a&o Hostels publishes third sustainability report: circular approach central

a&o Hostels, Europe's largest private provider of budget accommodation, presents its third sustainability report. The report provides insight into the company's ESG strategy, spearheaded by repurposing existing buildings, further increasing the share of renewable energy, reducing emissions and waste and strengthening partnerships with local suppliers and communities.

Concrete results in 2024

Since the first measurements in 2015, a&o has managed to reduce its CO₂ emissions per overnight stay by more than 75 per cent. By 2024, the average was around 3.65 kilograms per guest per night. The focus is explicitly on direct and measurable reductions within its own operations and value chain, not on external offsets.

Key milestones in 2024 include:

• 98 per cent of electricity demand is now met by renewable energy.
• 12 sites together generate about 500 MWh per year with solar panels.
• In Venice, Florence and Budapest, 90 per cent of food is sourced locally.
• All single-use breakfast packs have been phased out.
• Introduction of FoodNotify, a platform for real-time monitoring of orders, stock and food waste.

Learning and improving together

Arben Maliqi, ESG director at a&o: "Our focus is on direct, demonstrable reductions and a circular approach to our operations. That means continuing to invest in energy efficiency, renewable energy and local partnerships. It is a learning process: the more we delve, the better we understand how much there is still to do. Together, we can work towards a more sustainable and fairer future for the travel and hospitality sector."

Repurposing and energy-efficient renovation

As many as 93 per cent of a&o locations are located in a repurposed building, such as former offices, factories or administrative centres. Of the 43 current properties in 30 cities and 10 countries, 40 have been redeveloped in this way. a&o continues to invest in energy-efficient renovations, with a target of achieving at least energy label C for each building. Nine sustainability surveys were conducted at a&o sites by 2024, with a&o Edinburgh City achieving a 90 per cent compliance rate, becoming the second hostel, after a&o Venezia Mestre, to reach this milestone. Speaking about these results, Arben Maliqi said: "Together, we can work towards a more sustainable and fairer future for the travel and hospitality sector." 

Circular approach and community engagement

The "circular approach" is at the heart of a&o's sustainability strategy. Besides environmental measures, a&o is also committed to social projects:

• Every year, the company donates more than 2,000 overnight stays to charities and cultural initiatives.
• Art project art&o collaborated with more than 350 artists at the a&o Kunsthalle Leipzig since 2018.
• Cooperation with SOS-Kinderdorf Berlin and local education projects, including an insect hotel in Frankfurt.
• Supporting local sports clubs and athletes.

Read the entire sustainability report at: www.aohostels.com/en/sustainability