Environmental Strategy

We seek sustainable and responsible growth, a perfect balance between profitability and commitment to the environment and society. For this, we work continuously in line with the GLS Group’s strategic line and with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Responsibility and Compliance Area GLS Portugal

From social commitment to sustainable transport: our responsibility

As a parcel, express delivery and freight transport company, we are aware of our responsibility towards the environment in which we operate.

Through our environmental strategy, we define and update our emissions reduction and offsetting objectives, with the aim of achieving net-zero emissions* by 2045.

To support this objective, we are adopting measures to help reduce emissions associated with our activities, including the use of electric vehicles for deliveries and the adoption of more sustainable energy solutions.

Vehicles

GLS is increasing fuel efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Its entire vehicle fleet is being gradually converted to more environmentally-friendly models, including the vehicles belonging to its transport contractors and its own company cars, as well as electric vehicles and 100% decarbonized fuel.

Transportation planning

GLS uses modern, IT-based planning tools to improve operational processes and transport procedures. Transport routes are systematically minimized through optimized route planning.

Constructions

Green construction for GLS: Green aspects are explicitly taken into account when building new and replacement buildings as well as extensions. Rain water harvesting and photovoltaic systems, recyclable building materials and heat pump heating are used where possible.

Other activities

GLS is improving almost all its procedures to make them more eco-friendly, including switching to digital invoices, delivery run sheets and receipts throughout Europe. Videoconferencing is reducing the number of business trips undertaken.

Compliance

GLS implemented in the entire group a program that aims to identify and avoid risks in terms of Compliance. In addition, it was designed to protect collaboration with business partners based on mutual trust.

Compliance

Certificates

At GLS Portugal we have been certified by DEKRA in the development of our activity based on our commitment to environmental management, quality and sustainable transport. Access the Certificates page and check our accredited stamps.

Certificates

Social Sustainability

As a parcel company, we work for a fair social environment. Our commitment to society is reflected in our Social Sustainability program, in which we collaborate with third parties to achieve social balance. Discover some of these actions.

More information

* GLS's ambition to achieve net-zero emissions by 2045 is to reduce 90% of its Scope 1, 2, and 3 CO2e emissions by 2045 while offsetting the remaining 10% of residual emissions through investments in certified climate protection projects. A roadmap will be developed to achieve this reduction (including the establishment of interim carbon reduction targets) and will be based on climate science. In December 2023, GLS committed to setting targets aligned with the SBTi. GLS expects to complete the development, submission, and approval process in line with the SBTi during the next fiscal year.