With the UK committed to achieving net zero by 2050 and sustainability becoming an urgent priority, project managers across the UK are looking for ways to reduce the carbon footprint of their construction project.

The reality is that construction’s environmental impact starts from the moment you set up your site, making sustainable site setup a crucial first step in reducing your project’s carbon environmental impact.

At Panthera Group, we provide all the products and services you need for construction site set up  – all under one roof. We take pride in pioneering sustainable construction site solutions (like our EnviroHoard™ and EnviroFence™ systems) to help make construction greener one site at a time.

EnviroHoard at keepmoat homes development site

Why reducing your project’s carbon footprint matters

The built environment accounts for approximately 25% of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions, with the construction process itself responsible for a significant portion of this impact. For project managers, this translates into real business pressures – clients are demanding evidence of sustainable construction practices, regulatory requirements are tightening, and carbon reporting is becoming mandatory for larger organisations.

Beyond compliance, reducing carbon emissions delivers tangible benefits. Energy-efficient construction sites cut energy costs, sustainable materials often prove more durable and cost-effective over their lifecycle, and demonstrating environmental standards helps win contracts with sustainability-conscious clients. Construction companies that embrace sustainable alternatives are positioning themselves for a greener future whilst often discovering immediate cost savings through reduced wastage and improved efficiency.

Your approach to sustainable site setup sets the tone for the entire construction process and directly influences your project’s environmental impact and it’s carbon footprint.

What are the key principles of sustainable site setup?

Key principles of sustainable site setup include minimising environmental impact, conserving resources, and reducing waste. Effective planning involves selecting appropriate materials, implementing waste management strategies, and ensuring energy efficiency. Prioritising these principles not only reduces carbon footprints but also in many cases increases efficiency.

Rethinking construction site setup for sustainability

Traditional site setup practices have remained largely unchanged for decades, but they’re increasingly out of step with modern environmental concerns.

The construction industry’s reliance on single-use building materials, particularly for temporary hoarding and fencing, creates unnecessary waste that end up in landfills while contributing significantly to deforestation and carbon emissions.

A sustainable site setup takes a different approach, focusing on best practices that reduce environmental impact without compromising operational requirements. This means choosing reusable systems over disposable alternatives, prioritising renewable materials where possible, and implementing energy-efficient solutions that reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

The circular economy principle is particularly relevant here – instead of the wasteful existing model, sustainable site setup emphasises reuse, recycling, and designing out waste from the first place. This approach often delivers better performance whilst reducing both environmental impact and long-term costs.

The hidden environmental cost of traditional hoarding and fencing

Most project managers don’t realise the environmental impact of conventional site hoarding and fencing. Traditional timber hoarding relies heavily on virgin lumber, contributing to deforestation and habitat destruction that affects local wildlife.

The environmental concerns extend beyond raw materials. Traditional hoarding systems have limited durability, requiring frequent replacement during longer projects. When projects finish, most timber hoarding heads straight to landfills – a massive waste of natural resources that could have been avoided with more thoughtful material choices.

Temporary fencing faces similar issues. Lightweight mesh heras-style systems often lack durability, requiring multiple replacements throughout a project’s lifecycle. The constant manufacture, transport, and disposal of these systems creates unnecessary carbon emissions whilst failing to deliver long-term value.

Photo looking upwards at numerous trees within a forest - beyond the trees the sky is blue

Panthera’s sustainable hoarding and fencing solutions

Our EnviroHoard™ and EnviroFence™ systems demonstrate how sustainable systems can outperform traditional alternatives whilst reducing environmental impact. Both systems are designed around circular economy principles, using recycled materials and ensuring complete reusability across multiple projects.

EnviroHoard™

EnviroHoard™, the UK’s first LCA-verified net zero hoarding system, delivers approximately 70% lower carbon emissions compared to traditional plywood alternatives over a typical two-year project. Made from 100% recycled uPVC with low-carbon EnviroBlok™ supports, the system eliminates the need for virgin timber whilst offering superior durability and weather resistance.

envirohoard fencing at sunset

EnviroFence™

EnviroFence™ follows similar principles as the first temporary fencing system in the UK to achieve net zero carbon certification. Available in heights up to 3.6 metres, it provides robust security without the environmental cost of traditional alternatives.

Both systems come with detailed carbon footprint documentation, making sustainability reporting straightforward.

The practical benefits are equally compelling. These systems install faster, last longer, and require less maintenance than traditional alternatives, often reducing total project costs whilst eliminating waste disposal fees.

EnviroFenceAtlas

Solar-powered security: SiteProtector Mobile Solar™

At Panthera Group, our environmentally responsible systems extend beyond hoarding and fencing.

Security systems traditionally require mains power connections, but our SiteProtector Mobile Solar™ demonstrates how renewable energy can transform construction site operations. This sustainable CCTV system runs entirely on solar power, with built-in batteries ensuring 24/7 monitoring even during overcast periods.

The environmental benefits are significant – eliminating reliance on grid electricity reduces both carbon emissions and energy costs. The system’s energy efficiency extends beyond power consumption, with HD recording, infrared LED lighting, and detection capabilities up to 100 metres, all powered by renewable energy.

For project managers, solar-powered security offers operational advantages too. No mains connection requirements mean greater flexibility in camera placement, whilst ongoing energy costs are virtually eliminated.

solar powered mobile cctv camera

Energy-efficient electrical solutions

Alongside solar-powered CCTV systems, we also offer temporary electrical and lighting solutions that prioritise efficient use of power.

Our temporary electrical services prioritise energy efficiency and sustainable practices whilst ensuring complete compliance with industry standards. Our NICEIC-certified engineers design electrical installations that minimise energy consumption through efficient distribution systems and energy-saving lighting options.

The range of applications includes everything from powering heavy machinery to providing workspace illumination, but with a focus on reducing unnecessary energy consumption. We offer LED lighting systems that significantly reduce power requirements compared to traditional options, whilst our electrical designs eliminate wastage through properly sized installations.

For construction sites in remote areas or buildings without existing connections, our electrical solutions can integrate with renewable energy sources, further reducing reliance on fossil fuels and grid electricity.

Covered barrier with the lights on at a construction site

Building a greener future through sustainable site setup

Reducing your building site’s carbon footprint requires commitment to sustainable construction practices from the very beginning of every project.

Our expert team understands that sustainability and operational efficiency must work together. That’s why our sustainable site setup solutions focus on systems that perform better whilst happening to be more environmentally responsible.

Sustainable site setup starts here: contact Panthera Group today

Ready to discover how sustainable site setup can reduce your project’s carbon footprint whilst improving operational efficiency? Our team is here to discuss your sustainability goals, understand your specific requirements and demonstrate how our sustainable solutions can benefit your next construction project.

Get in touch with Panthera Group via our online contact form, ring us on 0345 165 1234  or email us at enquiries@pantheragroup.com.