YHA Wellington City wins National Award

26 October 2007

YHA Wellington City wins National Award for sustainability

YHA has been recognised for leading real sustainability in business, with its Wellington City hostel winning top honours at the NZI National Sustainable Business Awards. This was announced last night in Auckland by the Sustainable Business Network.

YHA Wellington City won the Trailblazer Award, not for profit category after demonstrating that sustainability was core to its operations.

Hostel Manager Chris Sperring said: “This is a fantastic achievement for YHA and reinforces the fact that sustainability isn’t just an add on for us – we ‘walk the talk’ every day. Sustainability is integral to what we do.”

He says YHA Wellington has a very dedicated and passionate team which is always challenging how the hostel delivers on its sustainability charter. “We have many active and quite robust discussions where innovative ideas are constantly being advanced. These have resulted in initiatives such as bringing schools in for a sustainability clue treasure hunt in the hostel, and subtle education for our international visitors on things like how to reduce waste as they travel.

“Of course we also do all the other things that sustainable businesses should do such as reducing energy use and waste water, implementing recycling and re-use initiatives, sponsoring community projects, and choosing environmentally-responsible products and suppliers.“

The Trailblazer Sustainable Business Award recognises businesses that ensure sustainability is a strategic part of their operations. “These businesses are innovators and leaders, positioned to maintain market advantages while providing ecological, social, and financial dividends,” said the judges. The judging process involved an online assessment of the business and concluded with feedback on areas which can be improved and suggested courses of action.

Chris Sperring is challenging more businesses to get involved in the Get Sustainable Challenge. “New Zealand business needs to get active in the area of sustainability – we all need to play our part in making New Zealand sustainable.”

He says the hostel has won this award in the Central Region for two years running and is delighted to have now achieved success on a National level. YHA Wellington City provides affordable accommodation for independent travellers and is part of YHA New Zealand.

ENDS

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