Sustainability as an important part of the Australian Hostels’ philosophy

Alice Springs is a small but attractive town in the heart of Central Australia, a region famous for its pioneering history, stunning desert landscapes, remote Aboriginal communities and now, solar panels.

This year the Alice Springs YHA has launched its solar powered carbon reduction initiative after successfully winning a grant from the Australian Governments Solar City Project and with funding from the YHA Hostel Carbon Reduction programme. “We now have quite a few panels on the roof – the system is a 10.2 kilowatt grid tie system that has 54,190 watt modules», said Hostel Manager Roger Wileman.

The Project, which is the second largest installation of its kind in the region, will allow travellers to watch the output of the solar panels on a display in the reception area of the Youth Hostel. “I think, in particular, that young travellers today are more environmentally conscious, and I expect the Project will appeal to them. We will also have a wireless link to the environmental panel where you will be able to see how much energy use we are saving», said Hostel Manager Roger Wileman.

YHA Ltd CEO, Julian Ledger, is very pleased with the Project. “For over 5 years YHA has consistently pursued and implemented our sustainability strategy, which is an important part of our mission to reduce our carbon footprint”, he said.

With the sun shining almost every day of the year, the panels will no doubt wipe away the footprints of many adventurous travellers as they explore the newly sustainable, Central Australia. And if you’re in town for a few days, you can enjoy views of dramatic natural environment, bushwalks, off-road trips or camel
riding.

Further information and reservations:
www.yha.com.au

New “lakeside Hostel”

The new Ratzeburg Youth Hostel, which is located around 50 km northeast of Hamburg and will be completed in autumn 2012, can already be booked. The Hostel will contain 168 beds in 37 4-bed rooms and 10 2-bed rooms, the majority of which have a shower and WC. Four day and dining rooms, two club rooms and three multi-purpose and/or leisure rooms are also planned. You will be able to go sailing or rowing from the Hostel’s own landing stage. Anyone who prefers to stay on dry land can enjoy the
panorama from the roof or the lake terrace.

Further information at:
www.jugendherberge-ratzeburg.de