Our journey to net-zero¹

Climate change is one of the most pressing global challenges, posing significant risks to our environment and communities. At GLS, we acknowledge our responsibility in addressing our environmental impact.

We are committed to achieving net-zero1 across our operations by 2045, in line with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). Our science-based targets (SBTs) guide us in our efforts to gradually cut emissions and ensure our reduction path aligns with global climate objectives.

For us, this commitment is more than a target—it’s an essential part of how we operate and contribute to the reduction of our environmental impact.

GLS has approved both near-term and long-term (SBTs) to significantly reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Learn more about our set targets here .

To meet these targets, our environmental strategy is centred on gradually reducing carbon emissions and enhancing energy and resource efficiency across GLS countries. Learn more about the steps we are taking here .

asdf
 

The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi Services Limited, London) is a partnership of CDP , the UN Global Compact , the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) . It promotes best practices in setting science-based emission reduction targets and provides independent assessment and validation of targets.

Our environmental roadmap

In addition to our science-based targets, our environmental strategy includes GLS-specific ambitions to support our net-zero1 journey.

2021

  • SBT base year for CO2e emission reduction (100% emissions)

2030

  • -42% in scope 1 and 2
  • -36.9% gCO2e per ton-km in scope 3 for light commercial vehicles
  • -31.7% gCO2e per ton-km in scope 3 for heavy freight trucks

2045

Net-Zero1

  • -90% in scope 1,2 and 3

2022

80% of GLS-operated sites in Europe use renewable electricity

2030

  • 50% zero- and low-emission transport vehicles2
  • 100% electric company cars
  • 100% renewable electricity consumed

2035

  • 100% of new transport vehicles are zero- and low-emission vehicles2

Further measures on a national level, such as renewable heating or zero- and low-emission shunting operations.

How we will achieve net-zero¹ by 2045

Since road transportation services are GLS' core business and accounted for approximately 90% of the company's carbon emissions in 2024, reducing emissions in this area is central to our transformation efforts.

As part of our group-wide environmental strategy, we are focused on converting the predominantly subcontracted transport fleet to zero- and low-emission modes2, such as electric vans, cargo bikes, and the usage of biofuel and biogas. Measures for introducing these vehicles vary by country, tailored to local market conditions to maximise individual impact. To support this fleet transformation, we are investing in infrastructure upgrades at our depots, including the installation of charging infrastructure, enhancements to the power supply, and the implementation of load balancing systems and electricity meters.

Depot

Furthermore, we are upgrading our existing depots and hubs to reduce our CO2e emissions by increasingly using renewable electricity, installing photovoltaic systems and implementing electric vehicle charging infrastructure. We are also replacing fossil heating systems with renewable options, such as electric heat pumps.

Depot

We take a holistic approach to these challenges, seeking solutions both within our corporate boundaries and in collaboration with our business partners.

GLS' science-based targets

GLS’ science-based targets are published on the SBTi target dashboard under “General Logistics Systems B.V.”.

Near-term targets Long-term targets Overall net-zero target

  • General Logistics Systems B.V. commits to reduce absolute scope 13 and 24 GHG emissions 42.0% by 2030 from a 2021 base year. *

  • General Logistics Systems B.V. also commits to reduce well-to-wheel scope 35 GHG emissions from light commercial vehicles covering upstream transportation and distribution 36.90% per ton-kilometer within the same timeframe.*

  • General Logistics Systems B.V. further commits to reduce well-to-wheel scope 35 GHG emissions from heavy freight trucks covering upstream transportation and distribution 31.7% per ton-kilometer within the same timeframe.*

*The target boundary includes land-related emissions and removals from bioenergy feedstocks

  • General Logistics Systems B.V. commits to reduce absolut scope 13 and 24 GHG emissions 90% by 2045 from a 2021 base year.*

  • General Logistics Systems B.V. also commits to reduce absolute scope 35 GHG emissions 90% within the same timeframe.*

*The target boundary includes land-related emissions and removals from bioenergy feedstocks.

  • General Logistics Systems B.V. commits to reach net-zero1 greenhouse gas emissions across the value chain by 2045.

  • General Logistics Systems B.V. commits to reduce absolute scope 13 and 24 GHG emissions 42.0% by 2030 from a 2021 base year. *

  • General Logistics Systems B.V. also commits to reduce well-to-wheel scope 35 GHG emissions from light commercial vehicles covering upstream transportation and distribution 36.90% per ton-kilometer within the same timeframe.*

  • General Logistics Systems B.V. further commits to reduce well-to-wheel scope 35 GHG emissions from heavy freight trucks covering upstream transportation and distribution 31.7% per ton-kilometer within the same timeframe.*

*The target boundary includes land-related emissions and removals from bioenergy feedstocks

  • General Logistics Systems B.V. commits to reduce absolut scope 13 and 24 GHG emissions 90% by 2045 from a 2021 base year.*

  • General Logistics Systems B.V. also commits to reduce absolute scope 35 GHG emissions 90% within the same timeframe.*

*The target boundary includes land-related emissions and removals from bioenergy feedstocks.

  • General Logistics Systems B.V. commits to reach net-zero1 greenhouse gas emissions across the value chain by 2045.

How GLS calculates its emissions

At GLS, we report our carbon emissions Group-wide in accordance with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol.

We include Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions6 in our calculation and disclose our emissions in carbon equivalents (CO2e), which means that other greenhouse gases (e.g. methane) are also considered.

Scope 1

Scope 1 – Direct

Direct emissions from sources owned or controlled by GLS, including the combustion of fuel and operation of facilities. This also includes emissions from our own transport fleet (most of North America).

Scope 2

Scope 2 – Indirect

Indirect emissions from the consumption of purchased electricity, heat, steam, and cooling for own use.

Scope 3

Scope 3 – Indirect

All other indirect emissions that occur in GLS’ value chain, including those related to our subcontracted transport fleet (Europe and part of North America).

Net-zero well-to-wheel

Supporting documents

Download
View Here

[1] GLS B.V. is committed to reduce its absolute Scope 1, 2 and 3 greenhouse gas emissions by 90% by 2045, using 2021 as the base year. The residual emissions will be neutralized. This means the business counterbalances up to 10% of its CO2e emissions with investments in carbon removal projects outside its value chain, in line with the SBTi Net-Zero Standard . The Science Based Targets initiative commitment of GLS B.V. encompasses all affiliated companies of GLS B.V. operating under the GLS trademark.

[2] This means vehicles that during operation create either no emissions (e.g. electric or hydrogen vehicles) or fuels that create lower emissions than diesel- or gasoline fuel (e.g. Natural Gas, HVO, Biogas). Further, this also includes parcel deliveries on foot (as of today, only applicable for GLS Spain).

[3] The Science Based Target initiative defines Scope 1 emissions as “Direct GHG emissions from operations owned or controlled by the reporting company.”

[4] The Science Based Target initiative defines Scope 2 emissions as “Indirect GHG emissions associated with the generation of purchased or acquired electricity, steam, heating or cooling consumed by the reporting company.”

[5] The Science Based Target initiative defines Scope 3 emissions as “Indirect GHG emissions (other than those covered in scope 2) that occur in the value chain of the reporting company, including both upstream and downstream emissions.”

[6] GLS reports emissions related to its subcontracted transport fleet (Europe and part of North America) within Scope 3 and its own transport fleet (most of North America) within Scope 1. Scope 3 emissions are all indirect emissions (not included in Scope 2) that occur in the value chain of GLS, including both upstream and downstream emissions. Further details available in GLS Reporting Criteria .