IHG Hotels & Resorts has opened its first ¡°net zero¡± branded property, which has been designed to operate entirely on renewable and solar energy.
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Plans for Voco Zeal Exeter Science Park in southwest England were first announced two years ago. The 142-room hotel has been developed through a partnership with Zeal Hotels and Valor Hospitality.
The property has achieved an ¡°outstanding¡± rating from sustainable building certification body BREEAM for initiatives such as using low-carbon concrete in its construction and installing reversible heat pumps to reduce energy use.
The hotel¡¯s facilities include a restaurant and bar featuring a menu that utilises locally sourced ingredients, as well as a gym, gardens, meeting space and 12 charging points for electric vehicles.
Joanna Kurowska, IHG¡¯s managing director for UK & Ireland,?said: ¡°With a growing number of travellers seeking responsible travel options, we are delighted to open Voco Zeal Exeter Science Park.
¡°The hotel will bring a new sustainable hotel offer to our UK portfolio and build on our commitment to provide exceptional experiences for our guests.
¡°Voco Zeal Exeter Science Park helps set the standards for net zero carbon hotels and marks a pivotal step towards a more sustainable future in hospitality.¡±
Tim Wheeldon, who co-founded Zeal Hotels in 2012 with the mission of developing sustainable hotels, praised the team working on the Exeter property for bringing ¡°the Zeal Hotels vision to fruition¡±.
¡°The decision to build our net zero hotel reflects our commitment to combating climate change and reducing our carbon footprint,¡± added Wheeldon.
¡°By harnessing renewable energy sources, implementing energy-efficient designs and utilising innovative technology, we have created a space that not only provides comfort and luxury but also prioritises environmental responsibility.¡±
IHG launched Voco Hotels in 2018 and it is currently the company¡¯s fastest growing premium brand, with 29 properties now open in Europe and another 20 in the pipeline for the next three to five years.