IHG Hotels & Resorts has launched voco Zeal Exeter Science Park, marking the company’s first branded net zero carbon hotel. Developed in collaboration with Zeal Hotels and Valor Hospitality, the property is designed to operate entirely on renewable and solar energy, reinforcing IHG’s commitment to sustainable hospitality.
The 142-room hotel features a contemporary design with neutral tones, creating a relaxing atmosphere for guests. The property includes a mini gym, landscaped gardens, flexible meeting spaces, and 12 EV charging stations, ensuring a comfortable and eco-conscious stay.
The on-site restaurant and bar, ISCA, emphasizes locally sourced ingredients, working closely with regional farms and producers to offer fresh and responsible dining options. The property is located in the English city of Exeter and it is located in a development just a 5-minute drive from Exeter Airport.
The hotel has been designed to align with the Net Zero Carbon Buildings Framework Definition of the UK Green Building Council.
“With a growing number of travellers seeking responsible travel options, we are delighted to open voco Zeal Exeter Science Park. The hotel will bring a new sustainable hotel offer to our UK portfolio and build on our commitment to provide exceptional experiences for our guests.
Together with Zeal Hotels, voco Zeal Exeter Science Park helps set the standards for net zero carbon hotels and marks a pivotal step towards a more sustainable future in hospitality, aligned with IHG’s Journey to Tomorrow responsible business plan. By inspiring both industry leaders and our guests, we are demonstrating how comfort and sustainability can successfully coexist, benefiting both the environment and the communities we serve.”- Joanna Kurowska, VP, Managing Director UK & Ireland at IHG Hotels & Resorts
In order to be a lifecycle net zero carbon hotel, the property is being built using passive-house principles to minimise energy use. The building also uses a ‘fabric-first’ approach, and embodied carbon from the hotel structure will be offset upon its opening.
Exeter Science Park will house 76,400 m² of buildings dedicated for science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine (STEMM) businesses.
Pioneering green building standards
voco Zeal Exeter Science Park stands out with its innovative design, earning a BREEAM Outstanding rating—one of the highest certifications for sustainable buildings. It is the first UK property to incorporate Solarlab vertical photovoltaic panels as a rainscreen cladding system. Additionally, the hotel follows the Passivhaus standard, which enhances energy efficiency through ultra-low energy consumption.
Innovative construction and materials
The hotel was built using environmentally conscious materials and advanced construction techniques to achieve top-tier sustainability benchmarks. One example is the use of Ecocrete, a low-carbon concrete that reduces CO2 emissions by up to 85% compared to conventional cement.
“I am incredibly proud of the team behind the voco Zeal Exeter Science Park, who have worked hard to bring the Zeal Hotels vision to fruition. Our partnerships with IHG Hotels & Resorts and Valor Hospitality have been crucial throughout the development process and we are excited to launch this new sustainable hotel. It has been more than a decade since we founded Zeal Hotels, with the intention of helping the hotel sector be net zero carbon by 2050.
“The decision to build our net zero hotel reflects our commitment to combating climate change and reducing our carbon footprint. By harnessing renewable energy sources, implementing energy-efficient designs, and utilising innovative technology, we have created a space that not only provides comfort and luxury but also prioritises environmental responsibility. We are looking forward to sharing our knowledge with others to help accelerate the net zero carbon process across the sector.” – Tim Wheeldon, Founding Director, Zeal Hotels
Expanding the voco brand
As IHG’s fastest-growing premium brand, voco hotels provide a distinct yet reliable experience, combining individual character with global hospitality standards. With 29 voco hotels currently operating across Europe and more than 20 additional properties in the pipeline over the next few years, the brand continues to expand while prioritizing sustainability and innovation.
