Zeal Hotels has signed an exclusivity agreement with IHG Hotels & Resorts for its first net zero carbon hotel.
The property is aiming for a minimum BREEAM rating of Excellent, with a target of Outstanding
The 142-bedroom hotel will also comprise a meeting room, restaurant, bar, gym, gardens, and car charging points. Detailed planning permission has already been secured and construction is scheduled to begin in July this year.
The hotel will be managed by Valor Hospitality.
Why it matters
The hotel industry has a huge role to play if the UK is to realise its goal to cut carbon emissions by 68% by 2030 compared with 1990 levels. The move towards a net-zero carbon hotel is an acknowledgement of the broader trend in which customers are increasingly valuing sustainability and environmentally friendly practices, and may present opportunities for premium pricing and higher revenues.
What they said
Tim Wheeldon managing director of Zeal Hotels said: “The need for the hotel industry to take action has never been more pressing and the longer we leave it, the harder and more expensive it will be to make a difference. We are looking forward to sharing our knowledge to help move the industry forwards and achieve our net zero carbon targets together.”
Karin Sheppard, SVP MD Europe at IHG Hotels & Resorts added: “Sustainable development is core to how IHG are looking to grow. We know that guests are looking for more sustainable stays and are willing to pay more for them. So I’m really excited to be signing our first lifecycle net zero carbon hotel. It’s a big step in the right direction and I’m confident Zeal Hotels are the right partner for the job.”