Construction is changing. New building methods, sustainability initiatives, and innovative technologies are revolutionizing projects, making the industry more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly.
If you have certain sustainability targets to meet, don’t overlook the role that temporary construction fencing can play in reaching them. As a tool with practical benefits, temporary fencing also aligns with the need for eco-friendly construction site practices.
On the fence about your fencing needs? Ahead, we’ll tell you why temporary fencing is a sustainable choice and how purchasing your fencing can amplify these advantages.
Why Temporary Construction Fencing Is a Sustainable Option
Whether or not you’ve used temporary fencing for a construction site before, you may not be aware of its sustainability benefits. Here are some reasons why choosing temporary construction fencing can help you reach sustainability goals.
Reusable & Durable
Not all construction fencing is equal in terms of durability. In Calgary and Edmonton, construction fencing must be rigid to withstand windy, cold, and hot conditions. The temporary fencing you choose should be made with hot-dipped steel with a galvanized finish to ensure it lasts for years.
We also recommend choosing a fence made with mesh to ensure it can stand up against Alberta’s wind.
In general, temporary fencing is designed to be reused multiple times across many different projects. This reduces the need for new resources, minimizes waste, and aligns with sustainability goals.
Recyclable
Not every fence is made sustainable, nor is every material easy to recycle. The City of Calgary proclaims that construction sites must have a “strongly constructed fence” or barricade, but it does not specify which material your fence or barricade must be made from.
This means you have a choice. Steel is one of the easiest materials to reprocess, making it one of the best choices for sustainability on your construction site.
Flexible Usage
One of the most significant advantages of choosing temporary construction fencing is its flexibility—not in terms of the material but in terms of how it can be used.
FenceLine rents and sells temporary fence panels that can be used for many different purposes around your job site. We also offer gates and casters for easy entrances and a range of hardware to ensure fence security and safety.
For example, if you’re working on a large project one year and have two small projects the following year, if you own your fencing, you can simply divide the fencing into two different locations and configure it as needed.
Installing chain link fencing won’t give you that benefit.
Reduces Site Disturbances
Defining clear boundaries with your construction fencing will minimize the disturbance area around the site. This protects nearby ecosystems and reduces the site’s environmental footprint.
Think of it this way: Your construction project is near a sensitive wetland area. You install temporary fencing, limiting the movement of machinery and materials to a predefined area. This prevents accidental spills and disturbances in the wetland, preserving the natural habitat.
Buy Temporary Fencing for Enhanced Sustainability
Looking to enhance the sustainability of your construction site further? Buy temporary fencing instead of renting. This will limit carbon emissions produced while transporting your fence rental from the business to the construction site. More details on this and other benefits include:
- Long-Term Investment: Buying your own temporary fencing for repeated use across projects reduces the environmental impact of transporting rental fences.
- Maintenance & Upkeep: Owning construction fencing means you have control over maintenance. And if you practice proper maintenance techniques, you’ll keep it in good condition for longer, extending its lifespan and reducing the need for replacements.
- Customization for Efficiency: When owning fencing, you can customize it to suit specific needs, which is more efficient and reduces material wastage over time.
- Cost-Effectiveness Over Time: The initial investment of buying temporary fencing is higher than if you rent. However, long-term savings can’t be beaten. Plus, the reduced environmental impact will be lower, making purchasing construction fencing a cost-effective solution for sustainable construction.
Additional Tips for Increasing Construction Sustainability
Temporary fencing is just one piece of the puzzle when looking to increase sustainability on your construction site. To reach your sustainability goals, we recommend implementing the following practices.
Efficient Waste Management
Where are you disposing of construction waste? What are your site’s rules for recycling? Ensure your crew knows what to do with waste to prevent spills into nearby areas.
Need waste management? FenceLine can help.
Energy Conservation
Construction machinery isn’t cheap to operate. It requires a lot of gas and diesel, and running construction tools all day can rack up quite the energy bill. When it comes time to repurchase, consider energy-efficient machinery and tools. Find applicable sustainability grants in Calgary’s Grants and Supports for Skilled Workers.
Water Conservation
Keep tabs on water usage on your construction site, and consider pump handwash stations. These eliminate the risk of wasted water from taps that were accidentally left running.
Browse our range of portable handwash stations.
Sustainable Materials
When possible, choose sustainably sourced materials or those with lower environmental impact. Making a barricade? Choose reclaimed wood. Need an orange safety barrier fence? Since this is made from plastic, consider finding a recycled version or opting for a temporary fence made from steel.
Training & Awareness
As with any new practice on your construction site, educating your workforce about it is essential. Sustainable practices often require a change in routine, but the difference it can make is monumental.
For Sustainable Construction Fencing, Choose FenceLine Rentals Ltd.
A more sustainable construction site is just a few clicks away. FenceLine Rentals Ltd. offers a wide selection of temporary construction fencing in Edmonton and Calgary.
We also offer waste management services, portable handwash stations, and porta potties to keep your job site clean, sanitized, and eco-friendly. Plus, we’re LEED Certified and help you reach further sustainability goals for your site.
Rent or buy temporary fencing today or call us in Edmonton at (782) 825-5150 or Calgary at (587) 864-5607.