Sustainability
We live off what surrounds us and we must take care of it and pamper it.
At Koba Hostel, we understand that the success of our business depends largely on the health of our natural and social environment. For this reason, we have integrated policies based on sustainability criteria to guarantee the quality and long-term viability of our company.
With this objective in mind, we have chosen to develop a Sustainability Plan taking the 2012 Global Criteria for Sustainable Tourism as a reference and adapting its guidelines to our reality and environment.
This document is intended to be a tool for reflection and planning of actions that allow us to avoid the depletion of natural resources, reduce the negative impact of our activity and generate employment, cultural and social opportunities in the local environment.
Our commitment
Demonstrate management
sustainable effective
Because we believe it is important to convey our values and vision of tourism to our clients and our employees,
We are constantly improving and trying to involve them in the project. It is our job to raise awareness among our guests and train our employees in sustainability.
Favor
social cohesion
Because everyone can promote their own solidarity actions. It is essential for us to support equal employment opportunities for women as well as policies against exploitation, commercial, sexual or any other form of harassment.
We do not accept any such behaviour in our establishment. Furthermore, we support the Basque charity Zaporeak, which provides assistance to people with food problems and needs.
Promote a
responsible economy
We try to participate in order to support the local economy and to partner with actors who are in favour of a more ethical and fair trade. We buy most of the fresh products served at breakfast from small local traders and local cooperatives.
We also serve as a delivery point for a basket of organic vegetables for a group of consumers every Wednesday. We have insurance for the activity contracted with a local and ethical brokerage. In addition, we give priority to hiring local workers.
Respect
the environment
Because we must preserve the natural resources that surround us and act against their depletion. That is why we have started to take measures to save energy (showers, baths, LED lights, heat pump, sustainable building design...) and to classify waste. We also have electricity contracted with Goeiner, a renewable energy supplier in the Basque Country.
Maximizing the benefits for cultural heritage
It is important to promote local culture, support local artists and encourage active activities without motorised transport. That is why we offer activities in collaboration with a local guide who focuses her visits on the discovery of Basque customs, we provide our guests with a library with books about the area and we provide daily information on cultural activities in the city (concerts, exhibitions, dances, events, etc.). We also offer bicycle and surfing equipment rentals.
A
management sustainable effective
At KOBA HOSTEL we have designed a sustainability plan with the aim of implementing a long-term sustainability management system that adapts to our reality and scale, and that considers environmental, social, cultural, quality, health and safety issues.
This Plan identifies objectives and aims to design short, medium and long-term measures to minimise the negative impact that our activity may have on the social, cultural and environmental surroundings.
We comply with and improve the collective agreement applicable in the sector. In our case, we take the Accommodation Collective Agreement of Guipúzcoa as a reference. The working reality of the workers is reflected in the employment contract. This includes: actual number of hours worked, job category equivalent to the tasks performed, remuneration, etc. In addition, we comply with Law 31/95 on the prevention of occupational risks, as well as with the environmental legislation applicable to the sector, among others.
We strongly reject and DENOUNCE the common practices in the sector that we consider to be unethical: such as voluntary work, or employment contracts that do not reflect the actual category of the worker.
We ensure that all our outsourced services are carried out by companies that comply with the aforementioned legislation.
Staff receive regular training related to their role in managing environmental, social, cultural, health and safety practices.
At KOBA HOSTEL we train employees in sustainability. Every year, 4 working hours are allocated to training in this area. Employees can attend workshops, courses or talks that focus on the impact of tourism. We raise awareness among company members on sustainable development and invite them to participate in the implementation of this company sustainability plan.
Customer satisfaction is measured, including on sustainability aspects, and corrective measures are taken when appropriate. We seek continuous improvement.
Guests can complete a satisfaction questionnaire, either on paper or online, which will contain closed and open questions. The areas to be evaluated include the sustainability of the Hostel and a space is left for guests to share complaints and propose solutions and/or improvements. The evaluations and proposals are taken into account when proposing changes and improvements, both in management and infrastructure.
The promotional materials we use are truthful, accurate and complete regarding the organization, products, services, and even sustainability aspects.
The website has a specific section dedicated to sustainability. From this space we rigorously inform about the measures taken by KOBA HOSTEL to promote sustainability. This section serves a purely informative purpose; sustainable strategies are not used as a mere marketing element.
