Embracing Environmental, Social and Governance Responsibility
Welcome to a&o Hostels, where sustainable travel is at the core of our operations. We focus on energy efficiency, eco-friendly sourcing, water conservation and more, actively working towards a more sustainable future. It's what defines us!
“At a&o Hostels, we believe travel should be accessible to everyone. Travel educates, broadens horizons, and fosters multicultural understanding. Therefore, our slogan, 'Everyone Can Travel’, isn't just a tagline; it's our guiding philosophy.”
“Sustainability is significant to me personally. Not because it's trendy, but because it's crucial for economic success, preserving our livelihoods, and future generations.”
- Oliver Winter, CEO
Interactive ESG Monitors
We have implemented our Interactive ESG Monitors throughout our a&o Hostels which provide interactive educational material on-site. Make sure to check it out during your stay!
Hostel Innovations Lead Progress in Reducing Carbon Footprint
Our aim? To lead the way as the first hostel to achieve Net Zero status in 2025. Let's team up to make travelling sustainable!
We're making significant progress in reducing our carbon footprint, and we're excited to keep you updated on our journey…
… We’ve made huge strides in cutting our CO2 emissions per overnight stay:
From
15 kg
CO2 in 2015
To
5.8 kg
CO2 in 2019
and further down to
3.73 kg
CO2 in 2022
Reduction of
75.13%
Alignment with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals
Guided by the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, a&o Hostels is deeply committed to shaping a sustainable future. We focus on six key goals that resonate with our business ethics and empower us to effect positive change - not just in our operations but also in the communities we serve. By aligning our actions with these goals, we can enhance every aspect of your guest experience responsibly.
Saving clean water means preserving clean water! We have been on the trail of this motto for quite some time. By introducing waterless urinals, water-saving shower heads and sensor taps, we have already saved more than 150,000,000 litres of water in our hostels. We also take great care to avoid chemicals and microplastics in order to keep our ecological footprint as small as possible.
Green grass through green gas. In order to harmonize the idea of environmental compatibility and sustainability with hostel operations, we are now introducing the use of green gas. In addition, we pay special attention to using only green electricity in all our 40 houses.
The dignity of man is inviolable. Unfortunately, this sentence is not anchored in every mind, which is why we still find inhumane working conditions. For this reason, the optimization of labour policy, cooperation with advocating partners and the fight against illegal shadow economy is an important item on our agenda. Basically, the goal is to achieve multiple profits for all parts of the sales chain through fair means and to achieve effective system design.
Enjoying a natural feeling despite a city-centre location. To help our employees and guests escape the cold grey of many cities, we are very focused on creating public green spaces at our a&o locations. These areas should find space in the lobbies and of course in our courtyards. The goal here is not only to create something for the human eye but also to effectively use the space for events, etc. Our support of reforestation is also intended to prevent natural disasters.
Attention - responsible hostel! As already mentioned, we at a&o attach great importance to keeping our ecological footprint small. In the future, more and more vegetarian, vegan and especially regional products will be used to make our daily hostel life more pleasant for everyone. All these resource-saving measures, also in the production of promotional items, etc., fit perfectly with the needs of our mother nature.
#everyonecantravel, but only when necessary! In order to move ever closer to our climate goals, we are also encouraged to avoid unnecessary business travel. To achieve our goal of being CO2 neutral by 2025, our Green Team has made it their mission to tackle several emissions reduction projects in real-time. In this way, we can save a lot of energy, which we can then use to provide our guests with an unforgettable stay.
We are committed to complying with ESG criteria as part of our compliance concept.
E - EnvironmentIt’s about how a company affects the planet, such as its use of resources, pollution levels and efforts to combat climate change, aiming to do business in a way that’s kinder to the environment.
S - SocialThis is about how a company treats people - its employees, the communities it operates in, its customers and suppliers, looking at things like fair treatment, diversity, workers’ rights and involvement in local issues.
G - GovernanceGovernance is about how a company is run, like who’s making decisions, how transparent they are, whether they’re following the rules and if they’re looking out for the interests of their shareholders.
