Bouygues UK has reached a significant sustainability milestone in the construction of the Canolfan zone of Llanelli's Pentre Awel development, achieving net zero emissions on the project after a 24-month build.

The achievement includes a more than 90% reduction in direct emissions from fuels used on site, alongside a 10% cut in waste production, energy, and water consumption. As a result, over 450 tonnes of carbon emissions have been saved since the project began.

The Canolfan Pentre Awel project, a key part of the wider Pentre Awel development, has incorporated a range of energy, waste, and resource-saving initiatives. One of the standout measures was the use of sustainably-certified hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) as a fuel source, which has powered everything from on-site generators to construction machinery. In addition, recycled and green materials have been sourced throughout the build, further reducing the project's carbon footprint.

Bouygues UK has committed to using HVO fuel across all of its UK construction sites, following its success at Pentre Awel. The HVO fuel used on site is ISCC certified, ensuring it comes from a traceable and deforestation-free supply chain. Partners involved in the initiative include Green4Wales, Watson Fuels, New Era, and CSS.

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The project's team has been relentless in integrating carbon reduction strategies throughout the build, targeting 24 specific initiatives aimed at cutting emissions, waste, and energy consumption. Early on, solar-powered site offices and cabins were installed, and when solar power wasn’t available, a HVO-powered generator was used. The site’s CCTV cameras were also solar-powered, and due to the success of the HVO generator, the entire site was soon converted to HVO fuel.

Collaboration with the supply chain has also played a key role in achieving the project’s net zero goals. Recycled building materials, such as reinforced bars with 98% recycled content for the foundations and structural steel containing 80% recycled material, were sourced. Additionally, excavated soil was sent to a local recycling facility where it was treated and reused, significantly reducing the volume of waste sent to landfill.

Another partnership has been with Gaia, a Carmarthenshire-based company that uses AI and sensors to monitor and reduce energy consumption. Thanks to Gaia's involvement, the project has achieved energy savings of around 47.9%. A dedicated carbon consultant has also been on hand to advise on low-carbon solutions, track carbon emissions, manage waste, and deliver workforce training on climate and environmental best practices.

Canolfan Pentre Awel is part of the £200 million Pentre Awel development, located at the 83-acre Delta Lakes site on the Llanelli coastline. The development, which is the largest regeneration project in southwest Wales, will combine life sciences, business innovation, community healthcare, and modern leisure facilities. It is part-funded by the Swansea Bay City Deal to the tune of £40 million.

Peter Sharpe, Project Director at Pentre Awel, said: "We are immensely proud of this achievement. As well as building a state of the art, top quality facility, as a project team we set our minds to reducing as much of our carbon emissions as possible. We set out a plan and I’m so pleased to say that we have achieved it.

"This would not have happened had it not been for the determination and support of not only the Bouygues UK staff here at Pentre Awel, but also our amazing sub-contractors and supply chain partners who came with us on this net zero journey."