IDEAS FOR GOODIn daily life, activities that focus on zero waste and decarbonization are gradually increasing. From now on, it will be necessary to pay attention to efforts to reduce environmental impact while enjoying entertainment and tourism as usual.
Advantech Co. Ltd. and GOODTIME Co. Ltd. announced the first Zero Energy Hotel in Japan, “ITOMACHI HOTEL 0,” in Niihama City, Ehime Prefecture.
It is a hotel that aims for virtually zero electricity consumption by obtaining the highest rank of “ZEB” set by the Ministry of the Environment, and simultaneously having the functions of consuming and creating energy in the building.
ZEB stands for Net Zero Energy Building, while ZEH stands for Net Zero Energy House and is mainly applied to general residences.
When comparing energy consumption by building type, the electricity consumption per floor area of a hotel is said to be the second highest after restaurants. GOODTIME and others who operate the hotel believe that aiming for virtually zero electricity consumption in hotel operations in Japan has the potential to accelerate the realization of a decarbonized society.
In addition, “Itomachi,” where ITOMACHI HOTEL 0 is being constructed, is a concept city that focuses on the keywords of “energy,” “technology,” “green infrastructure,” “food,” and “architecture.” Other facilities that have already opened in the area have also obtained “ZEB Ready” certification (one of the four types of ZEB standards, which reduces primary energy consumption by 50% or more excluding renewable energy), and the marketplaces and restaurants within the area utilize electricity generated by ZEB.
ITOMACHI HOTEL 0 also has the function of serving as a disaster prevention center that can provide emergency power, water, and food for approximately 800 people for up to three days in the event of a disaster. The area is expected to be a new city for regional revitalization. ITOMACHI HOTEL 0 aims to become a base for “town stays” where visitors can enjoy the entire Itomachi.
The design is led by architect Kengo Kuma, who has designed numerous world-renowned buildings, including the new National Stadium. The hotel has a total floor area of 3000 square meters, with a maximum of 57 guest rooms, a cafe, a multipurpose studio, a kitchen-equipped co-working space, and a laundry, making it available for workations as well.
The hotel is scheduled to open in May 2023. Come and experience a trip where you can enjoy accommodation and tourism while virtually eliminating electricity consumption.
Originally published on IDEAS FOR GOOD.
[Website] ITOMACHI HOTEL 0 (Japanese)
