Today Hostelworld, the
Developed in partnership with the
Hostels, by design, offer a highly sustainable accommodation option for travellers. Their shared accommodation set up results in reduced water and electricity consumption, while their use of shared kitchens means there is considerably less food, plastic and packaging wastage. Hostels also play a vital role in acting as community guardians, actively promoting authentic local experiences, working with local suppliers and organising volunteering opportunities that contribute to the betterment of the local community.
New research from
A survey of Hostelworld's hostel partners also reveals that although 85 per cent of hostels either participate in sustainability initiatives or have expressed interest in doing so, they face challenges in communicating their efforts and the impact of their existing sustainability practices.
Recognising the need for formal recognition in a sector that is already deeply committed to sustainability, the 'Staircase to Sustainability' framework aims to provide hostels with a clear pathway to communicate their sustainability management practices, as well as recognise their socio-economic, cultural and environmental impact.
Divided into four levels, and aligning directly with the established sustainable tourism criteria of the GSTC, the 'Staircase to Sustainability' is designed to not only help hostels identify any gaps in their current sustainability practices and guide them to moving up the 'staircase' to secure a formal certification, but to also celebrate the incredible work already being done in the category. Hostels that sign up to the framework will be subject to auditing by a third party, from level two upwards, speaking to the high standard it sets for participating hostels.
The framework also serves as an accessible guide for the climate-conscious traveller looking to make informed choices when selecting accommodation, removing hours of research as well as any potential guesswork. For every level of criteria achieved, a hostel will be awarded the relevant sustainability Badge on Hostelworld's website. Travellers can now also search for sustainable hostels using Hostelworld's new sustainability filter.
On launch day, 1,000 hostels will proudly display a Level One badge on their Hostelworld profile, signifying that positive sustainability practices are already being incorporated, while an additional 219 will have achieved Level Two and a further 9 hostels will be at Level Three.
Commenting on the launch of the 'Staircase to Sustainability',
The Staircase To Sustainability Framework Levels Explained
Level One
To achieve a Level One Badge, the hostel has started to introduce practices that generate positive social and environmental impact for their staff, the local community and customers
Sustainable management: the hostel complies with local legal requirements and have put processes in place to manage their sustainability goals
Socio-economic impact: the hostel offers fair employment to their community and are taking steps to contribute to local livelihoods
Cultural impact: the hostel is respectful of cultural heritage and gives guests relevant information to ensure they are too
Environmental impact: the hostel has put measures in place to reduce their environmental impact and provides guests with information to minimise their impact
Level Two
To achieve a Level Two Badge, the hostel has to have achieved everything outlined in Level One as well as the new criteria below. Within Level Two the hostel has put a sustainability strategy in place to document and measure progress. They're prioritising environmental, social and cultural best practices. Hostels will also be subject to auditing by a third party from level two upwards.
Sustainable management: the hostel compiles details and data on their sustainability efforts, provides staff with training and implements sustainability-related feedback from guests
Socio-economic impact: the hostel actively supports local businesses and community groups and provides opportunities for guests to support them too
Cultural impact: the hostel displays cultural information for guests at the hostel or in digital communications
Environmental impact: the hostel has implemented strategies to improve their environmental efforts and conserve biodiversity of their surroundings, helping customers have a more sustainable stay
Level Three
To achieve a Level Three Badge, the hostel has to have achieved everything outlined in Levels One and Two as well as the new criteria below. Within Level Three the hostel is making continuous improvements on their sustainability goals, outlined in their detailed strategy. They're committed to creating significant environmental, social and cultural change, making them ready for certification by a
Sustainable management: the hostel reports on and publishes their sustainability actions and achievements. They're involved in sustainability programmes in their local area and are making their hostel accessible
Socio-economic impact: the hostel reports on contributions made towards community groups
Cultural impact: the hostel embraces and educates guests on traditional and current local culture
Environmental impact: the hostel ensures that not only their practices are environmentally friendly but that their supplies are too. They've also taken steps to reduce pollution
Level Three +
To achieve a Level Three+ Badge, the hostel has to have achieved everything outlined in Levels One, Two and Three. The hostel also has had their sustainability strategy certified by a
'Staircase to Sustainability' Level One Badge Holder Case Studies
Volunteering at Rio Hostel Buritaca,
This beautiful hostel, near the beaches of
St. Christopher's Inn sits at the top of the famous bustling pedestrian street Las Ramblas in
Inclusivity at Modal Hostel,
Modal Hostel is a modern boutique hostel complete with its own art gallery and coffee shop in
Accessibility at INOUT Hostel,
INOUT hostel, based in the beautiful
About the
The research conducted by
The results identify that hostels produce 82 per cent less carbon than hotels. In fact, this is a notable year-on-year improvement for hostels, with 2022's analysis finding hostels were 75 per cent less carbon intensive compared to hotels. Furthermore, the study reveals hostel carbon emissions have reduced year-on-year from 0.30 tCO2e to 0.25 tCO2e. In contrast, hotel carbon emissions have increased within the last year from 1.18 tCO2e to a range of 1.37 tCO2e to 1.43 tCO2e.
The 80 responding hostels accounted for a total of 30,697 beds. The study collected data from hostels ranging in size, from 0-50 guests, up to hostels with 500+ guests. The study included data from both chain and independent properties.
In the case where the actual data was not available,
The estimations included:
Electricity:
Refrigerants: The properties reporting F-gas leaks were unable to give information on the type of F-gas used in their equipment.
The full report can be downloaded here: https://www.bureauveritas.co.uk/sites/g/files/zypfnx216/files/media/document/Hostelworld_Bureau%20Veritas_Understanding%20The%20Carbon%20Impact%20of%20Hostels%20vs.%20Hotels.pdf
About the
Hostelworld conducted a partner survey in
About
Founded in 1999, Hostelworld is a well-known trusted brand with almost 250 employees across 11 countries; hostel partners in over 180 countries; and a strong commitment to building a better world in all that we do. In particular, our focus in the last few years has been on improving the sustainability of the hostelling industry, through our membership of the
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