Reducing carbon emissions across our operations
Climate change affects our destinations, and therefore our bottom line, and we acknowledge that our greenhouse gas emissions contribute to global warming. We have a carbon management strategy in development to reduce this contribution, covering aviation, water transport, major premises, ground transport and flagship hotel properties.
In 2008/9, Crystal’s direct carbon footprint (we measured our energy consumption, paper for brochure production, company cars, staff travel to work, copy paper, recycling and business flights for Crystal employees) was 1375 tonnes. In the period April to March 2012 when we measured our carbon footprint again, we reduced the CO2 emissions to 1001 tonnes. Another step in the right direction.
Carbon emissions from aviation
The main airline we use is Thomson Airways. Thomson’s aim is to reduce the environmental impact of its fleet of aircraft by replacing older aircraft with new, more fuel-efficient models and by pursuing a fuel conservation programme to ensure that its fleet is as fuel efficient as possible. In 2010/11, the fleet’s average emissions were 76g of CO2 per revenue passenger kilometre (CO2/RPK), which compares very favourably with both global scheduled airlines and low-cost airlines.
In June 2011, TUI Travel PLC, Thomson Airways’ and Crystal’s parent company, completed its fourth submission to the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) – the independent organisation that gathers climate change information from companies throughout the world. Our submission contained detailed information about our carbon impact, risk and opportunity, and our approach to carbon management.
Carbon offset projects
Since 2003 Crystal has been in partnership with the Carbon Neutral Company. As part of our commitment to be carbon neutral, we have worked with them to support numerous carbon-offset projects over the years. The carbon emissions reduced by these projects offset emissions from our own activities.
Beijin Hydro Power Project, China
Energy Efficiency Projects, Jamaica
Wind Power Generation Project, India
Waste Heat Recovery Project, India
Waste Gas Power Project, Germany
Giuzhou Hydro Power Project, China
Methane Capture Project, China