Site Environmental Awareness Training Scheme (SEATS)

Delegates taking the SEATS course should be able to achieve all the learning outcomes listed below by the end of the course.

Module 1 – Sustainable construction and the environment 1. Sustainability and the environment

State what sustainable development is, and how the construction industry plays a part in achieving it.

2. Regulations and activities supporting sustainable construction

Identify relevant regulations, activities, certification schemes, examples of low carbon renewable sources for heat and examples of energy-efficient approaches.

3. Environmental stakeholders and regulators

Identify key stakeholders with specific environmental responsibilities and state the principles of environmental policy.

Module 2 – Environmental management systems

1. Site environmental management systems

List the benefits of an environmental management system (EMS) in relation to efficiency targets and protection of the environment.

Module 3 – Archaeology and heritage

1. Archaeology and heritage

Outline control measures for managing archaeology and heritage and explain why it is important to protect them.

2. Protected monuments, buildings and sites

Identify elements of the heritage environment that are offered protection under legislation, the consequences of non-compliance and the risks associated with legacy building materials.

Module 4 – Ecology and biodiversity

1. Ecology

State how to manage ecology on site, how designated sites are used and why ecology needs to be considered early in the project life cycle.

2. Biodiversity

Explain actions that promote and enhance biodiversity and avoid negative impacts from development work.

3. Endangered, protected and priority species and habitats

Describe the importance of protecting wildlife and their habitats, the legislation protecting wildlife, and the difference between endangered, protected and priority species.

4. Wildlife

Outline locations where wildlife may be found and the requirements of legislation covering their protection.

5. Tree and hedgerow protection

State why trees and hedgerows are important and the key legislation covering the protection of trees and hedgerows.

6. Invasive species

State what invasive species are and the control measures that support their effective management and disposal.

Module 5 – Statutory nuisance 1. Statutory nuisance

Describe what constitutes a statutory nuisance and how nuisance on site can be avoided.

2. Air quality

State the key responsibilities of Local Authorities and Environment Agencies in the management of air quality.

3. Air pollution

Describe how to manage the environmental impact of air pollution on site.

4. Noise and vibration

Outline methods of controlling noise and vibration to minimise their impact on the environment.

5. Light pollution

Describe how to minimise the impact of light pollution on the environment.

6. Community liaison

Explain why community liaison is good for business.

Module 6 – Water management and pollution control

1. Water management

Outline the importance of taking care of water, protecting against pollution from construction

activities and actions to manage water leaving site.

2. Dewatering and abstraction of water

Compare the difference between dewatering and abstraction and know how to obtain a licence and why monitoring water volumes is important.

3. Discharge

State what contaminated water is, know methods of managing it, and identify key regulations that control water discharge.

4. Pollution prevention

Identify the factors to be considered when setting up site and the control measures needed to prevent water pollution.

5. Pollution incident response plans

Outline the processes, actions and responses that support pollution avoidance.

Module 7 – Resource management

1. Resource efficiency

State the impacts of construction on natural resources and explain how good management supports efficient resource management.

2. Timber and chain of custody

Outline the importance and purpose of sourcing timber responsibly and ethically.

Module 8 – Soil management and contamination control

1. Contamination control

Outline what constitutes contaminated land, how it can be identified and how contamination may have occurred.

2. Contaminates

Identify sites that may contain contaminates and actions when excavating in these areas.

3. Soil management

Describe the positive and negative impacts of construction on the soil and why it is important to protect it.

Module 9 – Waste and material management 1. Waste

Explain what waste is, how it can be managed and how to minimise creating waste on site.

2. Site waste management plans

Outline the information requirements and the benefits of implementing a site waste management plan.

3. Describing and classifying waste

Identify the different categories and classes of waste and legislation governing waste in the UK.

4. Managing and transferring waste

Outline the specific roles that have responsibilities for handling waste and the documentation that accompanies waste transfers.

5. Management of hazardous waste

Describe how to manage hazardous waste and state the regulations that cover hazardous waste.