Swiss Youth Hostels wins ZKB Sustainability Award

Mr Urs Oberholzer, Chairmann of the Zürcher Kantonalbank, emphasised in his honorary speech that the Swiss Youth Hostels had recognised sustainability as an entrepreneurial challenge and opportunity. Implementation was then gradually and methodically executed over the last few years. In assessing the submissions the jury took the economical, ecological and social aspects of the sustainable achievements into equal consideration.

Sustainability is an important component of the Swiss Youth Hostels’ organisational philosophy. They promote quality-orientated, socially responsible and environmentally sound tourism for young people and families. As far back as 1994 a mission statement was created for balancing its economic, social and ecological activities. In the recent past the Swiss Youth Hostels were active in the certification process of the EU Eco-Label and the Ibex Label. 34 Swiss Youth Hostels are already certified with both labels and by the end of 2011 all its hostels shall have achieved these certifications.

After winning the Swiss Milestone Tourism Award for their sustainability strategy, the Hans. E. Moppert Prize for outstanding performance in the field of ecology and sustainable development, the myclimate Award for the best integration solution and the Award for Marketing & Architecture in green technology, the ZKB Sustainability Award is the fifth award for the Swiss Youth Hostels for their efforts in sustainability.