Valor Hospitality to manage net zero carbon hotel 

Valor Hospitality has been appointed to manage voco Zeal Exeter Science Park, InterContinental Hotels Group’s (IHG Hotels & Resorts) first lifecycle net zero carbon hotel in Exeter. 

Set to open late 2024, the hotel is the latest to be added to Valor’s strong portfolio of almost 40 properties. It supports the company’s sustainability ambitions, aligning with the UK Green Building Council’s framework definition of net zero carbon buildings. 

The hotel, which aims for a minimum BREEAM rating of Excellent through the inclusion of solar panels and locally sourced food, will have 142 bedrooms, a meeting room, bar, restaurant, gym, gardens and several car charging outlets for electric vehicles. 

Across the business, Valor has set several targets aimed to review and reduce energy consumption, encourage positive change and lead the industry, showcasing how the hospitality industry can ‘do the right thing’ and meet net zero carbon targets.  

Brian McCarthy, Managing Director at Valor Hospitality said: “We are delighted to be working with Zeal Hotels and IHG Hotels & Resorts on its first net zero carbon hotel in Exeter – the partnership is completely aligned to what we’re all about. It’s the latest addition to our growing portfolio, and one that truly supports our ambitions from a sustainability perspective.  

“We’ll be working with Zeal and IHG Hotels & Resorts from the ground up to put in place energy-saving initiatives, empowering guests and team members to reduce their energy consumption. We’ll also be looking to recruit a new team of talented people who will help us take our first net zero carbon hotel to the next level.” 

The news of Valor’s management of the property follows the appointment of Lee Pickersgill, the organisation’s first Energy Manager earlier this year, who is playing a key role in leading the business’ sustainability strategy. 

Lee Pickersgill, Energy Manager at Valor Hospitality said: “We are aiming to foster a culture of sustainability in everything that we do, empowering our teams to make an impact. In our current hotels, we are looking to reduce our water and food wastage, continuously investigating new smart technologies to enable control of our energy consumption, measuring outputs in line with our strategy towards net zero carbon. 

“As our first net zero carbon hotel, voco Zeal Exeter Science Park is going to be a fantastic example of what can be achieved in the hospitality industry.” 

To find out more about Valor’s ESG mission and objectives, visit the website: https://valorhospitality.com/sustainability/mission-objectives/  

Employment opportunities for the new hotel will be posted on the Valor website in early 2024.