Sustainable Development

A societal issue

While tourism is far from being an environmentally-friendly activity, there is much that each and every one of us can do to reduce this impact during our travels. Committing to sustainable tourism means adapting and changing to find a balance between limits and resource use.

FUAJ’s founding commitment

The issue of sustainable development is far from new to FUAJ, which has remained faithful to its founding principles.

Respecting the environment
Youth hostels have been linked to the environment from the outset: they were created to enable young travelers to discover the countryside and travel in a way that respects nature. Ever since its creation, FUAJ – and Hostelling International in general – have been encouraging travellers to explore the countryside and discover new territories, so as to get to know and respect them better. Following on from this initial commitment, a new generation of HI France youth hostels is born:

• Grenoble: rebuilt according to HQE principles, with green roof, energy-saving orientation and automated management of heating and shutters.
• Rouen: built to preserve the cultural and social heritage of the former dye works and manor house, with a green roof and geothermal wells to produce hot water and heat for the building.
• Paris: BBC and THPE building complying with HQE standards, with photovoltaic and thermal panels, double-flow mechanical ventilation, double glazing, grey water heat recovery system (reclaimed water).
• Lille: low-energy building, grey water heat recovery system to heat shower water.

At the same time, FUAJ is rolling out the Green Key label across its network. The label’s evolving award criteria guarantee the maintenance of high-performance environmental management, while fulfilling its primary vocation of environmental education. Candidates for the Green Key label must satisfy a set of criteria divided into 7 themes: environmental policy, energy management, environmental awareness, responsible purchasing, waste management, living environment and water management.

Promoting social cohesion

The initial aim of the first youth hostels was to provide access to travel for as many young people as possible throughout the world. This encounter gave rise to intercultural dialogue, the foundation of lasting peace. This remains the vision of FUAJ, Hostelling International and all its member youth hostel organizations. As part of its drive to make travel accessible to all, FUAJ aims to offer the best rates to its members from all over the world.

In France, HI France youth hostels are firmly rooted in the local area. They play a full part in the economic development of these areas by forging partnerships with local associations and tourism operators. They help preserve, share and promote local cultural and natural heritage.

The travelers they host benefit directly from the services or fare advantages obtained. No commission is charged on the sale of the services or rates obtained, ensuring that HI members benefit from the best negotiated rates.

Promoting a responsible economy

While the local roots and commitment of HI France’s youth hostels, and FUAJ’s associative status, enable us to act in favor of a responsible economy, FUAJ also supports other initiatives, notably through Hostelling International. In this way, crowdfunding operations around the world can finance projects that promote respect for the environment.