TUI Travel PLC (?TUI Travel? or the ?Group?) is pleased to announce its inclusion in the Carbon Disclosure Leadership Index for the fifth consecutive year. Once again, TUI Travel is the only tour operator to be featured in this index.
The Carbon Disclosure Leadership Index, a key component of CDP?s annual FTSE 350 report, highlights the constituent companies within the FTSE 350 Index which have displayed a strong approach to information disclosure regarding climate change. Companies are scored on their climate change disclosure and high scores indicate good internal data management and understanding of climate change related issues affecting the company.
TUI Travel PLC?s score places it in the top 10% of the 238 respondents from the FTSE 350.
The index, compiled by PwC on behalf of CDP, provides an evaluation tool for institutional investors and other stakeholders. In 2012 it comprises the top 35 companies from the FTSE 350 based on analysis of the responses to CDP?s questionnaire which focused on greenhouse gas emissions, emissions reduction targets and the risks and opportunities associated with climate change.
Earlier this year TUI Travel PLC launched its three year *Sustainable Holidays Plan 2012 ? 2014. In it, the Group set out four goals: 1) deliver 10 million ?greener and fairer? holidays, 2) operate Europe?s most fuel efficient airlines and save 20,000 tonnes of carbon from ground operations, 3) have colleagues rate TUI Travel as a leader in sustainability and 4) have customers regard TUI Travel as a leader in delivering more sustainable holidays. These four goals are underpinned by 20 measureable commitments that TUI Travel will report on annually helping to drive sustainability across the Group.
An example of TUI Travel?s commitment to sustainability is that its UK airline, Thomson Airways, will be the first UK airline to take delivery of the new Boeing 787 which is 20% more fuel efficient than similar aircraft currently available. Thomson have eight on order and will start commercial flights from May 2013. A further five will be delivered to other TUI Travel airlines.
Johan Lundgren, Deputy Chief Executive, TUI Travel PLC, commented:
?To be included in the Carbon Disclosure Leadership Index for the fifth year running is a fantastic achievement and I would like to thank everyone involved. This inclusion demonstrates that as a Group we understand the issues related to climate change and are facing up to them in the day to day running of the business. Disclosure is the first step, to have an impact you must demonstrate carbon efficiency improvements. We are doing just. The launch of our Sustainable Holidays Plan 2012-14 earlier this year shows that once again we are leading the way in our industry.?
Paul Simpson, chief executive officer of the Carbon Disclosure Project, commented:
?Companies that make the Carbon Disclosure Leadership Index have demonstrated strong internal data management practices for the measurement of greenhouse gas emissions and energy use. They are also giving clear consideration to the business issues related to climate change and their exposure to climaterelated risks and opportunities. This is vital to realising greater efficiencies, protecting the business from risk and capitalizing on opportunities.?
The FTSE 350 report, including names of companies featured in the Carbon Disclosure Leadership Index, can be found at www.cdproject.net.
*To view TUI Travel PLC?s 2011 sustainable development report and the Group?s 2012-2013 Sustainability Plan please visit http://www.tuitravelplc.com/sustainability.