Zeal Hotels


Sustainability 


 Tim Wheeldon 


What inspired Zeal Hotels to pursue a net-zero design for the voco Zeal Exeter Science Park hotel? Tim Wheeldon: At Zeal Hotels, we’ve long believed that the hospitality industry has a vital role to play in addressing the climate crisis. The decision to pursue a net-zero design for the voco Zeal Exeter Science Park hotel was driven by a desire to lead by example – showing that it’s possible to create high-quality, commercially viable hotels that also make a meaningful contribution to environmental sustainability. This project was an opportunity to prove that sustainability can be embedded into every aspect of hotel design, construction and operation, without compromising on comfort, style or performance. We were inspired by the chance to develop a future-ready hotel that aligns with the expectations of today’s environmentally conscious travellers, while also setting a new benchmark for the industry. Ultimately, it was about doing the right thing – both for the planet and for the long-term resilience of our business.


How does this project align with your broader sustainability and development strategy? This project is a cornerstone of Zeal Hotels’ commitment to pioneering sustainable


hospitality, and directly supports our broader strategy to integrate net-zero-carbon principles across all new developments. By demonstrating innovation in design and operational sustainability, the project advances our goal to lead the industry in responsible growth, while delivering exceptional guest experiences.


What role did your partnership with IHG and Valor Hospitality play in achieving this milestone? We spent three years designing this net-zero- carbon hotel concept. This is not just a ‘one-off’ hotel; the whole idea is that it is repeatable and can operate commercially throughout the world. It was therefore important for us to partner with professional operators and a worldwide hotel group to ensure the design


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