Energy ConservationHostels and hotels consume a lot of energy for lighting, heating, cooling and appliances, leading to high carbon emissions.
a&o's Action: We’re committed to energy conservation and integrating renewable resources whenever feasible.
Water Conservation:Daily operations at a hostel/hotel, like laundry and cleaning, use a lot of water, impacting local water resources.
a&o's Action: Water conservation plays an integral part in our Hostels sustainability commitments.
Your Stay, Sustainably SourcedHostel/hotel operations can affect local biodiversity, especially in sensitive areas.
a&o's Action: Our a&o Responsible Sourcing Policy, initiated in 2022, plays a key role in shaping the sustainability of our operations.
Sustainable Waste ManagementThe hospitality industry often generates a lot of waste, including food, packaging and disposable items
a&o's Action: We've implemented proactive measures to reduce packaging waste significantly.
Green MobilityGuest travel and supply deliveries can significantly increase carbon emissions.
a&o's Action: We invite you to join us in our commitment to sustainable travel during your stay and beyond. Choose green, travel clean, and make a positive impact together!
At a&o educare, our mission is clear: to make a positive impact on young minds through sustainability education. Led by CEO Oliver Winter, we’re dedicated to empowering the next generation through „ESD - Education for Sustainable Development,“ in line with the UN’s „17 Goals.“ But our commitment goes beyond the classroom.
Teaming up with Fresenius University, we ensure that every school or group trip we support leaves a lasting impression. For instance, our collaboration resulted in the creation of the groundbreaking „a&o insect ho(s)tel“ at our Frankfurt-Galluswarte Hostel, fostering biodiversity education in a fun, hands-on way.
Moreover, our partnership with SOS Children’s Villages allows us to extend our support to those in need, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to learn and grow sustainably. At a&o educare, we’re not just advocates; we’re actively involved, leading eco-friendly projects one step at a time.
The mission of the a&o Kunsthalle is to provide a space for artistic expression while championing equality and sustainability. Committed to fostering ongoing learning and engagement, they actively build bridges with local universities, encourage interdisciplinary collaboration, and reach out to Leipzig’s diverse communities through inclusive initiatives.
The a&o Kunsthalle, a testament to collaboration and creativity, emerged from the joint efforts of a&o hostel staff and Tanja Heuchele. Originally an old railway post office shed in Leipzig, it has evolved into a vibrant hub for exhibitions and events since its inception in 2018.
Since then, it has been a platform for showcasing emerging artists worldwide, closely tied with the Academy of Visual Arts Leipzig. In 2022, Kunsthalle Leipzig e.V. was established as a non-profit organisation, generously supported by a&o hostels. At the heart of it all is a dedication to creating connections, sparking dialogue, and making art accessible to everyone, enriching Leipzig’s cultural tapestry.
Sponsorships in Social, Science, Environment and Sports
Social
a&o Hostels provided SOS Children’s Villages with 300 overnight stays/beds for children in need.
Art
Art art&o spans across 33 locations in Europe, offering a stage for artists and musicians to showcase their talent. From gigs to workshops, we embrace contemporary art, nurturing creativity. Local talents are invited to join us, making art&o a vibrant hub for artistic expression.
Science and the environment
The Berlin Climate Schools promotes environmental awareness through school projects. a&o Hostels sponsors the online audience award, offering the winning class a 7-day (6-night) trip with breakfast.
Sports
Over 2000 overnight stays/beds were provided for FC Union Berlin, the DESG German Speed Skating and Short Track Association, Hachinohe Japan Juniors, FC Hansa Rostock, the youth partner of ALBA Berlin, Eisbären Juniors Berlin and ttc berlin eastside.
Responsible Sourcing Policy
In 2023, a&o took significant steps forward with our „a&o Responsible Sourcing Policy“. This policy defines the principles guiding our purchasing decisions, prioritising social responsibility, environmental protection and ethical business conduct. By involving our suppliers more closely in our sustainability journey, we’re fostering a partnership where they share our commitment. This policy isn’t just about meeting legal requirements; it sets higher expectations that any responsible company should strive to meet, ensuring a&o and our suppliers uphold the values of human rights, environmental protection and responsible business practices throughout our supply chain.