We have integrated sustainability into the planning, design, construction, renovation and operation of the company. Among the various measures adopted, we highlight the following.
For the location of the Hostel we have taken into account the impact of its activity on the environment, avoiding areas overcrowded by tourist activity, although it is true that our neighborhood is becoming increasingly overcrowded by tourism.
In order not to encourage housing speculation and not to contribute to the reduction of housing for residential use, we chose a former commercial premises for the activity.
The premises we were in were an old car workshop that was abandoned and in a state of ruin. It had been closed for more than fifteen years and until its renovation it was a burden on the street.
The restoration and remodelling of the premises has served as a driving force for change in the regeneration of Carquizano Street.
This is a premises located in a 1917 building, with a Grade III heritage protection, which protects its exterior façade and its rationalist construction style. The renovation carried out respects the protected elements and emphasises the value of the industrial character of the space.
Sustainability was taken as a priority criterion during construction:
In the case of wood, we ensured that all suppliers could certify the legal origin of this material.
Sustainable materials were used for insulation
Windows and enclosures ensure that energy losses are minimal.
The air conditioning works by means of a heat pump, which means significant energy savings.
The showers are activated by push buttons to reduce water consumption.
The insurance required to protect the building and the activity has been managed by the Nortlan insurance brokerage, the first ethical and charitable brokerage in the Basque Country.
The hostel is adapted for people with mobility difficulties (wheelchairs, etc.). The entrances, common areas and connectors (corridors) are free of obstacles and we have a room adapted for people in wheelchairs.
Clients are provided with information and interpretation about the natural surroundings, local culture and cultural heritage, as well as explanations on proper behavior while visiting natural areas, living cultures and cultural heritage sites.
We have a library with books, magazines, guides and local maps. Guests can use this material to learn about the heritage of San Sebastian and Guipuzcoa, as well as the surrounding area, organize routes and activities or learn about Basque culture.
Our staff has specific training to be able to offer guidance and advice to our visitors, and since all the workers are local, they can provide much more personal information. The aim of this information will be to offer the traveller a broader view of the tourist opportunities in the area and to facilitate the organisation of activities.
We advise clients on how to engage in responsible tourism that contributes to the local economy and is respectful of the environment.
We have created a series of videos with proposed plans, called KOBA plans, which aim to promote other types of activities that take us away from the most crowded places and instill values of sustainable tourism.
B
LOCAL COMMUNITY
We actively support initiatives in favor of social community development
Our facilities can be used on an ad hoc basis and free of charge by local organisations to develop activities for educational, cultural or other social purposes. The following activities have been organised so far:
| P | C | L | |
| Screening of documentaries and organization of talks | X | ||
| Use of our facilities for educational activities (teaching Catalan classes, educational reinforcement classes for young people in the neighbourhood) | X | ||
| Weekly collection point for Gros consumer group organic baskets | X | ||
| Active participation of our staff in social impact projects | X | ||
| Financial support for charitable projects (Zaporeak) | X | ||
| Support for the organization of events in the neighborhood (neighborhood festivals, races, etc.) | X | ||
| Organizing activities that promote environmental awareness among our clients (e.g. river cleaning) | X |
In our organization we provide equal employment opportunities
Equal employment opportunities are provided to local residents. Periodic training is offered to all employees. Each position has a profile that defines the functions, responsibilities, knowledge, etc. of the person to fill the position. These profiles will be available to all workers so that they can learn about the access requirements for each job, learn about their functions and characteristics in detail, and be able to plan their career path.
The organization purchases and offers local goods and services, following fair trade principles.
When choosing suppliers, we value the following aspects: that they are local companies, that the products are organic or come from fair trade, that they are social companies, etc.
| P | C | L | |
| Our insurance is contracted by an ethical insurance brokerage: – NortLan Insurance | X | ||
| Our fruit, sausage and cereal suppliers are small local merchants who provide us with bulk products: – Chamorro Delicatessen – Izarbide (organic supermarket) – Txapartegi Groceries | X | ||
| The beers and drinks are locally produced: – Bidassoa – Basqueland | X | ||
| We have a network of collaboration with local tourism companies that offer quality activities and promote responsible tourism: – Hi there! – Go Local Tours – Kayak Basque Country – Ipar Adventures | X |
The organization provides facilities for small local entrepreneurs to develop and sell their sustainable products, based on the nature, history and culture of the area (including food and drink, crafts, performing arts, agricultural products, activities, etc.)
