Tui Travel’s green credentials have been recognised in a listing of FTSE 100 companies for the second year in succession.
It is the only travel company to feature in the top 20 in annual rankings compiled by carbon management organisation Carbon Clear and also climbed two places this year into fourth position.
In joint first place were BT and Marks and Spencer, followed by Unilever, then Tui Travel with a score of 78%. Other top 10 performers were Sainsbury’s, National Grid, BSkyB and Coca-Cola.
The report assesses the best practice carbon reporting processes, strategy and performance of FTSE 100 companies by scoring publicly available information from each against 67 reporting criteria.
The analysis, carried out over the summer of 2014, focused on how companies measure, report and verify their carbon footprint, their existing and planned strategies for reducing emissions, their actual carbon reductions and their work to engage stakeholders about their climate change programmes.
Tui Travel scored consistently high due to its carbon management programme, which has a developed strategy with clearly defined targets.
Carbon Clear was impressed by many examples of work done to reduce emissions, including an updated aircraft fleet, including the introduction of Boeing 787 Dreamliners.
There was also a focus on reducing emissions in unique hotels, such as Thomson Sensatori resorts and First Choice Holiday Villages, offering low carbon products and services to holidaymakers and investing in renewable energy.
The company was also awarded points for a sustainability data system implemented in 2013, as well as industry collaboration on climate change issues and engagement with policy makers through advocating smarter carbon legislation.
Group sustainable development director Jane Ashton said: “We understand that businesses have an essential role to play in ensuring that worldwide carbon emissions are managed effectively.
“To be recognised as one of the best practice leaders for carbon reporting is testament to our ongoing commitment to sustainable tourism, but there is no room for complacency and we will continue to drive carbon down throughout our business – green business is good business.”
Carbon Clear chief executive Mark Chadwick said: “Tui Travel continue to improve their carbon management performance with a good, strong balanced programme of activities. A well-deserved fourth place ranking for 2014.”