Valor Hospitality has taken over management of voco Zeal Exeter Science Park, the UK’s first branded net zero carbon hotel from IHG Hotels & Resorts. This milestone marks a new era for sustainability in the hospitality industry. The hotel is powered entirely by renewable and solar energy and combines eco-conscious design with upscale guest experiences.

A Green Stay for the Modern Traveller

Located in Exeter Science Park, the 142-room hotel is a collaboration between Valor Hospitality, IHG, and Zeal Hotels. It includes a gym, gardens, meeting rooms, and EV charging points for guests.

The hotel’s design has achieved BREEAM Outstanding status, which is the highest level for sustainable construction in the UK. Natural light floods the space through two large glass atriums. Rooms and public areas use neutral tones, triple-glazed windows, and fresh air ventilation to support energy efficiency.

Inside, plants such as Dracaena, known for purifying air, enhance the indoor environment. Aerated shower heads also reduce water waste. Each design element contributes to reducing carbon emissions without compromising on comfort.

Brian McCarthy, President of Valor Hospitality UK & Europe, said:

“We were delighted to be chosen by Zeal Hotels to manage this fantastic hotel. It has been brilliant to work with the Zeal team and see the hotel and ISCA come to life over the past two years. The hotel and its food and beverage offering are testimony to the creativity, resilience, and vision of the owners. The hospitality is innovative and industry leading. It complements the beautifully simple, contemporary design. It will be a gorgeous place for our guests to stay. Thank you to Zeal Hotels for giving us the opportunity.”

Sustainable Dining at ISCA

The hotel also features ISCA, a new destination restaurant developed by Valor’s food and beverage brand, SAVOR. The restaurant highlights seasonal and local ingredients from Devon and Cornwall. Dishes are created by Head Chef Andy Short, who brings his background in environmental science to the kitchen.

ISCA offers an open theatre kitchen, giving guests an immersive dining experience. The menu changes with the seasons, showcasing regional produce and supporting local farmers, fishers, and artisans.

This kind of sustainable dining model reflects broader industry trends. More travellers now expect hotels to reduce their carbon footprint while delivering quality experiences.

A Model for Sustainability in the Hospitality Industry

The opening of voco Zeal Exeter Science Park demonstrates how sustainability in the hospitality industry can be more than just a goal—it can be fully operational. Every detail, from energy systems to staffing, reflects a strong environmental ethos.

Tim Wheeldon, Founding Director of Zeal Hotels, shared his long-term vision:

“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 hotel concept alongside a destination restaurant that upholds our values for sustainability.

“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.”

Zeal’s focus is on building hotels that serve guests while minimising impact on the planet. Their partnership with Valor and IHG turned this vision into reality.

Importantly, Valor recruited a local team and trained them to deliver service with sustainability in mind. From check-in to dining, guests experience hospitality aligned with climate goals.

Strength in Partnership

This launch also deepens the relationship between Valor and IHG. The partnership began in 2014 when Valor started managing 11 IHG-branded hotels in the UK. Today, they oversee 40 hotels in the UK and nearly 100 across 16 countries.

Euan McGlashan, Valor’s Global Co-Founder and CEO, said:

“Through the longevity of our role we truly understand the passion behind game-changing hospitality. It’s been an incredible honour for our team to collaborate with IHG and our new partners at Zeal to bring this groundbreaking hotel and the ISCA dining experience to life.”

Joanna Kurowska, VP at IHG Hotels & Resorts, added:

“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.”

This project also supports IHG’s wider Journey to Tomorrow plan, which focuses on creating a more sustainable and inclusive global business.

Setting the Standard for Sustainability in the Hospitality Industry

The UK hospitality sector is under pressure to adopt greener practices. This hotel offers a clear example of how businesses can act—not just talk—about sustainability.

As climate concerns grow, more travellers are choosing hotels that share their values. In fact, a recent Booking.com survey revealed that 76% of travellers want more sustainable travel options. Hotels like voco Zeal Exeter Science Park meet this demand and lead the way for others to follow.