European Eco-Label and Ibex-Label

The European Eco-Label confirms that the enterprise to which the label was awarded reduces its consumption of energy, water and waste, uses environmentally friendly materials, and buys environmentally compatible goods.

This is complemented by the Ibex Label, which defines the full spectrum of sustainable operations in the areas of business management, business administration, environmental management, employees, regional added value and culture. The Swiss Youth Hostels have a stated goal of achieving certification of all of its hostels by the end of 2010.

More information about the European Eco-Label

More information about Ibex Label

myclimate

Together with the environmental organisation “myclimate”, we actively support climate protection. Since 2008 guests of Swiss Youth Hostels have been able to offset their carbon emissions, which are caused by their overnight stays, by paying a contribution of 50 Centimes for each night’s stay. At that time this was unique in the Swiss accommodation sector.

“myclimate” successfully implemented the ‘Wind Energy in India’ Project by the end of 2008 using the contributions from the Fund for Climate Projects. In 2009 the contributions supported a project for solar cookers in Madagascar while the compensation contributions are now being used for the "Efficient Cookers in Peru" Project

The contributions have been also been used to make wide-ranging improvements for reducing water consumption at Swiss Youth Hostels and finance the solar collectors at Scuol Youth Hostel and the photovoltaic system at St. Moritz Youth Hostel.

“myclimate”, a non-profit-making foundation, provides an emission calculator on its website. You can also use this calculator to determine and compensate your travel emissions. Thank you very much for your support!

More information about myclimate

WWF Climate Group

Coop, Migros, Swisscom, Ikea, Zurich Cantonal Bank, a large Zurich residential co-operative and the Swiss Youth Hostels constitute the WWF Climate Group, whose aim it is to contribute towards the protection of the climate. The group formally undertakes to reduce CO2 emissions to a maximum with their operations and products. For the Swiss Youth Hostels, this commitment means, among other aspects, that when purchasing domestic appliances, lighting, and IT equipment «top ten» products are used to the greatest extent possible.

More information about the WWF Climate Group

Greenpeace

Solar panels on the roof of St. Moritz Youth Hostel

In summer 24 young people from Kenya, Poland, the USA and Switzerland installed a photovoltaic system covering an area of 160 m² and a thermal solar plant with an area of 60 m² on the roof of St. Moritz Youth Hostel as part of the Youth Solar Project of Greenpeace. The photovoltaic system supplies up to 26,680 kWh of electricity annually and therefore covers the annual consumption of 6 four-person households or one sixth of the electricity consumption of the Youth Hostel. The thermal solar plant also saves 2,700 litres of heating oil every year. The sustainably generated energy makes a major contribution as part of the Energy City label of the Municipality of St. Moritz.

Some impressions (PDF, 906.75 KB)

More information about greenpeace

Energie2000 - EnAW

The Swiss Youth Hostels are among the first 45 Swiss companies to enter into a target agreement with the EnAW (Energy Agency for the Economy). The agreement states that by 2010, energy use must drop by 8.5% percent compared with 2000 levels. The exemption from the CO2 act granted this spring can be considered as a great success. The consistent application of the target agreement has moreover permitted the Swiss Youth Hostels to achieve an increase in energy efficiency of over 20%. Compared with the year 2000, this means that the goals of the target agreement have in fact been exceeded!

More information about the EnAW

Minergie approach to building

Minergie is a quality label for new and renovated buildings. Those awarded the certification demonstrate significantly lower use of energy than conventional constructions. The approach was adopted by the Swiss Youth Hostels for new buildings and major conversions. A first milestone was the opening of the Minergie Youth Hostel in Zermatt in January 2004. At the end of 2006, the completely renovated Valbella Youth Hostels also met the Minergie Eco standard. In December 2007, the new Scuol Youth Hostel opened, which was also built to the Minergie norms.

More information about minergie

Electricity from 100% renewable Swiss hydroelectric plants

With effect from 1 January 2009, Swiss Youth Hostels covers their entire annual electricity needs of 3500 MWh from renewable hydroelectric sources. This is a further major step towards achieving CO2-free youth hostels.

By presenting HKN CH hydroelectric certificates, we warrant the added ecological value of the electricity generated in Switzerland. The quality is monitored and guaranteed by the TÜV technical inspection authority.

By this means, Swiss Youth Hostels have identified an extremely cost-effective means of providing youth hostels with 100% carbon-neutral electricity.

Max Havelaar

Swiss Youth Hostels have decided to use the following products with the FAIRTRADE quality seal from 1 December 2008:

• coffee (5300 kilos per annum)
• orange juice (105,000 litres per annum)
• rice (4400 kilos per annum)
• sugar (4000 kilos per annum)
• tea (104,000 bags per annum)

In addition, Swiss Youth Hostels also endeavour to use products with the quality seal in the field of fresh produce (food in general) and flowers (decoration) whenever possible.

The product switchover is part of the rigorous implementation of the sustainability strategy which is being pursued by the non-profit organisation.

More information about Max Havelaar

GSTC - Global Sustainable Tourism Council

Hostelling International has further increased its commitment to sustainable development by joining the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), an international partnership dedicated to promoting sustainable tourism practices around the world. The GSTC is currently active in all UNWTO (World Tourism Organization) regions, including Africa, The Americas, East Asia and the Pacific, South Asia, Europe and Middle East.
At the core of GSTC’s efforts is the Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria, a set of voluntary principles that provide a framework for the sustainability of tourism businesses across the globe.

More information about GSTC

More information about GSTC at Hostelling International