Carbon Reduction at the Heart of Pentre Awel

Putting sustainable initiatives at the centre of the way we work.

The Bouygues UK team at Pentre Awel has been working tirelessly to put carbon reduction at the heart of this development, engaging with staff and its supply chain to be as sustainable as possible during the build.

We are thrilled to share that, having worked with sub-contractors and its supply chain during the course of the 24-month build, we have achieved net zero on the construction project. This includes over 90% reduction on direct emissions of all fuels on the site as well as a 10% reduction in waste production, and energy and water consumption. Since the start of the project over 450 tonnes of carbon emissions have been saved thanks to this initiative. 

The Canolfan Pentre Awel project team has worked tirelessly during the nearly two years on site, to put carbon reduction at the heart of the development. It has targeted 24 specific initiatives to help reduce emissions, waste and energy on the project. By implementing energy, waste and resource-saving initiatives, including adopting sustainably-certified hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) as a fuel, as well as sourcing recycled and green materials, the project has reached this pivotal milestone of being net zero.  

Installation of Solar Container

The project team needed a power source to operate 5 of their cabins which included office space, meeting rooms, drying room, toilets and showers.

Switching to HVO Fuel

Solar Powered CCTV

Pentre Awel, like all sites, requires 24hr CCTV.

Other initiatives such as working closely with its supply chain to source recycled building materials has also contributed to the project’s wider net zero journey. Such materials include using reinforced bars for the buildings’ foundations that are comprised of 98% recycling content, while the structural steel contained 80% recycled content.  

When excavating to lay the foundations, soil from the surface of the site was also taken to a local recycling facility where the material was segregated, treated and reused – reducing the amount of waste going to landfill. 

The team have partnered with Gaia, a Carmarthenshire-based company that helps to identify, monitor and reduce power consumption, using AI and a range of sensors. To date, the energy savings from using GAIA are around 47.9%.  The project also benefits from a carbon consultant who advises on identifying low carbon solutions throughout the construction phase and monitors carbon, waste, deliveries as well as upskilling of the workforce on climate and environmental topics. 

Pentre Awel is a truly collaborative scheme is being delivered for the local community by Carmarthenshire County Council in partnership with Hywel Dda University Health Board, Universities and colleges and is part-funded by the Swansea Bay City Deal (£40million). It aims to create around 1,800 jobs over 15 years and boost the local economy by more than £450m. Find out more here.