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GLS Netherlands takes its responsibilities towards the environment, our employees and society extremely seriously.
GLS is committed to responsible growth, guided by Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles. These principles drive our efforts to reduce our environmental impact, support our workforce and communitiesand uphold transparency and ethical governance across our entire supply chain. We focus on the reduction of carbon emissions, creating an inclusive workplace and supporting local initiatives.
Since 2009, we have been assessing GLS Netherlands' carbon footprint, looking at emissions, resource consumption and waste disposal. The method we use is based on the Green House Gas Protocol and transport emissions are calculated according to the requirements of European standard EN 16258 for calculating and reporting greenhouse gas emissions from transport.
GLS reports in detail on its current goals, activities and progress in economic, social, environmental and corporate matters. Want to know more about what we and other GLS countries are doing on ESG (Environment, Social & Governance)? Then read our ESG report.
Since 2020, GLS Netherlands has been working to reduce the environmental impact of its operations through an organization-wide sustainability approach. We implement concrete measures across various aspects of our business, ranging from transport and route planning to buildings, depots and energy management.
Our environmental initiatives are embedded in an environmental management system certified in accordance with the ISO 14001 standard. This enables us to work systematically towards our environmental objectives, monitor our progress and identify opportunities for further improvement. A local environmental representative at GLS Netherlands coordinates the implementation of our environmental measures.
Making our operations more sustainable requires long-term investments. That is why we invest in, among other things, electric delivery vehicles and energy-efficient solutions for our buildings and depots.
We make use of solar panels, heat pumps and LED lighting. For our locations, we purchase electricity generated from wind energy. We also focus on separate waste collection and the responsible processing of different waste streams.
Within our transport operations, we continuously look for ways to improve route efficiency and further expand the use of lower-emission vehicles. In this way, we address CO₂ reduction across different parts of our logistics chain.
At the end of 2023, GLS Netherlands committed to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). Through this internationally recognised framework, we work towards climate objectives that align with the goals of the Paris Agreement.
Our CO₂ emissions are calculated annually in accordance with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol. We use these insights to monitor our emissions, assess our progress and identify targeted opportunities for further CO₂ reduction.
Even when we build and expand depots, we think of the environment. Wherever possible, we use rainwater harvesting systems, solar panels, recyclable building materials and heat pump heating. At all of our depots, we focus on optimal waste processes, efficient lighting and the use of renewable energy.
The GLS fleet is gradually being replaced by electric models. We are already using electric vehicles in several major Dutch city centres. We also use fuel-saving applications such as Longer and Heavier Truck Combinations (LHVs) and tyre inflators.
Our modern planning software improves operational processes and transport procedures. Optimised route planning makes transport routes as short as possible. In the last mile, we apply smart delivery options for a successful first delivery. This prevents extra kilometres being driven.
In order to optimise our logistics processes and work more sustainably at the same time, we started with the Lean & Green programme of Connekt in 2019. And with success! Well within the set 5 years we reduced our CO2 emissions by at least 20%. In June 2021, this resulted in our first Lean & Green star!
Click the button below for more information on Lean & Green.
The people who work at and for GLS have different ethnic backgrounds, cultures, religions and beliefs. Appreciation, respect and understanding are important principles for the Group when dealing with employees and partners. Intensive communication with all who make the last mile for GLS when picking up and delivering parcels is an essential part of the cooperation.
The development of our employees is a crucial part of the GLS strategy, with which the Group aims to ensure long-term success for the company and its employees.
In addition, management and employees attach importance to helping people in need. Throughout Europe, GLS companies support carefully selected initiatives in their social environment.
GLS is also involved in sponsoring sports teams and activities. In some cases, these sponsorship projects are also combined with a socially engaged angle.
GLS is committed to the training and development of the next generation. Young people receive comprehensive and practice-oriented vocational training. Furthermore, the GLS Group offers its employees the opportunity to develop professionally and, if possible, to take up management positions.
Many GLS subsidiaries support various charities through national and regional activities, see below for some examples.
In Austria, our colleagues support the House Miriam of Caritas in Vienna, a refuge for women in need. Since 2018, GLS Belgium has supported the Homeless Cup, a football tournament for homeless people to help them reintegrate into society. Around 200 GLS employees participated in the Poland Business Run events, supporting amputation patients. GLS was not only a financial sponsor, but also offered free shipping services.
GLS is also involved in sponsoring sports teams and activities. In some cases, these sponsorship projects are combined with a socially engaged angle. For example, GLS Belgium sponsors the Belgian national football team the Red Devils. Staff, partners and people with disabilities are invited to every home match of the team.
GLS Germany has been a sponsor of Borussia Dortmund since July 2021, making it an official logistics partner of BVB. GLS France has been a proud partner of current French Cup winner Toulouse FC since 2022.
Padel is the fastest growing sport in Spain and now the second most practised sport in the country. GLS Spain has sponsored the World Padel Tour (WPT) since March 2019 in the Transport and Logistics category.
For all sponsorship projects, click on the button below.
Our quality standards are not limited to transport services, but are interwoven into all business systems and processes. These high requirements and the increasing complexity have led GLS to develop a quality management system in line with ISO 9001:2015. It enables GLS to guarantee seamless internal processes and stable quality with regard to our services.
GLS guarantees, checks and improves quality and sustainability with a pan-European quality and environmental management system. It is certified to ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 by DEKRA, one of the largest and highly respected international providers of management system certifications. With the quality management system GLS fulfils high, internationally recognised standards.
European GLS-systems monitor every step in the process. Each day over 20 million registrations follow the 1,7 milllion shipped consignments. An extensive data and information management systeem is therefore essential and constitutes an important pillar in our partnership and trust. Other components of our quality control are a well organised customer service, regular customer surveys and special training programmes.