Delivery by electric bike in Prague
GLS participates in the pilot project of the Capital City of Prague and since November 2020 it has been delivering part of the parcels in the historic center of Prague without emission.
Environmental protection
Protecting our environment is a guiding principle at GLS – and one that is brought to life by employees across Europe. In 2008, GLS launched its ThinkGreen environmental initiative in order to coordinate and proactively foster the diverse array of activities within the GLS Group. The objective: responsible handling of resources, the reduction of emissions and the optimisation of waste disposal.
We think and act in an environmentally friendly manner in all areas of the company: from transport planning and buildings through to individual workplaces. Environmental Officers are employed at all GLS national subsidiaries in Europe; it’s their job to ensure the implementation of Group-wide environmental protection measures.
GLS put into operation the first large-capacity electricity delivery van
GLS has started to use the very first large electric delivery for the daily delivery of bales at the depot in Hulín, which will carry almost the same amount of bales as a normal delivery with an internal combustion engine, while it will travel up to 120 km on a single charge. In the next 12 months, the expansion of the fleet is planned.
Trees of liberty
In 2018 GLS supported the planting of "Trees of liberty" within its ThinkGreen program to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Czechoslovak Republic in 1918.
Planting trees with "Sázíme stromy"
In 2019, GLS started to cooperate with nonprofit organization "Sázíme stromy" on planting trees all over Czech Republic. Since then, hundreds of trees were planted to offset the emission produced by parcel deliveries.
Tree planting with "Sdružení Krajina"
Between 2013 and 2018, GLS has planted 469 trees with non profit organization "Sdružení Krajina" in order to offset the CO2 emission produced by parcel deliveries.
ThinkGreen measures
GLS is committed to green parcel shipping across the Group through targeted measures.
Our goals are to use resources as efficiently as possible and to optimise processes. The basic measures within the ThinkGreen program include:
Buildings
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.
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 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
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.
ThinkGreen targets
ThinkGreen principles pass through all company processes from the introduction of environmentally friendly vehicles, efficient transport scheduling up to the construction of new environmentally friendly buildings. The basic goals of ThinkGreen include:
Responsible use of sources
Emissions reductions
Optimization of waste management
ThinkGreenService
With ThinkGreenService senders can contribute to CO2 emissions compensation in relation to the parcel delivery.
Our responsibility
GLS takes a holistic approach to sustainable development and strives to achieve sustainable commercial growth with an emphasis on environmental protection.
Sustainability Report
GLS reports in detail on its current goals, activities and progress in economic, social, environmental and corporate matters.