Sustainability
Sustainability refers to the guiding principle of using resources in such a way that the needs of the present generation are met without jeopardising the ability of future generations to act. The concept is based on the balanced interaction of ecological responsibility, economic performance and social justice. In shipping and logistics, sustainable shipping refers to the environmentally and resource-conscious handling of consignments – from packaging and transport routes through to delivery.
Sustainability in shipping and logistics
Sustainability is a key topic for companies, and especially in shipping and logistics. Below you will find the most important aspects of sustainability and sustainable shipping:
What does sustainability mean?
The term sustainability describes the pursuit of a long-term balance between people, nature and the economy. It originally comes from forestry, where only as much timber could be cut as could grow back. Today, sustainability covers all areas of society and business: it combines ecological, social and economic responsibility into a shared guiding principle for action.
Applied to the transport and logistics sector, this means moving goods efficiently, complying with labour and social standards throughout the entire supply chain, and at the same time continuously reducing environmental impacts through modern infrastructure, alternative drive systems and optimised routes.
Why is sustainability relevant for companies?
Companies that make direct or indirect use of natural and cultural resources can preserve their corporate value and their contribution to society only in harmony with two foundations: people and the environment.
A strategic approach to sustainability – in the sense of a future-oriented business operation – therefore takes into account two perspectives: the effects of the company’s own activities on the environment and society (inside-out), as well as the impact of environmental and social factors on business performance and financial results (outside-in).
The path towards greater sustainability is not only a contribution to protecting the planet, but also offers economic advantages: innovative technologies and more efficient processes reduce costs, minimise risks and at the same time meet the expectations of customers and partners for environmentally friendly products and services. A sustainable business strategy thus strengthens brand image, increases competitiveness and creates long-term value.
What role does logistics play in sustainable action?
Transport and logistics companies fulfil important social functions and ensure the supply of essential resources and goods. They are part of the necessary infrastructure and are therefore systemically important.
In this context, sustainable shipping should not be understood exclusively as environmentally friendly. It also includes human rights, fair working conditions, compliance and responsible sourcing throughout the entire supply chain. Only the interaction of ecological, social and regulatory measures makes logistics truly sustainable.
Logistics companies can contribute to greater sustainability at different levels. The following measures provide examples – and are not exhaustive – of the levers that can be used here:
- Social responsibility and safe working conditions: Health and safety at work at all sites, as well as monitoring minimum social, ecological and ethical standards throughout the supply chain.
- Energy- and resource-efficient sites: Energy-efficient conveyor, sorting and building technology, the use of photovoltaic systems and intelligent energy management in depots and transshipment warehouses.
- Efficient transport and network planning: Digital optimisation of routes and delivery networks through IT-supported routing in order to reduce transport distances and journey times.
- Resource-conscious packaging: Use of reusable packaging and recyclable materials, as well as reducing material usage and empty space in packaging.
- Avoidance of unnecessary transport: Reducing empty runs and unnecessary transfer cycles through better capacity utilisation and consolidation of consignments.
- Lower-emission means of transport and energy: Electrification of suitable delivery and transport operations, as well as the use of lower-emission fuels in areas that cannot yet currently be electrified.
- Returns management: Avoiding unnecessary returns and consolidating return shipments in order to minimise additional transport routes.
At GLS, we pursue the goal of continuously developing our network and making transport and shipping step by step more sustainable, lower-emission and more responsible – ecologically, socially and economically. Become a business customer of GLS now and connect your logistics directly to our modern network.