At least 50% of the products offered and used at Koba Hostel are produced by local producers (breakfast, beer, rental surfboards, rental bikes, surf wetsuits, beds and furniture etc.)
Surfboards: Up Surfboards
Wetsuits: Seland
Bicycles: Bought in Bizipoza
At KOBA Hostel we are committed to equal employment opportunities
43% of positions are filled by women and 66,6% of managerial positions are occupied by women.
In the workplace, we respect national and international laws.
We offer our employees salaries higher than those set in the sector agreement, as well as improved conditions (annual workday, breaks, etc.).
100% of our workers have contracts.
Contracts reflect the position each employee occupies in the company.
Our activity does not jeopardize the provision of basic services, such as water, energy, sanitation, quality of rest, etc. to our neighbors.
| P | C | L | |
| All floors are soundproofed with a technical report that corroborates their quality. | X | ||
| The terrace has limited hours of use between 9:00 and 22:00 | X | ||
| We have 24-hour reception to deal with any problems that may arise from our activity. |
C
CULTURAL HERITAGE
The organization follows established guidelines or a code of conduct for visits to sites that are culturally or historically sensitive, in order to minimize the impact caused by visitors and maximize their enjoyment.
At Koba Hostel we believe it is necessary for visitors to respect and value the historical and cultural heritage of the area. We believe that information is key to this mission and, to this end, we will carry out the following actions:
We have a guide of good practices to inform tourists how they should behave and to make them see their impact on the environment as tourists.
We distribute free information to visitors through brochures and magazines.
Visitors have access to a library with information (guides, magazines, books, etc.) and recommendations.
Workers have specific training to provide information and teach good practices.
Koba Hostel offers the possibility of hiring cultural, social and sports activities that allow you to get to know the local heritage and environment in depth, in a sustainable and respectful way, with local active tourism companies.
We use local elements of art, architecture or cultural heritage in our operations, design, décor, food or stores.
In the decoration of the hostel we have used traditional and artistic elements from the area. We have avoided using those clichés that are currently being exploited by the tourist industry (allusions to the shell, the wind comb, gastronomy, etc.) in order not to reduce the cultural and folkloric vision of our environment.
We have preserved the heritage value of the premises and its history as Stinus workshops with old photographs, and we highlight, through architectural elements, the historical value of the premises.
We promote local producers and artists, allowing the hostel to be a platform for exhibition, sales and information.
D
Environment
The purchasing policy favours locally appropriate and environmentally benign products to be used as construction materials, capital goods, food, beverages and consumables.
When selecting construction materials, we include environmental criteria as a determining factor in decision-making. We ensure that at least 50% of the food, drinks and consumables sold in our establishment are locally produced.
The purchase and use of disposable and consumable items is measured, and the organization actively seeks ways to reduce their use. It should be the goal of every company and citizen to reduce waste production to a minimum. To this end, KOBA HOSTEL has taken the following measures:
Facilities and works:
The bathrooms and showers have soap dispensers.
The air conditioning works by means of a heat pump, which uses the energy of the environment to convert it into cold and heat.
The entire building envelope has been insulated with rock wool and an air chamber and triple plasterboard panels to prevent high heat losses and thus save on energy consumption.
The window profiles have a thermal break and an air chamber to prevent thermal transmittance and interior heat loss.
Daily performances:
Consumables
At breakfast, foods are displayed in bulk and no packaged products are used for individual distribution.
Every day, the occupation of the following day is analyzed and the food needs are calculated in order to have quality local products and not have waste. Having service from local establishments makes this fast service possible.
Beer and Coca Cola bottles are recyclable or reusable.
Free jugs of water are available to guests.
Bathrooms
Toilet paper is dispensed in doses using devices designed to avoid wasting paper. This paper is also of recycled origin.
The soap dishes are made of foam to reduce soap waste.
The showers operate on a “timer button” to limit customers’ water consumption.
Aeration devices have been placed on faucets and showers in order to reduce the flow of water.
The toilets have dual flushes to save water.
Reception
We have a signature digitization system to avoid unnecessary printing of paper (signature of conditions).
Invoices and all documents are sent by e-mail to avoid unnecessary use of paper, except at the client's express request.
Energy consumption is measured and sources indicated, and measures are taken to reduce total consumption while promoting the use of renewable energy.
