IHG and Zeal Hotels partners on net zero hotel opening in Exeter
Signed under a franchise agreement and set to be managed by Valor Hospitality, the 142-key hotel will include a restaurant, bar, gym, gardens, meeting space and car charging points
IHG Hotels and Resorts has partnered with Zeal Hotels to deliver Voco Zeal Exeter Science Park, the first lifecycle net zero carbon hotel for both businesses, in 2024.
This follows the signing of a landmark exclusivity agreement between IHG and Zeal, which was revealed at the International Hotel Investment Forum (IHIF) in Berlin this May.
Voco Zeal Exeter Science Park has been designed to align with the Net Zero Carbon Buildings Framework Definition of the UK Green Building Council, the membership-led industry network.
Signed under a franchise agreement and set to be managed by Valor Hospitality, the 142-key hotel will be situated in the city of Exeter to offer leisure and business guests facilities including a restaurant, bar, gym, gardens, meeting space and numerous car charging points.
The hotel will be located adjacent to J29 of the M5 motorway, just a five-minute drive from Exeter Airport. It will be situated at the heart of Exeter Science Park which, once fully developed, will be home to around 822,000 sq ft of buildings for STEMM businesses.
Karin Sheppard, SVP managing director Europe of IHG Hotels and Resorts, said: “I’m delighted that Voco Zeal Exeter Science Park will be IHG’s first lifecycle net zero carbon hotel. This outstanding property in a beautiful part of southwest England perfectly illustrates the commitment of IHG and Zeal to doing business responsibly.
“I’m excited to see the progress we’re continuing to make with our Journey to Tomorrow 10-year responsible business plan. It also marks another milestone for conversion-friendly brand Voco, which is our quickest-growing brand globally and proving a popular choice for owners around the world.”
Tim Wheeldon, managing director of Zeal Hotels, added: “We are proud to be partnering with IHG on this very important project for both our businesses and the world around us. We’re looking forward to turning this into reality with IHG and the Voco Zeal Exeter Science Park when we open our doors to guests in 2024.
“At Zeal and IHG, we want to play our part in creating a sustainable future. As we work together on this project, we are sharing our knowledge to help move our industry forwards.”
