Environmental protection
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 contribute to 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 .
Climate Protect measures
GLS Group has been actively seeking and implementing ways to reduce our environmental impact, as have our local transport partners.
Montreal's Sustainable Development and Mobility Project
The City of Montreal approved GLS Canada for a grant of just over $1 million to support the development of the first GLS Eco-Hub in Canada.
This project includes the installation of electric vehicle charging infrastructure, as well as the implementation of energy efficient and waste reducing measures.
Innovating and rethinking the use of an old GLS trailer to give it a second life!
This trailer contains three Level 2 dual 38 kW charging stations, totaling six charging ports. Additionally, our Montreal terminal features eight Level 2 dual 38 kW charging stations and one dual 120 kW fast charging station, bringing the total to 18 charging ports.
64% of Parcel deliveries are now zero-emission in Sherbrooke!
Sherbrooke Independent Contractors David, Lucie and Marc-Antoine recently purchased 10 Zevo 600 100% electric BrightDrop trucks.
We have installed five dual 38 kW charging stations, totaling 10 Level 2 charging ports. Additionally, a dual 120 kW fast charging station has been installed, bringing the total to 12 charging ports.
Eco-design of our DexPak, now reusable!
In order to reduce the environmental footprint of our packaging, we have considered all stages of their life cycle.
A dual strip on the envelope now encourages customers to reuse it for a second shipment or quick returns, while the envelope's recycled content has increased from 25% to 50%.
We've received our first electric Class 8 truck!
The 2024 eCascadia EP116, boasting a range of 370 kilometers, is currently being used for last-mile delivery operations in Montreal.
The first 2 eSprinters in Quebec have hit the road!
The eSprinter can cover distances of up to 400 km on a single charge, ensuring extensive driving capability.
Electric vehicles
Increased use of electric vehicles
Over 30 electric vehicles are in operation across Quebec and British Columbia as of June 2024.
Charging Stations
Installation of charging stations
As of August 2024, over 50 charging stations are now operational at GLS depots, as well as a Turbo Charging Unit at our Montreal terminal.
Sites
Prioritizing sustainable building practices
GLS prioritizes sustainable building practices with environmental aspects factored into new buildings, replacement buildings and extension projects. The use of rainwater, photovoltaic technology, recyclable materials and heat pumps plays a vital role.
Among our efforts, we retrofitted 801 lights to meet LEED standards, we installed energy-efficient equipment including a new boiler at our Montreal terminal, we installed door seals in our terminals, and we maintained a LEED-certified head office.
Transport planning
Transport planning
GLS uses state-of-the-art, IT-assisted planning instruments to improve operating processes and transport routes.
Through optimized route planning with Bettermile[1] and Maven[2], journey lengths are systematically minimized.
[1] Bettermile [2] Maven
Our certifications
GLS Group’s sustainability efforts have been rewarded with the EcoVadis Silver Certificate.
EcoVadis looks at a range of metrics under the categories: Environment, Sustainable Procurement, Ethics, Labour & Human Rights, rating companies against the highest possible standard.
GLS Group’s environmental impact score of 90/100 puts the company among the top 6% of companies in the postal, courier and freight transport industry assessed by EcoVadis.
Take a tour of our LEED certified gold head office in Dorval!
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is an international rating system for sustainable buildings, used in over 132 countries. LEED covers various building types, including new constructions, renovations, and existing buildings.
SmartWay Transport Partner
SmartWay partners are widely recognized for their leadership in moving goods using less fuel, more efficiently and with a reduced environmental footprint.
The SmartWay Certified Carrier Program provides companies with the tools to improve best practices by measuring, benchmarking and improving freight transportation efficiency.
Seal of approval for environmental management
GLS Group guarantees, monitors and improves quality and sustainability through its pan-European quality and environmental management system. This system has been certified according to DIN ISO 9001:2015 and 14001:2015 by DEKRA, one of the largest and most respected international management system certification bodies. Through its quality management system, GLS Group complies with strict, internationally recognised standards.