Climate Protect measures
At GLS, we care about our effect on the world around us. Every parcel and its related logistics and transport processes have an impact on natural resources and cause carbon emissions. We want to continue our mission in connecting people around the world whilst protecting the environment for future generations. Therefore, climate and environmental protection are central components of our sustainability activities.
We launched our group-wide environmental strategy Climate Protect, aiming to maximise our impact on environmental protection and ensure that knowledge and efforts are shared and executed across our entire international network.
At the end of 2023, GLS Group committed to setting near-term and long-term science-based targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across its operations in line with the Science Based Targets initiative. Read more about our commitment here .
In addition, GLS Ireland is voluntarily compensating the carbon emissions caused by the transportation of parcels and freight shipments, as well as the carbon emissions from buildings and business travel. Read more about the compensation program here .
Environmental protection
Protecting our environment is a guiding principle at GLS and one that is brought to life by employees across GLS countries.
In 2008, GLS launched its Climate Protect (formerly known as ThinkGreen) environmental initiative in order to coordinate and proactively foster the diverse array of activities within the GLS countries.
The objectives: Reducing emissions by continuing to add electric vans to our fleet, responsible handling of resources and the optimisation of waste disposal.
We strive to act in an environmentally friendly manner in all areas of the company: from transport planning and buildings through to individual workplaces.
Across all GLS national subsidiaries, Environmental Officers oversee the implementation of Group-wide environmental protection measures.
GLS Ireland actively promotes energy saving measures and environmentally friendly best practices among its employees and delivery drivers through training and internal initiatives
Vehicles
Conversion of the vehicle fleet
GLS is increasing fuel efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. All vehicles in the fleet – i.e. those used by our transport partners and the in-house fleet of company cars – are gradually being replaced with zero- and low-emission vehicles.
Low-Emission Vehicle
A vehicle that emits significantly less pollution as a by-product of its engine operation when compared to similar vehicles
Zero-Emissions Vehicle
Electric and hydrogen-fuel-cell vehicles that have zero harmful tailpipe emissions and are significantly cleaner than the average new model-year vehicle. In Ireland, low emission cars are those with CO2 exhaust emissions of 50 g/km or less
Electric vehicles
Increased use of electric vehicles
GLS is increasingly turning to alternative delivery methods which include zero- and low- emission vehicles to deliver parcels. These vehicles reduce our emissions and complement our existing fleet.
Transport planning
Journey optimization
GLS uses state-of-the-art, IT-assisted planning instruments to improve operating processes and transport routes. Journey lengths are systematically minimised through optimised route planning.
Sites
Environmentally Friendly Sites
GLS modernises its buildings, with environmental aspects explicitly factored into new builds, replacement buildings and extension projects. The use of rainwater, photovoltaic technology, recyclable building materials and heat pumps plays a vital role.