£20 million eco-hotel opens at The University of Nottingham

A stunning new eco-friendly hotel, 'The Orchard', has opened for business on The University of Nottingham's award-winning main campus. Designed to complement the University-owned De Vere Venues East Midlands Conference Centre next door, the £20 million hotel complex will provide top class accommodation on University Park with extensive facilities including a roof garden, brasserie and gym. The Orchard Hotel has been built to the highest environmental standards featuring state of the art technology to minimise carbon emissions including a green roof, photovoltaic panels, energy-efficient lighting, heating and ventilation systems. Pro-Vice Chancellor for Environment and Infrastructure, Professor Karen Cox , said: "The University is proud to open The Orchard as a unique and environmentally-driven addition to our conferencing facilities. "The hotel will aim to achieve an 'Excellent' rating under the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method ( BREEAM ), which recognises low-impact buildings that incorporate the best environmental practice. The Orchard is the latest in a series of award-winning buildings developed on The University of Nottingham's campuses which have underlined our commitment to sustainable architecture and construction." Tony Dangerfield, CEO of De Vere Venues added: "The Orchard Hotel is fantastic new addition to our portfolio representing a significant investment by the University in the city of Nottingham.