10 June 2025 : voco Zeal Exeter Science Park won the BREEAM award for Best New Construction/Commercial Project at last week’s prestigious BREEAM Awards 2025. The accolade is further recognition of this innovative project, following the hotel’s achievement of a BREEAM Outstanding rating at the design stage in recognition of its low carbon construction and fit out.
The property has been designed to operate entirely on renewable and solar energy. The 100% electric voco Zeal Exeter Science Park stands out with its sustainable design, including vertical solar panels as cladding. It is the first building in the UK that has utilised the Solarlab vertical photovoltaic panels as a complete rainscreen cladding system.
The hotel has been designed to operate with industry-leading benchmark-setting Energy Use Intensity levels with the intention of proving that both construction of a net zero hotel as well as maintaining sustainable operations is achievable.
Cllr Paul Arnott, Leader of East Devon District Council and Chair of Exeter and East Devon Enterprise Zone, said:
“As hosts, Exeter and East Devon Enterprise Zone is proud to see voco Zeal Exeter Science Park setting a new standard for sustainability in hospitality. The 100% electric, net-zero hotel represents a leap forward in design and operational innovation, showcasing how renewable energy and cutting-edge technology can work hand in hand. As the first building in the UK to use Solarlab vertical photovoltaic panels as a complete rainscreen cladding system, it is not only redefining energy efficiency but also inspiring a new era in environmentally conscious construction. This project underscores our commitment to leading the way towards a more sustainable future for the built environment.”
The Zeal Hotels group is currently involved in a pilot testing scheme for a new benchmark across the built environment, the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard. The Standard is a response to the need for consistent rules around net zero carbon, to both validate net zero claims and accelerate the design, construction and use of buildings that deliver lower-carbon outcomes in line with the UK’s legally-binding 2050 carbon targets.
Zeal Hotels was advised throughout the BREEAM certification process by specialist environment and sustainability consultants SCS.