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Lobby of voco Zeal Exeter Science Park – Image Credit IHG Hotels & Resorts
IHG Hotels & Resorts, in partnership with Zeal Hotels, has launched its first branded net zero carbon hotel – voco Zeal Exeter Science Park. The hotel operates entirely on renewable and solar energy, underscoring the company’s commitment to sustainable practices and innovation.
In a landmark move toward sustainable hospitality, IHG Hotels & Resorts has launched its first branded net zero carbon hotel. The voco Zeal Exeter Science Park, a product of IHG’s partnership with Zeal Hotels, operates entirely on renewable and solar energy, setting a new standard of environmental responsibility within the hotel industry.
The 142-room voco Zeal Exeter Science Park features neutral tones and contemporary features in its design. The hotel provides various amenities, including a mini gym, gardens, a versatile meeting space, and 12 EV charging points. It also houses an onsite restaurant, ISCA, committed to using locally-sourced ingredients and promoting responsible dining practices.
The hotel’s sustainable design has earned it a BREAAM Outstanding rating, a prestigious sustainable building certification. Distinctively, voco Zeal Exeter Science Park is the first building in the UK to employ Solarlab vertical photovoltaic panels as a rainscreen cladding system. Adhering to the Passivhaus standard for ultra-low energy buildings, the hotel utilizes adiabatic cooling and heat reversible heat pumps to minimize energy usage.
Materials with sustainable characteristics were selected and innovatively assembled to achieve optimal results when constructing the hotel. Notably, Ecocrete, a low carbon concrete with substantially less CO2 than standard cement was used.
According to Joanna Kurowska, VP, Managing Director UK & Ireland at IHG Hotels & Resorts, the voco Zeal Exeter Science Park adds a new sustainable hotel to their UK portfolio and exemplifies IHG’s commitment to delivering exceptional experiences for their guests. The hotel represents a significant step towards a more sustainable future in hospitality, aligning with IHG’s Journey to Tomorrow responsible business plan.
Tim Wheeldon, Founding Director, Zeal Hotels, expressed his pride in the team behind the voco Zeal Exeter Science Park and their commitment to combating climate change and reducing carbon footprint. Zeal Hotels has created a hotel that balances comfort, luxury, and environmental responsibility by leveraging renewable energy sources, implementing energy-efficient designs, and utilizing innovative technology.
Brian McCarthy, Managing Director, Valor Hospitality, highlighted voco Zeal Exeter Science Park’s dedication to supporting its community. The hotel aims to serve as a knowledge center, sharing insights on sustainable hotel construction and operations, thereby fostering a culture of learning.
voco hotels currently operates 29 hotels across Europe, with over 20 more slated to open in the next three to five years.
