IHG Hotels & Resorts introduced voco Zeal Exeter Science Park in partnership with Zeal Hotels—the first lifecycle net zero carbon hotel for both businesses. This follows the signing of an exclusivity agreement between IHG and Zeal, which was revealed at the International Hotel Investment Forum (IHIF) in Berlin in May.
Scheduled to open in 2024, voco Zeal Exeter Science Park has been designed to align with the Net Zero Carbon Buildings Framework Definition of the UK Green Building Council.
With more than 6,000 properties in over 100 countries, IHG is committed to supporting hotel owners to decarbonize and futureproof their assets while generating profits to protect the long-term value of their business and reduce their impact on the environment.
Karin Sheppard, SVP, managing director, Europe, IHG Hotels & 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 and will provide our guests with a place to stay that matches their own expectations around sustainability.”
Tim Wheeldon, managing director, Zeal Hotels, said, “We are proud to be partnering with IHG on this very important project for both our businesses and the world around us. We have a vision for Zeal Hotels and 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.
Signed under a franchise agreement and set to be managed by Valor Hospitality, the 142-key hotel will be situated in the southwest English city of Exeter and offer leisure and business guests facilities including a restaurant, bar, gym, gardens, meeting space, and car charging points.
voco Zeal Exeter Science Park will be located adjacent to J29 of the M5 motorway, which is a five-minute drive from Exeter Airport. It will be situated in Exeter Science Park which, once fully developed, will be home to around 822,000 square feet of buildings for science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine (STEMM) businesses.
IHG’s Journey to Tomorrow 10-year responsible business plan is aligned with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations. Through its commitment to care for its people, communities, and planet, IHG is taking steps to deliver a carbon emissions strategy.
