GLS subsidiaries across Europe receive ISO environmental certifications

GLS country subsidiaries in Germany, Belgium, Luxemburg and Austria have received ISOenvironmental certification for their environmental management systems. The certificates were

In March this year, GLS Netherlands became the first country within the GLS Group to receive theISO environmental certification. GLS plans to extend the environmental certification to the entireGLS Group within the next three years.

Klaus Conrad, managing director at GLS Germany, said: “In 2008, the GLS Group bundled itsenvironmental activities into the sustainability initiative ‘Think Green’, thus providing a commonbasis Europe-wide. The certification of our environmental management system was the next logicalstep.”

The audit examines not only the processes and goals, but also the documentation andcommunication of all relevant environmental measures. These include staff training and informationsessions on topics such as separation of waste, energy conservation or fuel-efficient driving. Inaddition, GLS commits itself with the certification to adhere to the strictly defined environmentalprocesses and continuously improve them. Progress is monitored through eco-audits carried out on aregular basis.

GLS stressed the importance of reducing polluting emissions and the use of resources within thetransport industry, while using renewable energies and optimising the disposal of waste. Therefore,it has been using energy-saving environmental techniques for three years, such as heating pumps,rainwater harvesting systems, photovoltaic systems or recyclable materials as part of newconstructions, expansion or replacement investment.

Meanwhile, GLS operates seven eco depots, with further facilities either being constructed or inplanning. When it comes to transport, its priorities are vehicle utilisation, route optimisation,driver training and fuel-efficient, low-emission vehicles.

“The aim is to preserve the environment and to operate efficiently,” Conrad added.