within the scope of CSRD reporting requirements in the future, the company will be required to report its carbon footprint annually in line with the updated directive and the ESRS standards as they come into force. The carbon footprint calculation is therefore planned to continue in collaboration also for 2026.

Relais Group has set emission reduction targets for both its direct emissions (scope 1) and emissions from purchased energy (scope 2). The target is to reduce market-based scope 1 and scope 2 emissions by 90% from 2024 levels by 2040. Annual carbon footprint calculations enable systematic tracking of progress and support the achievement of these targets.

To address value chain impacts, it is essential for Relais to engage its suppliers and logistics partners in emission reduction efforts. In addition, the company can further reduce emissions through its own actions, for example by lowering emissions from business travel.

“UseLess Company prepared a plan for our Group’s carbon footprint calculation in accordance with CSRD and ESRS requirements and carried out the calculation excellently within the agreed schedule, with a customer-oriented approach.”

Tapio Nelimarkka, Financial Director, Relais Group Plc

“Environmental responsibility is emphasized in Raskone’s business as a provider of lifecycle services for heavy-duty vehicles. We ensure that utility vehicles operate as long, low-emission, and safely as possible – enabling the sustainability of transport and keeping society running. Carbon footprint calculation, and based on it the implementation of measures to reduce our footprint, is a natural step in increasing the transparency of our business.

Collaboration with UseLess was very smooth throughout the calculation project. Due to our industry and diverse procurement channels, data collection for our carbon footprint calculation was at times challenging, but we received abundant guidance and tips from UseLess for every problem we encountered. Clear instructions, a practical approach, and quick responses to our questions made the calculation project as straightforward as possible for us. The expertise and support we received from UseLess was easy to trust throughout the project, and we are very pleased to continue our cooperation also in the coming years for our carbon footprint calculations.”

Joakim Pihlajamaa, CFO, Raskone Oy