Protecting the unique ecosystem of French Polynesia is at the heart of the Boyer group's action

Since January 1, 2023, in Polynesia, all new constructions located by the sea must be raised (50 cm for green zones. 1 meter for blue zones).

The group Boyer leader in construction in Polynesia strives to take into account ecological issues in its projects from their design to their completion.

Laurent Seignobos, CEO of the Boyer group, confirms that building design must now take this factor into account: “Since the beginning of the year, building permits for buildings and villas by the sea or by the river must be reviewed. Construction on piles is part of new architectural concepts. Furthermore, certain lands are raised before construction and bank protection using natural blocks or artificial blocks appears in new projects”.

Steel piles to replace concrete footings

Another environmental subject of prime importance: the protection of coral reefs and their ecosystems. To address this concern, Boyer created steel piles to support the hotel bungalows on the lagoon. This constructive technique avoids having to carry out earthworks which are destructive to the coral. In fact, the steel pile perforates over a very small diameter (like a cookie cutter), which minimizes the impact on the coral, unlike the old technique which consisted of laying large bases. reinforced concrete foundation for which significant excavations were necessary.

Generate less waste and rationalize its treatment

In the field of waste management, Boyer was a pioneer in the use of the “big bag” which generates less waste than traditional cement bags. “In the same logic, for the transport and storage of bitumen, Boyer uses 30-ton “tanktainers” made available by oil refineries under a rental regime guaranteeing maintenance and durability. of these tanks over the course of imports by container ships instead of the 200 liter drums which, in the past, were buried, after use, during construction sites,” explains Laurent Seignobos.

Some islands are equipped with technical landfill centers (CET) such as Tahiti, Bora Bora, several southern islands and the Marquesas Islands. On islands not equipped with CET, concrete is recycled after grinding and crushing to make it available to municipalities or the Region in order to constitute road underlays.

Biodiversity, a Polynesian treasure that must be preserved

Due to its geographic isolation, French Polynesia has a high rate of endemism (animal or plant species found only in a geographic area). In order not to harm the reproduction of cetaceans, Boyer refrains from scheduling his piling work - or driving piles - between November and July, the whale season. When necessary, the company installs bubble curtains around the site, in order to limit aquatic noise pollution which could disturb the species present.

Protecting biodiversity also means being vigilant against invasive species. For example, the fearsome fire ant (Solenopsis invicta) or the black rat against which it is necessary to take preventive measures.

Protect the banks to delay rising water levels

French Polynesia is considering bank protection to delay the rise in water levels on the lowest islands, because all the inhabitants legitimately wish to remain living on their native island. Temporary shelters to provide refuge for populations are gradually appearing, especially in the lower Tuamotus islands. These are very resistant reinforced concrete constructions, with possible r+1 habitation. These structures are designed to cope with the action of swells and cyclonic winds. Projects are under construction at a rate of 4 to 5 per year and others are under study.

Laurent Seignobos has been CEO of the Boyer Group since 1999.