Net zero in construction achieved at Llanelli mixed-use scheme

Bouygues UK has achieved net zero in construction at its Canolfan Pentre Awel project in Llanelli, South Wales.

The target is said to include over a 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 due to this initiative.

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.

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. The materials include using reinforced bars for the buildings’ foundations that are comprised of 98% recycled content, while the structural steel – supplied by Embrace Steel – contained 80% recycled content.

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.”

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Leisure, Culture and Tourism, Councillor Hazel Evans, added: “The Council is deeply committed to tackling climate change, and we acknowledge that we are responsible for reducing our own greenhouse gas emissions and encouraging Carmarthenshire residents to be conscious of their own carbon footprint.”

Canolfan Pentre Awel is an innovative, multi-million-pound development which will bring together life science and business innovation, community healthcare and modern leisure facilities on the 83-acre Delta Lakes site on the Llanelli coastline. It is part-funded by the Swansea Bay City Deal (£40 million) and is the largest regeneration scheme in south west Wales.