TUI’s ground operations consist of major premises, retail shops, brochures and transport vehicles. We have approximately 50 major offices and a retail portfolio consisting of around 1,600 shops throughout Europe. Our ground transport operations sit within Destination Experiences and operate around 300 vehicles.

In 2018 absolute emissions from our ground operations (offices, retails & brochures) were 9.3 % lower compared to 2017, a 17% reduction from our 2015 baseline. Relative emissions from our transport vehicles slightly rose by 2.3 %, but have still shown an overall reduction of 8.8 % from the 2015 baseline.

In 2018, over 55% of TUI Group’s energy for major premises and retail stores was purchased on a green tariff – up from 35% in 2017.

In 2018 TUI Group further reduced its printed brochures by 9 % comparedto 2017, a 23 % reduction again the 2015 baseline. Since TUI’s brochure reduction programme began in 2012, the business has reduced brochure manufacture by over two thirds.

From sustainable building design and electric vehicle charging to more efficient coaches and reduced use of paper, TUI Group is working to reduce the environmental impact of its ground operations.

Sustainability was at the forefront of the design of TUI Netherland’s Rijswijk office, completed in December 2018. Sustainable materials were used throughout the building, including floors and stairs made of bamboo and a moss wall. Plans are being made to fit the roof with solar panels. The green roof helps prevent flooding as roots retain water and will also stimulate biodiversity. The parking area now includes 13 charging stations for electric and plug-in hybrid cars and electric bikes.

TUI Germany and TUI AG have been ISO 14001 certified since 2003 and 2005 respectively. These certifications cover a range of environmental aspects including emissions reductions, water management and biodiversity preservation. TUI Business Services, which manage facilities in the head offices in Hannover, are also ISO 14001 certified. With a focus on energy reduction, TUI Germany have reduced the electricity consumption in their retail stores by over 19 % between 2015 and 2018.

Since 2015, TUI fly Belgium have used electric cars for ground-based colleagues at Brussels Airport to transport ground support agents and technicians to aircraft before departure and on arrival. These cars offer energy savings of 70 %. TUI fly Netherlands also use electric vehicles airside for maintenance and engineering. TUI fly Germany have now installed charging stations for electric vehicles at the employees’ car park at the head office in Hannover, and are exploring the use of electric vehicles for aircraft maintenance at the airport.