Europe’s largest privately owned hostel chain, a&o, has released a second sustainability report to track progress from 2023 as the company continues to move towards its ambitious environmental and social goals to become Europe’s first net zero hostel chain in 2025.

Over the past year, a&o has achieved a significant reduction in CO2e emissions, decreasing by an additional 410 grams per overnight stay. This brings the average emissions to 3.32 kilograms, down from 3.73 kilograms in 2022. Since measurements began in 2015, this represents a reduction of over 77 percent.
Founder and CEO, Oliver Winter emphasized a&o’s mission, stating: “At a&o, we believe that travel should be accessible to everyone. Travel educates, broadens horizons, and fosters intercultural understanding.” Winter expressed his satisfaction with the progress, adding: “These readings are really good, but there is still work to be done.”
“We must not question travel”
“Everyone can travel – today, tomorrow and in the future” is the tagline of the second a&o sustainability report and, according to Winter, this is the company’s guiding philosophy and corporate strategy. “The positive effects of travel must not be overshadowed by the negative effects of our industry”, he said.
With 39 properties in nine countries, a&o stands as the largest private hostel chain in Europe, offering approximately 26,800 beds across 26 locations. Established in Berlin in 2000, the company’s primary goal remains unchanged: to become the first net zero hostel chain in Europe by 2025, as part of the ‘a&o Mission Zero Emissions’ campaign. The company has committed an investment of €20 million towards the energy-efficient refurbishment of pre-existing buildings by 2029.
The carbon footprint is calculated using the internationally recognized Greenhouse Gas Protocol (Scope 1, 2, and 3).
2023 Milestones and Initiatives
Under the leadership of the ESG team and in collaboration with employees, suppliers and guests, a&o continues to make strides towards its Zero Emissions 2025 goal, focusing on corporate governance, environmental protection, and social commitment. Key milestones include:
Recertification of 20 a&o locations to GreenSign Level 4, with a&o Venice Mestre achieving the highest GreenSign Level 5 standard to become the first hostel in Europe to achieve this sustainability rating.
Investment of 300,000 euros in employee education and training, including sustainability training.
Development and implementation of the a&o Declaration of Principles on Human Rights, in accordance with the German Supply Chain Duty of Care Act.
Support for local sports and cultural events, (2,000 overnight stays) and ongoing support of initiatives such as the a&o Kunsthalle Leipzig, (featuring over 350 artists since 2018), and educational programs by a&o educare.
Building Efficiency and Procurement
Building efficiency is a cornerstone of a&o’s sustainability strategy. ESG Director Arben Maliqi said: “Energy-efficient refurbishment of our property portfolio and reduction of Scope 3 emissions are clearly our biggest challenges.” Currently, 90 percent of a&o’s 39 hostels are repurposed properties, such as former offices or factories. The company has earmarked 20 million euros for the energy-efficient refurbishment of these buildings by 2029, with a goal of achieving at least energy efficiency class C for each property.
Scope 3 emissions, which includes indirect greenhouse gas emissions from upstream and downstream activities like the procurement of goods and services, constitute a significant portion of the carbon footprint and present a complex process for a&o.
In 2023, a&o has also developed and implemented the “Declaration of Principles on Human Rights” in line with the German Supply Chain Duty of Care Act (LkSG). This declaration highlights a&o’s commitment in respecting human rights within its business operations and throughout its supply chain. Maliqi said: “a&o protects everyone’s rights —guests, employees, and communities alike. The “a&o Declaration of Principles on Human Rights ensures respect for these rights and promotes dignity and equality.”
a&o’s second Sustainability Report is now available to download here.