Work is underway on a new hotel at Devon business park which will be designed to run with net zero operations.
Hospitality giant IHG Hotels & Resorts and developer Zeal Hotels are behind the 142-room accommodation, which is scheduled to open at STEMM business hub Exeter Science Park next year.
The companies said the hotel, which will be run under IHG’s Voco brand and managed by Valor Hospitality, will receive most of its power from onsite solar panels, as well as other renewable energy sources. An air source heat pump will provide heating and cooling for the ground floor while a system designed to not gain or lose any heat, will provide warmth on the higher floors.
READ MORE: {}
Like this story? Why not sign up to get the latest South West business news straight to your inbox.
Planning permission for the hotel, the first of a number of sustainable guesthouses IHG and Zeal Hotels plans to open, will feature a meeting room, restaurant, bar, gym, gardens, and numerous car charging points.
The hotel will benefit from the proximity of the site, located adjacent to J29 of the M5 motorway, from Exeter Airport. Once fully developed, Exeter Science Park will be home to around 822,000 sq ft of buildings for businesses operating in the science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine sectors.
Dr Sally Basker, chief executive of the park’s developer Exeter Science Park Limited, said: “It’s very exciting to see work begin on Zeal’s innovative, ‘mindfully modern’ highly-sustainable, low-carbon hotel that will complement Exeter Science Park’s existing net zero carbon buildings.
“This collaboration launches the next phase of growth at Exeter Science Park and we anticipate there will be great synergy for both organisations, with Zeal bringing many benefits to our businesses, which will be reciprocated through the science park providing facilities, such as meeting spaces, for Zeal Hotel residents.”
Most Read
Tim Wheeldon, managing director, Zeal Hotels, said: “The final pieces of our plan to create the first net zero carbon branded hotel are coming together and we are thrilled to be starting work on this innovative and highly sustainable project.
“Hospitality has been lagging behind other industries in its commitment to net zero carbon and we are looking forward to welcoming guests to join us on our journey. A fundamental requirement in the design of our new hotel is that it can be replicated and we are now seeking additional development opportunities in strategic locations throughout the 海角视频.”
Karin Sheppard, SVP managing director in Europe for IHG Hotels & Resorts, added: “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 South West 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.”
Exeter Science Park Limited four shareholders are Devon County Council, the University of Exeter, East Devon District Council and Exeter City Council. Its two strategic partners are the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership and the Exeter and East Devon Enterprise Zone.