11, March 2015: Renowned hostelling network, Hostelling International (HI), recently announced the innovative project winners of the 2014 HI Sustainability Fund (HISF).
In first place and chosen by public vote was “A Sustainable Future for YHA Boggle Hole” by YHA England & Wales. In second place and selected by the International Jury was HI-Canada’s “Micro- hydro installation in a natural park”. And finally, the third project by Israel YHA, “Air conditioning system combined with water heating system”, was also chosen by the HISF Jury.
The competition offered a total of £50,000 for innovative projects working towards achieving carbon neutrality by reducing energy consumption and CO2 emissions in Youth Hostels, thus achieving Hostelling International’s ecological objective as defined in its Sustainability Charter.
More than 12,327 people across the globe voted for 12 worldwide projects, all of which aimed to minimise the impact on climate change. Voters shared their enthusiasm, with one individual expressing their appreciation for the organisation and the initiative, saying: “This is an excellent funding scheme that brings tangible sustainability actions closer to the next generation who will hopefully continue to champion them.”
Running this customer donation-based fund for a second year, is a true reflection of HI’s passion for pioneering projects and commitment to sustainability by supporting hostels of the Hostelling International network. Being a not-for-profit organisation, HI’s mission is to encourage a greater knowledge and appreciation of the social and cultural values of the world, promoting sustainability through global interaction. As an accommodation provider, Hostelling International is unique, with its goals to reduce the environmental impact of tourism and work to promote sustainable travel.
The winning project by YHA England & Wales wins £25,000 for its photovoltaic project in the iconic YHA Boggle Hole, which will save 4.1 tonnes of CO2 each year. The energy-saving panels will reduce carbon emissions by 56%, and is just one of the many initiatives the hostel has in place to reduce its carbon footprint and educate guests about sustainability.
A donation of £6,026 is awarded to HI Whiskey Jack hostel in Yoho National Park, HI-Canada, which plans to install a micro-hydro electrical power generator to reduce CO2 emissions whilst providing safer means for lighting the hostel. The HISF Jury praised the project saying, “This alternative will solve issues that we find in many National Parks by reducing the impact on climate but also helping biodiversity conservation”.
The remainder of the fund will be allocated to Israel YHA to help implement a new and advanced system at Youth Hostel Eilat, which will use the heat naturally available to produce air-conditioning and hot water thereby reducing 200 tonnes of CO2 each year. As the Jury noted, “This is a replicable and scalable project for the future with incredible thought behind it”.
Hostelling International is a non-governmental, not-for profit organisation representing 69 Member Associations and 4 Associate Organisations all over the world. They work closely with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO). The network covers around 4,000 hostels within 91 countries. The company is committed towards implementing their Sustainability Charter — covering guidelines for a sustainable network. With four million members, Hostelling International is one of the world’s largest youth membership organisations and is the only global network of Youth Hostel Associations.
About Hostelling International:
Hostelling International (HI) is the only global network of Youth Hostel Associations. Located in some of the world’s most inspiring locations, the HI network offers 4,000 unique hostels in 91 countries worldwide. HI is a non-profit membership organisation, with a proud history and a relevant philosophy. All hostels meet assured standards, guaranteeing a range of good quality safe accommodation, in friendly surroundings at affordable prices. Find out more at the website: https://www.hihostels.com/
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Hostelling International
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Welwyn Garden City, Herts AL8 6RD, England
Tel: +44 (0) 1707 324170
Fax: +44 (0) 1707 323980
Email: [email protected]
