Site hoardings, previously used purely as a physical safety barrier at building sites, have developed into a versatile marketing tool for businesses in recent years, providing property developers with a distinctive branding opportunity. In addition to its practical purpose of protecting passers-by, site hoardings are now used as a public platform for marketing messages, promoting corporate identities, and advertising features of the upcoming development.
Importance Of Site Hoarding
Site hoarding plays a crucial role in various construction and development projects, serving both practical and aesthetic purposes. It also ensures safety by preventing unauthorised access to construction sites, helping to protect workers, equipment, and materials from theft or vandalism. A responsible approach to boarding fosters a secure working environment and is usually a legal requirement, according to the site RAMS.
Additionally, site hoarding helps keep a building site contained and well-organised. By clearly defining the boundaries of the work area, it improves logistical efficiency. This delineation is important to provide a safe coexistence between ongoing development and public activities in urban areas. And especially in locations where construction sites with heavy plant and open works are near to public places.
Beyond functionality, site hoardings offer valuable free marketing, providing an opportunity for large-scale branding and communication. The large boards allow developers to showcase project details, timelines, and safety measures. Professionally presented hoardings inform the public about what is happening on the site and help to create a positive image for the project and the construction industry.
The Evolution Of Site Hoardings
Erecting hoardings is a required practice in the construction industry to demarcate work zones, maintain safety and shield the public from danger. Previously, huge perimeter panels were simply a practical consideration; however, with the increasing recognition of their valuable visual impact on the surrounding environment, there has been a dramatic re-evaluation of the hoarding’s role.
Sustainability being an important aspect of construction projects in the UK, the hoarding market has shifted to produce eco-friendly options, such as carbon-neutral hoardings. These hoardings offer environmental advantages by offsetting emissions and contributing to sustainable practices. This helps the construction industry align with its growing commitment to environmental responsibility, enhancing corporate image and meeting eco-conscious consumer demands.
At Perimeter Solutions, we are a team of approved installers of EnviroHoard™, the first hoarding system to be verified as Net Zero Carbon. It is a recycled hoarding solution with a 100% reusable design. This hoarding is extremely versatile, being suitable for installation on-ground or in-ground and for scaffolding.
Balancing Security and Aesthetics
Whilst the primary purpose of site hoarding remains to enhance security and safety, its aesthetic appeal is now acknowledged as an additional benefit. Construction sites often negatively disrupt the visual harmony of their surroundings for many months. When strategically designed and branded, attractive hoardings can address security concerns whilst also contributing positively to the visual landscape.
Companies are increasingly recognising the value of creating a positive image during construction phases. Modern hoardings, with their customisable surfaces, allow for creative branding that can resonate with the public. As a result, they turn from a potential eyesore into a visually appealing element in the community.
Showcasing Corporate Identity
Companies can use site hoardings as a blank canvas to display their identity, core values, and marketing messages. Using eye-catching colours, captivating images, and concise wording, hoardings can be an incredibly valuable channel for stakeholder and public communication. Modern hoardings promote transparency and community involvement, in addition to increasing brand recognition.
The incorporation of company logos, slogans, and key messages into the hoarding transforms these barriers into dynamic advertising spaces. Construction site security is now viewed by developers, architects, and designers as a chance to engage with the local community and potential clients in a fun and positive temporary manner.
Engaging The Community
During construction projects, site hoarding is used as an interactive tool to include the community. By adding features like interactive displays, QR codes, or progress updates, hoardings can become an engaging and informative experience for onlookers. This not only sparks curiosity and favourable feelings but also leaves a long-lasting impression of a business that prioritises community relations.
Hoardings foster good community relationships by broadcasting details about the ongoing project, exhibiting the company’s dedication to sustainability and highlighting the professional team behind the development. It seamlessly turns a building site from a disruptive eye-sore into a cohesive component of the neighbourhood.
Sustainability And Corporate Responsibility
Modern carbon-neutral hoardings align with the growing emphasis on sustainability in construction practices. Choosing this option contributes to a project’s eco-friendly footprint but also aligns with corporate responsibility initiatives. An eco-conscious approach resonates positively with environmentally conscious consumers and communities.
By adding messages about eco-friendly materials, sustainable methods, or the firm’s dedication to reducing its environmental impact, carbon-neutral hoardings are a positive illustration of a company’s values. A positive and professional hoarding improves the public’s perception of the company and portrays it as a responsible and progressive organisation.
Cost-Effective Branding
Site hoarding provides a cost-effective solution for companies to establish a strong brand presence during construction projects. Compared to traditional advertising methods, such as billboards or banners, hoarding allows for a more extensive and continuous display of graphics and information. A one-time investment in designing and installing a site boarding pays off in terms of prolonged visibility and positive brand association.
Furthermore, site hoarding’s dual use as a branding tool and a security barrier enhances its affordability. It improves the visual impact of the construction site and lowers total project expenses by doing away with the requirement for separate boards for marketing and security.
Regulatory Compliance and Safety
Whilst focusing on the branding aspect of site hoarding, it’s essential to emphasise that safety and regulatory compliance remain paramount. Companies must ensure that any branding elements or additional features do not compromise the structural integrity or safety features of the hoarding.
Moreover, legal regulations and local planning guidelines should be adhered to when designing and installing branded site hoarding. Striking a balance between aesthetics and compliance ensures that hoarding fulfils its primary function of providing a safe and secure construction environment.
Final Verdict
Once considered a mere necessity, site hoarding has evolved into a potent branding technique that serves as more than just a physical barrier. It seamlessly integrates security with aesthetics, offering companies an opportunity to showcase their identity, values, and services to the public.
Hoardings are essential in construction projects for safety, good organisation , communication, and environmental considerations. Their multifaceted role extends beyond mere fencing. They also greatly impact the efficiency, safety, and perception of construction endeavours.
The dual role of site hoarding as a security measure and a branding canvas reflects the evolving nature of construction practices. It allows companies to embrace community engagement, sustainability, and positive brand representation.
As the construction industry continues to evolve, site hoarding stands as a testament to the innovative ways in which the most utilitarian elements can contribute to a positive and lasting impact on the communities they serve.
