HI-DC Green Program

We are committed to being stewards of the environment. However, we do not view our environmental responsibility as a destination. Rather, we see it as a continuous journey. Here is a list of things we are doing and that we plan to do in the next year:

• At this time, the only hostel in the world to be Energy Star certified (meaning that its energy consumption is among the lowest of all properties in the economy lodging sector)
• Named by TreeHugger, a Discovery Company, as the Best Sightseeing Base in North America (one of only 12 properties to be donned "Hip and Green")
• Recognized by The National Newspaper and travelbite.co.uk as having one of the Top 10 Eco Hostels in world
• The only hostel in the DC area to be designated an Eco-Friendly hostel by Hostel World
• Currently renovating all guestrooms using low VOC paint and carpet that is low VOC, made from recycled materials, and is itself 100% recyclable
• Recycle Aluminum, Glass, Paper, Plastic, Cardboard, Batteries, and ink/toner cartridges
• Use (and then recycle) compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) throughout the hostel
• All paper (office paper, toilet tissue, and hand towels) is from at lest 95% recycled materials
• Provide reusable plateware and flatware in the kitchen and for breakfast (no disposables)
• The lowest water consumption per overnight guest of all HI's Gateway City properties
• Follow a linen re-use program to conserve water (during a hosteller’s stay, linens are washed only by request)
• Have push faucets on all sinks (the timer reduces water consumption)
• Installed low-flow aerators on all sink faucets and showerheads
• Reduce chemicals in the environment by employing Green Seal Certified cleaning products for all routine cleaning (all-purpose cleaner, bathroom cleaner, glass cleaner, air freshener)
• Employ environmentally friendly dish soap in the kitchen
• Provide information on recycling and the environment throughout the property (Recycling Centers on each floor, poster on the inside of each guestroom door, HI-USA’s Environmental Commitment posters throughout the property)
• Host monthly documentary movie nights on environmental topics
• Member of Better Business Bureau, Chamber of Commerce – DC, Destination DC (Washington Convention & Tourism Bureau), Energy Star (certified), Green Hotels Association, SBNOW (Sustainable Business Network of Washington)
• All new appliances will be Energy Star rated

All organizations are accountable to their customers & communities, and HI-DC takes this obligation to heart.		HI-DC is an active participant in, and contributor to, the local economy, while at the same time working toward worldwide cultural understanding.		Destination DC: A healthy business community contributes to a healthy civic community, and affords local businesses, like HI-DC, the opportunity to provide assistance to underserved citizens.
We are humbled to be listed among the world’s most ecologically-aware hostels by organizations like TreeHugger, Hostel World, The National Newspaper, and travelbite.co.uk		Currently, HI-DC is the only hostel in the world to be Energy Star certified.		HI-DC is proud to be a part of environmentally minded organizations in the lodging industry.
HI-Q: The highest hostel standards worldwide comprise the HI Quality Management System; only certified hostels may display the logo, the greatest assurance of a quality hostel experience.		By doing what we can to do our part, businesses are at the heart of the movement to create better communities, and thus reduce the eco-footprint of businesses worldwide.