Electrical supply:
We will contract the electricity supply through the Goiener cooperative, which guarantees an energy supply from renewable energy sources.
Design
LED bulbs are used for lighting the premises.
The rooms have large windows that provide natural light.
There are presence detection sensors to activate lights in commonly used places such as hallways.
Windows and doors are insulated, to prevent bedrooms from getting too hot on warm days or too cold on cold days.
All household appliances have a minimum energy efficiency certificate of AA. As far as possible, household appliances will be in the AAA category.
Water consumption is measured and measures are taken to reduce total consumption. Water sources are sustainable and do not adversely affect ecological flows.
The kitchen faucet is pedal operated, to avoid wasting water by leaving the water on unnecessarily.
Information signs have been placed to remind our customers of the importance of responsible use of natural resources.
The patio is decorated with local vegetation (hydrangeas, moss, etc.) adapted to the climate. This way we avoid overwatering.
Within 2 years (by 2025) we will have an electricity consumption meter. Customers will be able to see the data through our website and in the establishment itself. This meter will allow us to know the behaviour of the establishment's electricity consumption and to develop plans for its reduction.
The organization measures greenhouse gas emissions from all sources under its control and will put in place procedures to reduce and offset them. Offsetting of remaining emissions is encouraged.
The organization motivates its customers, staff and suppliers to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions related to transportation.
We promote cultural and sports activities that can be accessed by public transport.
We promote bicycle tourism. We have storage facilities and repair services for visitors who come by bicycle.
We promote the rental and use of bicycles as a means of getting to know the attractions of the city and its surroundings.
Solid waste is measured and mechanisms are implemented to minimize waste; where reduction is not feasible, waste is reused or recycled. Disposal of remaining waste does not produce adverse effects on the local population and the environment.
When purchasing raw materials, we prioritize the acquisition of products sold in bulk and those made by local producers, with minimized transportation.
We classify waste from its source for subsequent recycling.
We inform staff and guests about the selective collection of paper, plastic, glass, oil and organic waste.
We avoid using disposable materials (plastic cups and cutlery, bags, soaps, etc.). Instead, we use durable materials (quality tableware, soap diffusers, etc.).
We donate forgotten products and other devices that the company does not use to people in situations of exclusion.
Harmful substances such as pesticides and cleaning materials are minimized and replaced with safe products or processes where available. All storage, use, handling and disposal of chemicals is managed correctly.
We use ecological products when cleaning the Hostel.
We use ecological products when cleaning the Hostel.
We do not use chemical pesticides in the care of plants, both indoors and outdoors.
The organization implements practices to reduce pollution caused by noise, lighting, ozone-depleting compounds, and air and soil pollutants.
In order to cause minimal harm to the environment and interior quality, different factors are controlled that can be harmful if not taken into account:
Noise: To avoid noise disturbances for both guests and neighbours, the entire building envelope has been insulated with rock wool insulation, an air chamber and even triple plasterboard panels, guaranteeing sound insulation of less than 37dB.
Lighting: In order to avoid the need for excessive amounts of light in the premises, all rooms have natural light from outside and light control via sliding curtains. The use of artificial light is limited to nightlife.
We raise awareness among guests through a guide to good practices and verbal instructions on the behaviour they must adopt to be respectful of the environment.
Wild species are only collected, consumed, displayed, sold, or traded when done as part of a regulated activity that ensures that their use is sustainable and in compliance with local and international legislation.
All activities promoted from our establishment must ensure that the activity is regulated.
The organization helps support biodiversity conservation, including supporting protected natural areas and zones that have a high biodiversity value.
We promote the protected natural areas in the area through guides, books and magazines. Our clients can consult this information free of charge.
We promote conservation campaigns as well as activities organised by different associations in favour of environmental conservation (garbage collection in the Urumea and Cantabrian Seas, repair and cleaning of paths, etc.). We encourage our clients to participate in them.
Mobility
Start your journey!
Its strategic location and the huge number of infrastructures it has have made Donostia / San Sebastián an easily accessible place, connected to the rest of the world by all types of transport. Choose the one that best suits you and start your journey!
Train
The company RENFE offers both long-distance and commuter rail services.
Located in the heart of the city, the Donostia / San Sebastián train station, known as Estación del Norte , is connected to a large number of state cities including Madrid and Barcelona, as well as international destinations such as Paris or Lisbon.
