Green Beacon Youth Hostel at Lockton, near Pickering, North Yorkshire is the first green hostel in Britain to open.

Wherever possible the YHA has added sustainable features to help minimise the environmental impact of tourists travelling to enjoy the famous North Yorkshire scenery. Green features included solar roof panels to generate electricity, grey water and rainwater harvesting systems to flush the toilets and sheep’s wool insulation, as well as a composting toilet, and even organic paint. Solar thermal panels provide hot water for showers in the new extension which also includes a larger kitchen and dining room. The extension boasts a green sedum roof, which will provide an extra habitat for local wildlife as well as helping to keep the interior cool in summer.

Via Green Building.