IHG Opens Its First Carbon-Zero Hotel in England [Book From 17K Points!]

IHG has opened a new voco hotel in Exeter, United Kingdom. That alone may not sound overly exciting, but the hotel has an important distinction: It’s a net zero carbon property.

Here’s what you need to know about this interesting — and climate-friendly — new hotel!

Climate-Friendly Hotel Opens in England

voco Zeal Exeter Science Park opens as IHG’s first net zero carbon hotel. The chain defines this as being designed to operate entirely on renewable and solar energy. The hotel used sustainable materials during construction and operates entirely on renewable energy.

Additionally, the hotel has achieved noted Passivhaus standards and uses technology that reduces energy usage.

voco Zeal Exeter Science Park, located in Exeter in southwestern England, has 142 guest rooms. The rooms, like many hotels in Europe, are on the smaller side. There are several room types, though, and some rooms feature sofa beds and kitchenettes.

Amenities include a “mini” gym, outdoor gardens, meeting spaces, 12 EV charging points, and an on-site restaurant.

IHG noted in a statement that more and more travelers are seeking sustainable travel options.

Indeed, a Booking.com survey from last spring found that nearly half of travelers felt that traveling more sustainably is important. In fact, 43% thought travel service providers “hold the key” to addressing environmental concerns. IHG collaborated with Zeal Hotels, a development company that focuses on sustainable hotels.

Booking voco Zeal Exeter Science Park With IHG Points

voco Zeal Exeter Science Park is now open. The hotel is part of the IHG One Rewards program, meaning you can earn and redeem IHG One Rewards points.

As far as voco hotels go, this one is reasonably priced with cash or points. Cash rates here start at just $88 per night, while award stays can be found as low as 17,000 points nightly.

Earning IHG One Rewards points is relatively simple. IHG offers 3 credit cards — 2 personal and 1 business — which are issued by Chase. IHG also has 2 transfer partners, Chase Ultimate Rewards and Bilt Rewards points, from which you can transfer points to IHG One Rewards at a 1:1 ratio. You also can purchase IHG One Rewards points.

Finally, you can earn IHG One Rewards points on everyday purchases, such as dining (when enrolling in the IHG One Rewards Dining program) or hosting qualifying events. 

Final Thoughts

IHG has opened its first net zero carbon hotel in the United Kingdom, a sign that hotels and other travel companies are still invested in sustainability. If you stay at the voco Zeal Exeter Science Park — which is a great deal for those using IHG points — you’re making the world a better place. We hope other hotel chains follow IHG’s lead.