Euskotren (Topo)
The city also has the Euskotren service , a narrow-gauge railway network that connects:
Bilbao with Donostia – San Sebastian, passing through different coastal towns such as Zarautz as well as a line that connects Hendaye (France) and the French railway network SNCF with Lasarte, passing through Donostia – San Sebastián (with the train popularly known as “Topo”.)
You can get there by train from Hendaye (37 minutes).
SNCF
The French company SNCF allows connections to world capitals such as Paris, starting from the Hendaye train station.
Bus (Regular services)
San Sebastián has a new bus station connecting the city with other cities throughout Spain and parts of Europe. The Donostia Geltokia station is located at Paseo Federico García Lorca , 1, next to the RENFE train station – Estación del Norte.
It's an underground station with 21 bays, a cafeteria, a kiosk, and a luggage storage facility with 66 automated lockers for passengers to leave their belongings and comfortably explore the city. The station is equipped with signage for the Navilens and Navilens Go app systems . It also has two parking levels with space for 384 vehicles.
Eight Dbus urban lines stop on the surface, around the new station: lines 17, 24, 37 and 45 in front of the Renfe station; 9, 41, 42 on Pº Duque de Mandas and 27 on Paseo Gernikako Arbola, next to the María Cristina bridge.
On Dbus buses, tickets can be paid for in cash (maximum 20 euro ticket), with tourist cards, SSCARD and BASQUECARD , with MUGI, BAT and BARIK transport cards, or with a contactless credit card.
Private cars picking up or dropping off family or friends at the station can use the STATION underground car park free of charge for up to 15 minutes.
It may interest you:
Lurraldebus (Provincial Lines)
In addition to national and international lines such as those from Madrid, Barcelona, Santander, Asturias, Logroño, Pamplona, Bayona – Biarritz or Paris, for example, the following provincial lines (Lurraldebus) DO01, DO02, DO03, DO50B, DB02, DB03, DB07 and UK01 also have their departure/arrival at the new bus station.
Map of Lurraldebus lines with departures from Donostia/San Sebastián
DO01 Donostia/San Sebastián – Zarautz – Bilbao
DO02 Donostia/San Sebastián – Zarautz – Vitoria / Gasteiz
DO03 Donostia/San Sebastián – Tolosa – Zumarraga – Bilbao
DO50B Donostia/San Sebastián – Bilbao Aireportua Loiu
DB02 Ermua – Donostia/San Sebastian
DB03 Lekeitio – Donostia/San Sebastian
DG07 Eskoriatza – Donostia/San Sebastian
UK01 Azkoitia – Loiola – Azpeitia – Zestoa – Donostia/San Sebastián
On the surface, specifically at Federico García Lorca street no. 2, the following lines stop:
E21 Hondarribia – Aireportua – Donostia/San Sebastián
UK09 Zumaia – Donostia/San Sebastián (N634)
UK10 Zumaia – Zarautz – Donostia/San Sebastián (AP8)
UK11 Zumaia – Zarautz – Orio – Donostia/San Sebastián (AP8)
BU01 Lasarte Oria – Donostia/San Sebastián
BU03-BU04 Andoain – Lasarte Oria – Donostia/San Sebastián
BU08-BU09 Tolosa – Irura – Villabona – Andoain – Lasarte Oria – Donostia/San Sebastián
E01 P. Donibane – Lezo – Errenteria – P. Antxo – Donostia/San Sebastián
E02 Oiartzun – Errenteria – P. Antxo – Donostia/San Sebastián
E09 San Pedro – Donostia/San Sebastian
E20 Hondarribia – Errenteria – P. Antxo – Donostia/San Sebastián
E21 Hondarribia – Aireportua – Donostia
E26 Irun – Errenteria – P. Antxo – Donostia/San Sebastián
E27 Hondarribia – Irun – Errenteria – P. Antxo – Donostia/San Sebastián
BU11 Hernani – Aiete – Donostia/San Sebastian
BU05 Andoain – Urnieta – Hernani – Donostia/San Sebastián
BU12 Hernani – Astigarraga – Martutene – Donostia/San Sebastián
BU13 Hernani – Astigarraga – Donostia/San Sebastian
Bicycle
We suggest 3 routes to get to San Sebastian from the east, west and south of the city. They have been designed taking into account the following guidelines:
Bike lanes or bidegorris
Road with the least possible traffic
Route through rural area
Route with the least possible slope
Below you can view the directions and download these routes:
