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 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.

In addition, a compensation program is available in participating GLS companies. GLS Finland participates in the compensation program. Carbon emissions caused by the transportation of parcels and freight shipments, as well as the carbon emissions from buildings and business travel of such companies are voluntary offset. Read more about the compensation program here .

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 .

GLS electric delivery van in the streets of Lille

GLS testing sustainable delivery by e-van in Lille

Since mid November, GLS has been testing parcel delivery by electric van in the centre of Lille, especially in the old town. This green delivery method is one aspect of many GLS projects that are currently being carried out at European level. For this reason, GLS France has launched a new initiative in which the transport partners responsible for the regions of Lille, Calais and Compiègne have been introduced to several electric vehicles. GLS France opted for the eTGE model by MAN, which is renowned for its excellent reliability in the transport sector.

GLS Netherlands delivers parcels emissions-free

GLS Netherlands starts with fully sustainable parcel delivery in four Dutch city centres. In Apeldoorn, The Hague, Utrecht and Zwolle electric-powered vehicles are operating. GLS Netherlands also strengthens its commitment to the environment by participating in the Lean & Green programme.

Environmental measures

GLS is committed to sustainable parcel shipping across the Group through targeted measures.
The aims are to use resources as efficiently as possible and to optimise processes.

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 more eco-friendly models.

Electric vehicles

Increased use of electric vehicles

GLS is increasingly turning to alternative delivery methods, with natural gas vehicles, battery-powered vehicles, scooters, cargo trikes and even in-line skates all used to deliver parcels. These vehicles reduce our emissions and complement our existing fleet.

Transport planning

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

Green construction

GLS builds in an eco-friendly way, 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.