IHG Hotels & Resorts has signed an “exclusivity” agreement with Zeal Hotels for a new net zero carbon property being built in the southwest of England.
Zeal Hotels has secured planning permission for a 142-room hotel near Exeter, which is designed to be a net zero carbon building when it opens in 2024.
The hotel, located at Exeter Science Park next to the M5 motorway and close to Exeter airport, is being designed so that it aligns with the UK Green Building Council’s definition of net zero carbon buildings. The development will create a low carbon building and operational standards, as well as being “independent” of the electricity grid.
Tim Wheeldon, managing director of Zeal Hotels, said: “This is the result of Team Zeal’s passion to create a sustainable and repeatable hotel concept and IHG has been at the forefront of sustainability in the hotel sector.
“We are looking forward to sharing our knowledge to help move the industry forwards and achieve our net zero carbon targets together. It is our ambition to accelerate the net zero carbon process within the hospitality industry.”
The hotel will be both companies’ first lifecycle net zero carbon property, and the project is aiming for a minimum BREEAM rating of “excellent”, with the target of achieving an “outstanding” rating. BREEAM is a scheme which assesses, rates and certifies the sustainability of buildings.
Karin Sheppard, IHG’s managing director for Europe, said: “Sustainable development is core to how IHG are looking to grow. We know that guests are looking for more sustainable stays and are willing to pay more for them.”
The new hotel, which is due to start construction in July, will be managed by Valor Hospitality when it opens next year. It will also feature a restaurant, bar, meeting room, gym, gardens and multiple car charging points.