Hostelworld, GSTC team up for dedicated sustainable hostel framework

Hostel accommodation booking platform Hostelworld has unveiled a new sustainability framework for the hostel segment.

Developed in partnership with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), the ‘Staircase to Sustainability‘ framework introduces a first universal measurement system tailored for hostels.

Hostels, by design, offer more sustainable accommodation options.

Their shared accommodation model and use of shared kitchens means less energy, water and reduced food and plastic wastage.

New research from Bureau Veritas and Hostelworld just published highlights that hostels on average emit 82% per less carbon compared to hotels.

A survey of Hostelworld’s partners also reveals that although 85% either participate in sustainability initiatives or have expressed interest in doing so, they face challenges in communicating their efforts.

The ‘Staircase to Sustainability’ framework aims to provide hostels with a clear pathway to communicate their sustainability practices and positive impact.

The sustainable hostel framework is divided into four levels, and aligns directly with the established sustainable tourism criteria of the GSTC.

The’Staircase to Sustainability’ is designed to help hostels identify any gaps in sustainability practices and help them move up the ‘staircase’ to secure a formal certification.

Hostels that sign up to the sustainable hostel framework will be subject to auditing by a third party, from level two upwards.

It also serves as an accessible guide for climate-conscious travelers to make informed choices.

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 display a Level One badge on their Hostelworld profile, while an additional 219 will have achieved Level Two.

A further nine hostels will be at Level Three.

Caroline Sherry, ESG Lead at Hostelworld said:  “Our hostel partners voiced that the existing frameworks do not adequately address independent hostel market.”

“This is why over the past 18 months we’ve dedicated our time, working in close partnership with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council.

The Staircase to Sustainability Framework Levels:

Level One

For a Level One Badge, the hostel has started to introduce practices that generate positive social and environmental impact. It complies with local legal requirements, it offers fair employment to their community and is respectful of cultural heritage. It encourages guests to do the same. 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 additionally put a sustainability strategy in place to document and measure progress. They prioritise environmental, social and cultural best practices. Hostels will also be subject to auditing by a third party from level two upwards.

Level Three 

For a Level Three Badge, the hostel has to have achieved everything outlined in Levels One and Two. In addition, the hostel makes continuous improvements on sustainability goals, outlined in their strategy. They create significant environmental and social which sets them up for certification by a Global Sustainable Tourism Council accredited certification body. 

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