18th July 2023 - a&o, Europe’s leading private hostel operator, has released its first sustainability report, offering a comprehensive analysis of its commitment to operating responsibly. The 30-page report highlights a&o’s key strategic sustainability topics, current and planned measures, achievements so far and new goals, namely of becoming the first net-zero hostel chain in Europe by 2025. The report is set to be released annually and this year’s can be downloaded here: https://cdn.aohostels.com/pdf/presse/Sustainability_Report.pdf
Sustainability has been a core part of the company since it was founded in 2000, but for 2023, it has become a central part of its corporate strategy. Based on the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, a&o focuses on six of the 17 ESG goals including; climate protection measures, sustainable consumption and production, affordable and clean energy, clean water and sanitation, sustainable cities and communities and economic growth.
The key target of becoming the first net-zero hostel chain in Europe by 2025 will be achieved by a number of measures. a&o will prioritise local production, reducing food shipments by 10% per year and avoiding tropical foods and seafood. All hostels will have a greater energy efficiency with all homes increased by at least one energy class and solar energy installation where possible. In addition to this, energy will be 100% green in all hostels, where possible.
a&o has already made impressive steps to reduce its current carbon footprint per overnight stay. Since 2015, when measurements began, the overnight carbon footprint in Berlin has reduced by 56% from approx. 8.5kgs to 3.7kgs in May 2023 (per overnight stay).
a&o is encouraging its guests to be involved in its sustainability efforts for just ten cents. Those who book directly can voluntarily offset their stay with the help of the e-commerce solution Climate Click – part of the cooperation partner South Pole. When booking, they are asked ‘Do you want to offset your trip?’ and can choose their donation, starting at ten cents. In the next stage of development and as a show of commitment to its responsible ethos, a&o will automatically cover the offsetting costs for stays for all a&o club members.
Arben Maliqi, Project Manager ESG/HR: "Our sustainability report shows how far a&o is willing to go: that we embed ESG principles into every aspect of our business."
Founder and CEO, Oliver Winter, comments; “Sustainability is important to me personally. Not because it is fashionable, but because it is equally important for economic success, the preservation of our livelihoods and future generations. This is nothing new for a&o – but we are including sustainability more and more as a core value of our business model in order to contribute to the ambitious goals of society as a whole, including the Paris Climate Agreement and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. In doing so, we are adding a new dimension to the hospitality industry and youth hostels in particular and we hope our guests will enjoy and join us in our efforts.”
a&o Sustainability Report 2022 Download:
You want to know more about our sustainability goals? Then take a look at our "a&o Green" page and learn more about our corporate philosophy.
For more information about a&o Hostels, visit: www.aohostels.com
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Sustainability at a&o - Net Zero in 2025
World’s largest Hostel Chain - With 28,500 Beds
15.800.000 guests we say thank you!
