Heading to the South West this summer? There is now a low‑carbon place to stay the night. Just outside Exeter, voco Zeal Exeter Science Park offers a useful example of what net zero hospitality looks like in practice.

Developed by our friends at voco and IHG, the hotel opened last year as IHG’s first branded net zero carbon property, in line with the group’s wider sustainability strategy.

Designed to run on renewable energy, the hotel is powered by a combination of solar and other clean technologies. Three sides of the building are clad in solar panels, generating enough electricity over the course of a year to cover the hotel’s energy needs. That power runs a fully electric system for heating, cooling and cooking, removing the need for fossil fuels on site.

The building itself also plays a big role. It follows Passivhaus principles; a design approach that prioritises insulation, airtight construction and controlled ventilation to reduce energy demand. Features such as triple glazing and fresh air ventilation mean the hotel uses around a third of the energy of a typical hotel of its size. Lower‑carbon materials were used to reduce emissions embedded in the building from day one, addressing embodied carbon alongside operational impact.

Sustainability also shows up in day‑to‑day operations. Food served on site is sourced locally where possible, shortening supply chains and supporting regional producers while reducing transport emissions.

So next time you’re planning a city break and want to factor environmental impact into the decision, look no further than Exeter. Staying at voco Zeal Exeter Science Park makes it possible to combine low‑carbon accommodation with time outdoors, from walking the city’s green quayside paths to using Exeter as a base for hiking Dartmoor’s tors or exploring the beaches of Devon and Cornwall.