From tunnelling beneath Australian cities to reshaping UK railways, Bouygues Construction is leaving its mark on some of the most ambitious infrastructure projects around the globe.

In a year defined by rapid technological change and growing pressure to build more sustainably, the company is advancing on multiple fronts 鈥� investing in digital innovation, reducing carbon emissions, and expanding into high-growth sectors such as data centres and decarbonised energy.

A digital render of the Lower Thames Crossing, UK. New roads and a twin-bore tunnel under the Thames will link the M25 motorway near Brentwood to the A2 east of Gravesend (Photo: National Highways)

The company鈥檚 wide-ranging activity has translated into strong financial results. In 2024, Bouygues Group reported an operating profit of 鈧�2.5 billion (US$2.8 billion) and total sales of 鈧�56.8 billion (US$63.1 billion), underpinned by a series of landmark contracts and a focus on long-term transformation.

Renaud Digoin Danzin, director of strategy at Bouygues Construction, offers his insight into the company鈥檚 approach. Central to its vision is sustainability, particularly in Europe, where reducing emissions has become a defining priority.

Sustainability is increasingly shaping the global construction industry, but particularly in Europe, where Bouygues Construction is pursuing a range of carbon-reduction strategies. These include the use of low-carbon materials, enhanced recycling practices, and careful monitoring of resource consumption.

Digoin Danzin notes that cutting carbon emissions has become a major challenge for European construction firms, driving widespread changes in how projects are designed and delivered. In response, Bouygues Construction is focusing on improving the carbon footprint of every project they undertake. As Digoin Danzin explains, 鈥淎nytime we touch, build or renovate something, we try to decrease the carbon footprint of the project.鈥�

Challenges afoot

While environmental impact remains a critical focus, the construction sector continues to grapple with several challenges that are shaping its long-term outlook.

An image of what the finished viaduct will look like (Photo: Align JV)

One of the most pressing concerns is the longstanding shortage of skilled labour. Recruitment issues, particularly among younger workers, are intensifying. 鈥淥ur industry has been seen as less attractive than technology companies. Decade after decade, we have been struggling to recruit youngsters, and we feel the tension on that. But it鈥檚 not only valid in Europe.鈥�

When asked what needs to change, he notes that there is no straightforward solution, as the challenge is rooted in societal perception. 鈥淚t is not easy to change the mindset of teenagers and young people and bring them into the industry,鈥� he says.

He also highlights the continued demand for infrastructure across Europe as a critical factor shaping the sector鈥檚 future. 鈥淭here is still a high level of infrastructure needed in Europe,鈥� he says. 鈥淭he construction of these assets, which are needed for society, will require significant investments.鈥�

As public budgets come under growing pressure, alternative funding models are returning to the agenda. 鈥淎fter a period where public-private partnerships have been less popular, what we see worldwide is a renewed discussion on the next generation of funding schemes.鈥�

While earlier approaches had limits, Digoin Danzin suggests the sector is now better positioned to apply those lessons. 鈥淭he first wave of the last 20 years has had disadvantages, but we can use those lessons learned and build new schemes which would be valuable for society and allow us to build objects which are not immediately available within the state budget.鈥�

Still opportunities for growth

Despite the challenges, Europe remains a sector of gradual but resilient growth, with Bouygues Construction continuing to secure major projects in key markets like the UK, where government investment remains consistent.

Renaud Digoin-Danzin (Image: Bouygues Construction/Didier Cocatrix)

Bouygues Construction, through its subsidiary Bouygues Travaux Publics, has been a key player in the development of the High Speed 2 (HS2) rail project, which is set to improve rail travel in the UK by linking London and the Midlands. As part of the HS2 consortium, Bouygues Construction is building vital infrastructure, including tunnels, bridges, and stations.

Specifically, the company is involved in Section C1 of the project through the Align joint venture, alongside Sir Robert McAlpine and VolkerFitzpatrick. The section, located northwest of London, includes the construction of the 3.4km Colne Valley Viaduct and two significant tunnels 鈥� the Chilterns Tunnels 鈥� totalling 25.6 km in length. Awarded in July 2017, the contract for Section C1 is scheduled for completion by 2031.

Upon the completion of HS2, Digoin Danzin says that the company will not be slowing down anytime soon and already has other UK projects in the pipeline. 鈥淲e don鈥檛 foresee any slowdown, and we are already involved in the early stages of, for example, two major projects, one of which is the Lower Thames crossing project.鈥�

鈥婽he Lower Thames Crossing, a proposed 23km road and tunnel project linking Kent and Essex, received development consent from the UK government on 25 March 2025. The approval followed a protracted planning process spanning more than 15 years and marked by extensive consultations, environmental assessments and political deliberations.

Delays were attributed to several factors, including the complexity of the planning system, environmental concerns, and political changes. The project is anticipated to commence in 2026, and completion is expected by the early 2030s. Bouygues Travaux Publics in joint venture with Muphy has secured the 拢1.3 billion (鈧�1.5 billion) contract to build a 4.2km-long twin-bore tunnel under the Thames for the project. 

Investments in technology

Digitalisation is beginning to reshape the construction industry, offering new efficiencies in project management and delivery. Bouygues Construction has made targeted investments in robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced materials as part of a broader effort to modernise construction processes.

According to Digoin Danzin, 鈥淲e are at the start of a wave of digitalisation,鈥� with the effects becoming increasingly visible across operations. The company has begun rolling out updated management systems, and information handling on project sites is gradually being influenced by robotics. Early trials have taken place using robots to carry out specific construction tasks.

The company is also exploring digital tools to support planning and operational management. As Digoin Danzin explains, 鈥淧roject planning has always been a tough topic for construction, so anything which is around digitalisation is a key topic for us.鈥� These developments form part of a wider strategy aimed at improving efficiency and addressing persistent challenges in the sector.

Bouygues Construction is navigating a rapidly changing construction landscape, balancing growth with sustainability and technological advancement. With major projects underway, a focus on digital innovation, and an expanding presence in key sectors, the company remains well-positioned for the future.

鈥淭here is no magic in our industry,鈥� says Digoin Danzin, 鈥淚t鈥檚 about being serious, humble and careful 鈥� over delivering and under promising.鈥