At GSLS we are aware of our responsibility to work towards sustainable business practices. Year on year we’re taking more steps to reduce our carbon footprint. This blog will look at what we have implemented so far and our sustainability plans for the future.
In 2021, we’ve made significant progress in a range of areas, including:
- 100% of our electricity was sourced from renewable sources
We are dedicated to eliminating energy waste and using more renewable sources of energy. The energy used to heat and light our offices comes from wind, solar, heat pumps and bioenergy.
- Continued energy optimisation measures
In 2020 we introduced energy optimisation measures to reduce our fuel, electricity and gas usage. Since then we have reduced energy usage by over 20%.
- Implementation of route optimisation software
We installed route optimisation software for all vehicles. This ensures the shortest, most efficient routes are always taken. In turn, fuel management for all our vehicles has seen significant improvements..
- Reduced plastic waste
We introduced cloth coin bags to our cash collecting and handling process. As a result, we have reduced plastic coin bag usage by 45% from 2020. In 2022 we aim to replace all plastic coin bags with reusable cloth bags.
In 2022, our sustainability plans include:
- Testing electric vehicles as part of the fleet
We have already begun some testing of e-vehicles in 2021. In 2022, we expect to be able to incorporate e-vehicles into our fleet this year. We are currently testing the best options and researching based on sustainable and ethical battery sourcing.
- Targeting a 10% reduction in fuel usage
By the end of 2022, we aim to have decreased our fuel usage by 10% and will continue on this trajectory of reduction until we can introduce a fully electric fleet.
- Installing solar panels onto the main GSLS facility
While we will continue to use renewable energy sources we also plan to install solar panels to further improve our carbon neutrality.
- Working towards ISO 14001 Certification
The ISO 14001 Certification is an internationally agreed standard that sets out the requirements for an environmental management system. This year we are working to get certified so we can operate within the well-defined criteria set out by the certificate for environmental management.
- Continuous supply chain review
We know that sustainability necessitates a full-circle approach. We will continue to review our supply chain to ensure human rights and environmental standards are aligned.
Throughout 2022 we will continue to develop our sustainability policy, which will be fully confirmed and in place by Q2. This will factor in all of the above and any other key environmental aspects that will lead to more sustainable ways of working. We look forward to sharing our progress with you through 2022 and beyond.
