Plans have been announced for what is being referred to as IHG Hotels and Resorts’ “first lifecycle net zero carbon hotel”.
Hospitality group Zeal Hotels said it has signed an agreement with IHG to open a property in Exeter Science Park.
The hotel will feature 142 rooms, as well as a restaurant, bar, gym, gardens and “numerous car charging points”.
Zeal said that the property will open in 2024, and is aiming for a minimum BREEAM rating of Excellent, with a target of Outstanding.
The group said that the property will be aligned with the UK Green Building Council’s framework definition of net zero carbon buildings, and would be both its and IHG’s first lifecycle net zero carbon hotel.
On the Zeal Hotels website the property is being referred to as Zeal Hotel Exeter – it’s not clear if the IHG name will be attached at all, or if the hotel will fall under any of the group’s 18 brands. Business Traveller has contacted IHG and will post any response here.
Karin Sheppard, SVP MD Europe, IHG Hotels and Resorts said that “Sustainable development is core to how IHG are looking to grow”, while Tim Wheeldon, managing director, Zeal Hotels, commented:
“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.”
“IHG has a compelling global network which will help to spread the Zeal Hotels message and help guests to enjoy their hotel stays free from concerns about their carbon footprint. We want to keep people travelling, keep the sector growing and, more importantly, keep lowering our footprint.”
IHG recently a Hotel Indigo property in Exeter, housed within the former House of Fraser department store on the city’s Catherine Street.