InterContinental Hotels Group’s (IHG Hotel and Resorts) is planning its first lifecycle net zero carbon hotel ‘Zeal Exeter Science Park’ in Exeter.
In partnership with Zeal Hotels and managed by Valor Hospitality, the hotel is scheduled to open in 2024. It has been designed to align with the Net Zero Carbon Buildings Framework Definition of the UK Green Building Council – the membership-led industry network.
To reduce emissions, an airsource heat pump will provide heating and cooling for the ground floor, with adiabatic cooling and electricity providing heat for the higher floors. Additionally, on-site photovoltaics – concerting thermal energy into electricity – will provide most of the energy needed, with the rest coming from renewable sources.
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IHG SVP managing director Karin Sheppard said he’s exited to see the progress the hotel is making with its Journey to Tomorrow 10-year responsible business plan.
“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,” he added.
IHG’s responsible business plan is aligned to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations and has a science-based target in line with a 1.5C future as part of an international effort to curb global warming. The hotel chain is targeting all of its new-build hotels to operate at very low carbon emissions by 2030 is an important part of the company’s sustainable growth strategy.
Zeal Hotels managing director Tim Wheeldon said the project is “very important both for our businesses and the world around us.”
“As we work together on this project, we are sharing our knowledge to help move our industry forwards,” he added.
Valor Hospitality managing director Brian McCarthy said the hospitality management company will be working “from the ground up to put in place energy-saving initiatives, empowering guests and team members to reduce their energy consumption.”
