room2 to open world’s first fully net zero hometel

room2 is the UK’s first hometel brand, and aims to combine the best elements from Airbnb, serviced apartments and boutique hotels in a package that has been designed to appeal equally to corporate and leisure guests. Now set to open its third hometel in Chiswick, West London, this pioneering brand will offer its relaxed combination of home and hotel, while encouraging guests to embrace a sustainable lifestyle.

Forecast to use 89 per cent less energy per metre squared compared to typical UK hotels, room2 Chiswick is the first hotel in the world to fully account for its entire carbon footprint, making it ‘whole life net zero’. Being whole life net zero, means both embodied and operational carbon have, and will be, rebalanced throughout the entire hometel’s lifecycle. 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.

Image credit: room2

“Taking full accountability for our entire carbon footprint is room2’s baseline commitment going forward, investing in low energy and carbon solutions to align with our parent company’s Net Zero Roadmap by 2030.” says Robert Godwin who founded room2 with his brother Stuart Godwin. “Responsibility falls on all of us to make strides towards building a more sustainable future and keep the Paris Agreement’s 1.5-degree target within reach. We hope other hotel companies will join us in this urgent fight against climate change.”

To achieve these goals, room2 Chiswick embraces leading hardware and software technology from around the world to achieve pioneering energy efficiencies, with some of these being developed in house. Renewable energy is maximised on site with solar and ground source heat pumps, which convert 100 per cent of the energy needed for heating, cooling and hot water. Two lab rooms collect data on water and energy use, along with air quality, and learn from guest habits in order to refine and improve future efficiencies.

Ultra-low flow pressure showers use less water with aerated water fixtures and ultra-energy efficient lighting and appliances are combined with occupancy sensors across the building. The blue roof reduces localised flooding by slowly discharging up to 50,000 litres of rainwater, while the green roof boasts 200 tonnes of soil and wildflowers, planted to increase biodiversity and absorb CO2, along with beehives and bug hotels.

Inspired by the spirit of Chiswick’s 19^th century arts and crafts heritage, which valued craftsmanship over a perceived decline in quality from mass factory production, each of the 86 bespoke guestrooms have been carefully crafted in collaboration with local artisans. From the marbled print wallpaper to handcrafted mirrors, guests can expect work from rising creative talent at every turn. All loose bespoke furniture was manufactured within 10 miles of the property, and made with Forest Stewardship Council timber. Fabrics and materials were all selected to promote reuse and a circular economy, beyond the current useful life.

Image credit: room2

room2 Chiswick also has a zero-waste policy, and is the first UK hotel to introduce food waste into its in-room recycling bins. Unable to find a three-in-one recycling bin in keeping with the hometel’s philosophy for design and simplicity of use, room2 designed and manufactured its own bespoke bin to include waste, recycling and food waste, to ensure that 100 per cent of waste is recycled or converted into energy off-site.

Whether staying for two nights or two months, for leisure or for work, guests of all ages can expect the relaxed and informal room2 experience throughout their stay. Fully equipped kitchenettes, mattress menu and full 24-hour stay, with both check-in and check-out at 14:00, allow guests to personalise their visit, and stay more comfortably for longer. The new 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.

“room2 puts a huge emphasis on our guest experience and connection to our local communities,” says Godwin. “With carbon emissions being the biggest threat to our planet, and with devastating impacts being felt across the world, we believe in our responsibility to prioritise our global communities and ensure our presence wouldn’t contribute further to the problem. We’ve done the hard work, so the guest has the full experience without the footprint.”

At a time when reducing the impact of climate change is more important than ever, room2 Chiswick has created an ideal destination for eco-conscious and responsible travellers looking for the ultimate stay in London, while at the same time, proving that sustainability doesn’t mean sacrificing style, convenience or comfort.

Main image credit: room2