GLS Netherlands has received an ISO environmental certification as the first country within theGLS Group.
The global audit company DEKRA awarded the certificate to all Dutch GLS locations for itsenvironmental management according to ISO 14001. It is planned to extend the environmentalcertification to the entire GLS Group within the next three years.
Since 2008, GLS Group has been organising and strengthening its environmental activities withthe company-wide sustainability initiative Think Green.
Milo Kars, General Manager GLS Netherlands, commented: “Meeting the ISO environmental standardis the next logical step for us towards resource conservation and sustainable management.”
The company has committed itself to stick strictly to the defined environmental processes and toimprove them continuously. This way, resource consumption and polluting emissions are expected tobe reduced while using renewable energies, launching eco-friendly initiatives and optimising wastedisposal.
“The ISO testing certificate documents that our environmental management system is suitable tosuccessfully implement the Think Green measures,” Kars said. Environmentally sustainable activitiesare part of the sustainability initiative firmly anchored in the corporate values. GLS implementsEurope-wide projects and reviews the progress by creating an environmental balance on a regularbasis.
For new buildings, expansion and replacement investment, GLS uses energy saving, environmentaltechnologies. The GLS group as a whole now operates five eco-depots in Europe. In the Netherlands,another ecological depot will start operating in the near future.
Ecology and economy go hand in hand at the sites, GLS said. According to the same principle, thecompany coordinates transportation in its dense European network. The best possible vehicleutilisation, route optimisation, driver training and fuel-efficient, low-emission vehicles not onlycontribute to environmental protection but also to efficient operations.
The international norm ISO 14001 is the most important standard for environmental management inmanufacturing and service companies. The certificate helps to define who meets high standards inthe market. That is why GLS has chosen this solution. “Thereby, we offer Dutch shippers a clearorientation,” Kars added.
