Bouygues UK, a construction and property development company, has achieved a net-zero milestone in the construction of building zone 1 of Canolfan, in Pentre Awel, Wales.

This achievement comes as a result of a significant reduction in emissions, waste, energy, and water consumption throughout the 24-month build period, stated the company.

Bouygues UK, working alongside subcontractors and its supply chain, has achieved more than a 90% reduction in direct emissions from all fuels used on-site and a 10% reduction in waste production, energy, and water consumption.

These efforts have resulted in saving more than 450 tonnes of carbon emissions since the project's inception.

Bouygues UK chair and CEO Phillipe Bernard said: “I commend the project team’s efforts in significantly reducing carbon emissions at the Pentre Awel project. This achievement shows that sustainable construction can be achieved.

“We are very proud that due to the success achieved with the use of [hydrotreated vegetable oil] at Pentre Awel, we are now mandating the use of sustainably certified HVO at all our sites across the UK.”

By adopting sustainable practices such as using HVO for fuel and sourcing recycled and green materials, the company claims that the Pentre Awel project has been able to reach this pivotal net-zero milestone.

The HVO fuel used by Bouygues UK is International Sustainability and Carbon Certification certified, ensuring a traceable and deforestation-free supply chain, with partners such as Green4Wales, Watson Fuels, and New Era Energy.

The project team has been targeting 24 specific initiatives to reduce emissions, waste, and energy.

Early in the project, solar-powered site offices, cameras, and cabins were installed, supported by an HVO-powered generator when solar power was not available.

In August 2024, Bouygues UK was appointed by the UK's Department for Education as the lead contractor for the construction of Stanmore College in Harrow, England.