‘World’s first’ whole life net zero hotel opens

Room2, the world’s first fully net zero hotel in Chiswick, has officially opened.

The brand said the new opening sets a “new global industry standard” for environmental responsibility in the fight against climate change.

According to the hotel, it uses 89% less energy per m2 compared to typical UK hotels, and it is the first hotel in the world to fully account for its entire carbon footprint, making it ‘whole life net zero’.

All emissions associated with the hometel’s production and construction, materials used, operations, maintenance, refurbishment, and including the eventual clearance of the building will equal zero.

The hotel said it has used hardware and software technology from around the world to achieve energy efficiencies, with some developed in-house.

Ultra-low flow pressure showers have been implemented to use less water with aerated water fixtures and ultra-energy efficient lighting and appliances are combined with occupancy sensors across the building.

The hotel also said the “blue roof” reduces localised flooding by slowly discharging up to 50,000 litres of rainwater, and the green roof boasts 200 tonnes of soil and wildflowers, planted to increase biodiversity and absorb CO2, along with beehives and bug hotels.

All “loose bespoke furniture” was manufactured within 10 miles of the property and made with Forest Stewardship Council timber. Fabrics and materials were selected to promote reuse and a circular economy beyond the current useful life.

The “hometel” also offers a laundry room, gym with Peloton equipment, as well as an independently run café by day and cocktail bar by night specialising in locally sourced organic food, coffee and wine.