Boston Hostel Wins Green Business Award

April 16, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Laura Wareck
lwareck@oneillandassoc.com
(Office) 617-646-1037
(Cell) 978-660-9587

Boston Mayor Menino Recognizes Hostelling International Boston for its Extraordinary Environmental Practices

Boston - (April 16, 2009) - Hostelling International Boston announced today that the organization has been awarded the 2009 Green Business Award. The honor, presented annually by the City of Boston and Mayor Thomas M. Menino, recognizes local businesses who demonstrate outstanding environmental practices in their day to day operations.

"HI-Boston is a dedicated member of the local community, and we are thrilled and honored to be a recipient of the 2009 Green Business Award," said Deborah Ruhe, executive director of the New England office of Hostelling International USA. "By nature, hostels have always been green as guests share amenities, appliances and common space, leading to reduced waste and consumption. Educating our guests and local citizens about the importance of sustainable environmental practices is a critical part of our mission."

HI-Boston, which plays host to more than 32,000 guests each year, is being recognized for several major environmental initiatives, including recycling bins in every room, offering free, fair-trade coffee for guests, low-flow technology in all showers and toilets, and the elimination of paper products in the kitchen. The community-oriented and collegial atmosphere of HI-Boston, which facilitates sustainable environmental practices through use of shared appliances such as refrigerators and coffeemakers, is also being recognized.

HI-Boston has also created overarching strategies in recent years aimed at enabling the Hostel to be a greener place for its guests and the global community. In 2007, a task force comprised of HI-Boston staff created a plan for the organization to become environmentally efficient according to Energy Star's standards. Energy Star is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy that helps businesses protect the environment through increased energy efficiency. HI-Boston also follows Hostelling International USA's Environmental Charter, which outlines sustainable objectives in seven areas, including energy conservation, recycling, pollution, transport, nature, environmental education and consumption.

HI-Boston, which contributed $20 million to the local economy and 5,000 hours of volunteer service in 2007, is planning to transition to a larger facility. The organization has retained a LEED-certified consultant for the upcoming project. HI-Boston will receive its 2009 Green Business Award at a ceremony on April 16th at 11 a.m. at the Children's Museum in the Fort Point neighborhood.

About HI-Boston

HI-Boston brings the world to Boston and fosters critical connections between the city and travelers from around the world. The organization's mission is to promote global awareness, cultural understanding, education and community participation through hostelling. Founded in 1983, HI-Boston is part of the international network of Hostelling International, which operates nearly 4,000 hostels in more than 70 countries around the world. HI-Boston provides comprehensive, safe and affordable travel packages to more than 30,000 visitors each year and is at the forefront sustainable ecotourism. Rooted in education, HI-Boston is a dedicated member of the local community, facilitating thousands of hours of community service and conducting numerous programs each year. For more information, visit www.HINewEngland.org.

Click here to go back to the news archive.