Typical DJH BW
You can count on us!
DJH BW operates with a clear sense of responsibility for creating a world worth living in and safeguarding development opportunities for future generations, and is committed to promoting sustainable development.
Since its foundation, the DJH has contributed to tolerance, environmental awareness and intercultural understanding through its youth hostels and special educational and exchange programmes. These objectives are enshrined in the constitution, alongside health education and a connection to nature.
The idea of combining economic efficiency with social and environmental goals has a long tradition at the DJH BW. Our aim is to ensure secure livelihoods and development opportunities for current and future generations through sustainable development. Thus, comfort and hospitality in the youth hostels are combined with a strong focus on environmental friendliness and social responsibility.
The basis for this sustainable, socio-ecological minimum standard is a holistic approach, which is reflected in various aspects of the DJH BW.
Keep an eye on energy and climate
When discussing sustainability, it is impossible to avoid the topics of energy and climate. For example, since 2017, all youth hostels in Baden-Württemberg have been switching to environmentally and climate-friendly energy sources such as hydro, wind and solar power. More and more facilities are using innovative heating systems, such as wood-fired boilers, combined heat and power units or solar thermal systems. To protect the natural environment for people, animals and plants, the DJH regional association is also increasingly using recycled paper for printing, office supplies and hygiene products. It has long been standard practice for youth hostels in Baden-Württemberg to be supplied with 100 per cent green electricity.
The carbon footprint and the provision of climate-neutral accommodation form part of the DJH’s sustainability strategy. Guests, too, can make a contribution to climate protection during their stay by opting for climate-neutral accommodation. From 2017 to 2022, the unavoidable CO2 emissions from overnight stays were offset as part of a climate protection project. In six different regions of Bolivia and Paraguay, inefficient wood-burning stoves were replaced with solar cookers or high-efficiency stoves, amongst other measures. DJH BW is now using the offset to ensure a climate-friendly energy supply for youth hostels within its own country.
PV systems
A key focus is on investing in sustainability projects, such as the installation of photovoltaic systems at our youth hostels. This not only contributes to climate protection, but also demonstrates the association’s clear commitment to shaping a sustainable future.
The photovoltaic systems in Konstanz, Breisach, Kehl and Überlingen are already operational, whilst systems in Heidelberg, Walldürn, Tübingen, Erpfingen, Freiburg and Feldberg are at various stages of construction or planning. We also lease our roofs to PV providers, who install systems there and supply us with electricity at a favourable rate
The voluntary ‘Fundraising’ group supports these initiatives and collects donations for the photovoltaic system on the Feldberg. During the summer holidays, we were able to install additional PV systems in Erpfingen and Überlingen and are now awaiting approval from the grid operators to bring them fully online
Click here to visit the donation page!
Go on holiday in a greener way
If you choose not to fly when going on holiday, you’ll save a huge amount of CO2 and help protect the environment. Leaving the car at home and travelling by train or long-distance coach is also a genuinely eco-friendly alternative. Baden-Württemberg’s youth hostels are here to help with the DJH rail ticket. Groups – and, of course, the environment – benefit from these affordable fixed-price combined rail tickets.
A treat for the environment and your health
Because certified organic food contains no genetically modified organisms and has not been treated with synthetic pesticides or artificial fertilisers, it has a lower environmental impact. For this reason, the use of organic food has long been part of the daily menu at youth hostels throughout Baden-Württemberg. The vital fight against overfishing is also essential to us. The youth hostels now only use certified fish that meets the MSC or ASC sustainability standards.
It is important to assume social responsibility throughout the global value chain; on this point, the youth hostels in this south-western German state are in agreement. When it comes to coffee, too, the focus is therefore on the challenges of sustainable development, and certified coffee is offered that meets established sustainability standards. Child labour and other exploitative or human rights-violating practices have no place in the coffee cups at our youth hostels!
Find out more about our catering here
Regional responsibility
Youth hostels are often the gateway to a region for holidaymakers. It therefore stands to reason that they support regional value chains by purchasing local produce. This not only creates jobs and generates tax revenue for the region, but also avoids import costs. Shorter transport routes mean fewer CO₂ emissions.
The tradespeople and companies commissioned also come from the youth hostel regions or the state of Baden-Württemberg. Integrated workshops are also frequently service providers for these popular holiday facilities. For example, the furniture for the renovated Martin Buber Youth Hostel in Überlingen, the Veitsburg Youth Hostel in Ravensburg and the Mannheim Youth Hostel comes from the Baden-Württemberg-based inclusive enterprise Liebenau Berufsbildungswerk gGmbH.
Following the expiry of our contract with our long-standing central laundry service provider, we have switched to working with nine regional service providers, thereby reducing transport distances and the associated greenhouse gas emissions. We are particularly pleased to have found partners, including the ‘Waschwerk’ run by Diakonie Stetten, who also share our social values
Education for sustainable development
Educational programmes are an integral part of every youth hostel in Baden-Württemberg. For over a century, the aim has been to foster a conscious appreciation of nature and community. Many programmes are specifically designed to promote environmental and social learning. New experiences and hands-on activities inspire a desire to help shape and improve the world. Many of these activities are led by educators who are experienced in teaching topics related to sustainability.
