DPP are delighted to have assisted Zeal Hotels with the submission of its application to develop an industry-leading 142-bedroom net zero carbon hotel at Exeter Science Park.
DPP coordinated and submitted the planning application working closely with Zeal Hotels and the appointed Design Team led by architectural practice ECE Westworks and contractors Red Construction South West. Zeal is targeting carbon net zero, with the hotels seeking to reduce emissions rather than offset them. The challenge includes the construction and operation of the hotels, with Zeal accountable not only for their own emissions (Scope 1 & 2) but the construction and operation supply chains emissions (Scope 3) as well.
The application will now be considered by East Devon District Council with an approval anticipated in July 2022 and construction to start shortly afterwards.
Tim Wheeldon, Managing Director of Zeal Hotels, said:
We’re incredibly excited to be one step closer to bringing this project to life. We call it ‘Mindfully Modern’, and we intend to create an industry-leading sustainable hotel brand without compromising on the guest experience and comfort levels. The proposed development seeks to incorporate an innovative, low carbon building and operation standards, with the intention of being independent of the electricity grid.
Dr Sally Basker, CEO of Exeter Science Park Limited, said:
Zeal’s innovative, ‘mindfully modern’ approach promises to deliver a highly sustainable, low-carbon hotel that will complement Exeter Science Park’s existing net zero carbon buildings. This collaboration will create a destination that is low-carbon by design and helps innovative science-based companies to deliver extraordinary growth for our south-west region.
Principal Planner at DPP, Tom Molyneux-Wright said:
We are delighted to be involved in such an exciting and innovative concept which puts sustainability at the heart of its intent. Whilst we are seeing more clients and projects moving towards integrating sustainability measures into projects, Zeal’s approach is ground-breaking and we are proud to be helping facilitate their vision.
Images: ECE Westworks