Role of Our ESG Task Force
At the heart of the company’s commitment to sustainability is the ESG Task Force, a dynamic assembly of employees united by a shared vision to integrate ESG principles into the very fabric of the company’s DNA. This passionate collective is committed to driving positive change, both within the headquarters and across all houses. Through regular, voluntary meetings, the team delves into current ESG initiatives, and ongoing projects and openly welcomes fresh ideas from all members. This inclusive platform not only amplifies every voice within the company but also fosters a collaborative environment where innovation and sustainability flourish side by side. The ESG Task Force stands at the forefront of integrating sustainable practices into operations, ensuring that the company not only meets but exceeds its environmental responsibilities.
HR Training
We prioritize a culture of continuous learning and personal development, recognising its pivotal role in enriching our staff’s knowledge, refining their skills and amplifying their abilities. This commitment not only empowers them to navigate daily business challenges with confidence but also fosters their professional growth, enabling them to perform at their peak and make meaningful contributions to the organization’s triumphs
Our comprehensive training programs extend beyond enhancing business acumen; they are also designed to enrich personal lives. Covering a spectrum of soft skills, leadership techniques, conflict resolution strategies and time management principles, these offerings aim to cultivate well-rounded individuals who thrive both professionally and personally.
a&o training courses represent a strategic investment in employee development, serving as a cornerstone for the enduring success of our organization. By arming individuals with the requisite skills and knowledge tailored to their roles, we empower them to excel, driving efficiency, innovation and sustainable growth.
Diversity
One of our values is diversity, which means we welcome all types of guests into a&o, and for employees, we are always open for everyone to join our team as it does not matter which origin, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, physical and mental abilities and socio-economic backgrounds you are. We embrace these unique qualities, weaving them into the colorful tapestry of experiences that define our a&o Hostels community as we have international employees in all our hostels as well as our headquarters.
a&o Hostels focuses on sustainability! We have published our second edition of the a&o Sustainability Report following the Green House Gas (GHG) protocol. Read our Sustainability Report to explore our holistic approach to sustainability.
GHG Protocol
The GHG Protocol establishes a global standardized framework for measuring and managing greenhouse gas emissions from both private and public sector operations, including value chains and mitigation actions to address climate change effectively.
Scope 1, 2, 3
Scope 1 emissions…
… are direct greenhouse gas emissions from sources owned or controlled by an organization, such as fuel combustion and industrial processes.
Scope 2 emissions…
… are indirect greenhouse gas emissions associated with the generation of electricity, heat, or steam that an organization purchases or consumes, typically from utilities or other external sources.
Scope 3 emissions…
… encompass all indirect greenhouse gas emissions that occur in the value chain of an organization, including both upstream and downstream activities such as purchased goods and services, transportation, waste disposal and product use.
GreenSign
Since 2019, we’ve proudly collaborated with GreenSign, a recognised entity by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). Our GreenSign certification signifies our dedication to sustainable practices, with the majority of our hostels holding Level 4 Certification. Notably, a&o Venezia Mestre has achieved Level 5, showcasing our ongoing efforts towards sustainability. With GreenSign, guests can rest assured that their stay contributes positively to the environment.
Fitch
Our sustainable practices have earned us an impressive ESG rating of 2 from Sustainable Fitch, reflecting our strong commitment to social responsibility. This rating underscores our dedication to sustainability across all aspects of our operations.
Veolia
We partner with Veolia at select a&o locations. Collaborating with leading waste management organisations like Veolia, we strive to manage waste responsibly, support environmental goals and contribute to the transition towards a circular economy. Our partnership with Veolia underscores our commitment to reducing waste and minimising our environmental footprint.
At a&o Hostels, we value your input in shaping our sustainable future. Whether you have suggestions to enhance our eco-initiatives, feedback on our approach, or a story from your sustainability journey, we’re eager to hear from you. Every perspective and idea brings us closer to our goal of creating a brighter, more sustainable future. Together, let’s embark on the journey of responsible travel and become co-travellers towards a sustainable, Net Zero future.
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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!
