Tootbus green commitment

At Tootbus, we believe that a bus is the ideal way to start exploring, especially in the big capitals. It’s a unique and simply to understand the city layout, visualise the different neighbourhoods and gain a better overview of the city.  

Our commitment extends beyond providing exceptional travel experiences. We believe that preserving the beauty, vibrancy and environmental integrity of these cities is crucial for locals, tourists and future generations. 

 

We love our cities, We protect our cities

 

“As a leading player in urban tourism, we have the responsibility to raise public awareness about global warming and preserving the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the cities we operate in. Through our actions, we strive to inspire others to join us in caring for the planet.” Arnaud Masson, SVP Digital & Sightseeing.

 

In 2021, we embarked on a major transformation of the RATP Dev sightseeing activities under the name of Tootbus. Our ecological commitment was a clear step forward. We proudly launched the world’s first 100% electric sightseeing bus operation in Brussels in 2021 and we have been investing in a program to convert our fleet to low-emission energies. Today, we operate a 100% low-emission fleet where 35% of our buses are electric, and the remaining run on biofuels (HVO and Bio NGV) in Paris, London, and Brussels.

 

Our ambition

 In line with the Glasgow Declaration for Climate Action in Tourism signed in 2023, we have adopted concrete climate action plans and invested significantly in decarbonising our bus fleet. Our goal is to contribute to achieving carbon neutrality by 2030. We emphasise the urgent need for an energy transition in tourism to combat climate change. 

 

Our mission

Our commitment to sustainability extends beyond our operations to embrace a holistic approach towards environmental stewardship. We are dedicated to making impactful changes that benefit the planet, engage our team and partners, and pave the way for a greener future. Thus, we have structured our actions into 3 main groups:

 

What have we achieved so far?

Our green initiatives are designed to reduce our environmental impact and promote eco-friendly travel solutions. To achieve our objectives, we are actively working to minimise our resource consumption and carbon footprint by focusing on fleet conversion, energy-efficient practices and responsible digitalisation.

 

Fleet Electrification:

  • June 2021 - World’s first Low-Emission Sightseeing Bus service in Paris:  Launched the world’s first sightseeing bus fleet in Paris using electric bio NGV & HVO technology.
  • November 2021 - World’s first 100% electric Sightseeing Bus service in Brussels. Operating a 100% electric fleet in Brussels since its launch
  • 2023 : Low Emission Fleet in London: Achieved a 100% low-emission bus fleet in London by retrofitting buses to use HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil), a sustainable fuel alternative.
  • 2024 - New Electric Buses in London and Paris: Introduced 2 new electric buses in London and 4 in Paris.
  • June 2024 - London Garage Electrification: EV chargers installation at the Tootbus garage in London, enabling the support and maintenance of electric buses.

 

Energy Efficiency and Operations Optimisation:

  • Rainwater Harvesting in London: Implemented a rainwater harvesting system in London capable of collecting 10,000 liters of water, which is used for washing buses, conserving freshwater resources.
  • June 2024 - Solar Panels Installation in London: Installed first solar panels in London, generating a total of 66,000 kWh per year, reducing dependency on non-renewable energy sources and lowering operational carbon emissions.

 

Timeline

 

Measure

 

Our 2023 emissions by scope

To support our Climate Plan, we have completed the measurement of our carbon footprint for the year 2023 in partnership with Greenly. 

This measurement, compliant with the GHG protocol, allows us to precisely understand our environmental impact and define targeted actions to contribute to achieving carbon neutrality by 2030, while raising awareness and engaging our customers and partners in this transition towards a more sustainable future.

 

 

Our 2023 emissions by category

Tootbus climate plan 2030

 

1. For the Planet

 

Fleet electrification

Goal: Replace 100% HVO biofuel buses with electric buses by 2030.

Actions:

  • Gradual electrification of 47 buses. Achieve full electrification.

Partners: Local or European bus manufacturers only.

 

Energy-efficiency

Goal: Achieve maximum reduction in Scope 2 emissions by 2030.

Actions:

  • Solar panels installation on Paris & Brussels bus depots and offices.
  • Rainwater harvesting installation in Paris & Brussels.
  • Other energy efficiency actions aim to reduce consumption such as energy monitoring systems, LED lighting etc.)

 

Operational optimisation

Goal: Improve operational efficiency and reduce emissions by 10%.

Actions:

  • Telematics on all buses to monitor consumption.
  • Annual eco-driving trainings for drivers.

 

2. For a Greener Future

 

Digital & IT​

Launch a robust set of initiatives that emphasize energy efficiency, digital optimization, and environmentally friendly practices across all operations. Strive to achieve a completely paperless environment, streamlining both internal processes and the entire customer journey.​

 

​Green Procurement​

Ensure all new purchases meet sustainability criteria by 2024.​

 

Waste Management​

Increase recycling rates to 80% by 2030.​ 

Continue to donate usable IT equipement and bus spare parts to benefit others, recycle or responsibly dispose the remaining items. Further research and innovate in recycling technologies, encouraging our providers to find options for 100% recyclability of the items. ​

 

Develop new eco-friendly activities​

Develop alternative ways to discover the city.​ Stay tuned! 

 
2. For the People

 

Raise Awareness

Continue increasing public awareness of sustainability initiatives by actively participating on workshops, trade shows etc. 

 

Behavioral change influencer​

Educate and encourage employees, customers and partners to adopt sustainable practices and understand the importance of reducing carbon footprints through various innovative actions.​

 

Partner with eco-friendly brands​

Continue collaborating with other eco-friendly brands to offer combined services or products that reinforce our sustainability message. Explore innovative partnerships that leverage each other's strengths to create sustainable journeys.

 

Awards & certifications

All operations

Skål International Sustainable Tourism Awards

UK operations

  • Quality Management - ISO 9001 Certification: ISO 9001 is an internationally recognized standard for quality management systems. By achieving this certification, we demonstrate our commitment to consistently delivering high-quality services to our customers. It means that our processes are well-defined, efficient, and focused on meeting customer needs. 
  • Environmental Responsibility - ISO 14001 Certification: Tootbus is proud to hold ISO 14001 certification, which focuses on environmental management. This certification ensures that we minimize our environmental impact, from reducing waste to conserving resources. Our commitment to sustainability extends beyond the bus tours—we’re dedicated to preserving the destinations we visit for future generations.
  • Safety First - ISO 45001 Certification: Safety is paramount in the travel industry. Tootbus prioritises the well-being of our passengers, drivers, and partners. ISO 45001 certification validates our robust health and safety management system. It means that we proactively identify risks, implement preventive measures, and continuously improve safety practices. 

 

”By embracing sustainable practices and promoting eco-friendly travel, we are not only enhancing the sightseeing experience but also paving the way for a greener future in tourism. Join us on our journey to make a positive impact on the environment and the cities we love.”  

 

Contact us

Have questions or want to access the complete Tootbus climate plan? please contact us through Linkedin.