SEATS FAQs
Your Questions About the CITB Site Environmental Awareness Training Scheme Answered
Environmental responsibility has become an increasingly important part of modern construction. Building and civil engineering projects can affect everything from air and water quality to wildlife, waste, natural resources, local communities and heritage sites. Construction professionals therefore need to understand not only how their work affects the environment, but also what they can do to minimise that impact.
The CITB Site Environmental Awareness Training Scheme (SEATS) has been developed specifically for this purpose. It provides construction supervisors, managers and others working within the industry with a practical introduction to environmental issues, legislation and good environmental management on construction sites. CITB describes SEATS as a one-day interactive course covering relevant environmental legislation and the ways construction and civil engineering activities can affect the environment.
At SAMS LTD, our CITB Site Environmental Awareness Training Scheme (SEATS) Online Course allows delegates to complete this recognised CITB SEATS training online, through live instructor-led training without having to travel to a conventional training venue.
If you’re considering completing the Site Environmental Awareness Training Scheme course, arranging training for employees or simply want to understand what SEATS involves, we’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions below.
What Is the CITB Site Environmental Awareness Training Scheme (SEATS)?
The Site Environmental Awareness Training Scheme (SEATS) is a CITB Site Safety Plus course designed to develop environmental awareness within the building, construction and civil engineering industries.
The course gives delegates a broad understanding of the environmental issues that construction sites can create and, importantly, the steps that can be taken to manage those issues responsibly.
Rather than looking at environmental responsibility as an abstract subject, the CITB SEATS course relates it directly to construction activities. Delegates explore areas such as environmental legislation, environmental management systems, pollution prevention, water management, waste and resources, wildlife and ecosystems, archaeology and heritage, and the effect construction activities can have on neighbouring communities. CITB
This makes SEATS particularly relevant to people whose decisions can influence the environmental performance of a construction project.
What Does SEATS Stand For?
SEATS stands for Site Environmental Awareness Training Scheme.
It forms part of the wider CITB Site Safety Plus programme, which includes recognised construction training courses covering different stages and areas of responsibility within the industry. CITB currently lists SEATS among its Site Safety Plus courses available through classroom or remote delivery.
Although the name focuses on “awareness”, the course isn’t simply about recognising environmental issues. It helps delegates understand the practical role they can play in preventing environmental damage, meeting legal requirements and improving environmental performance on site.
For construction supervisors and managers, that can mean understanding why particular environmental controls are in place as well as helping to ensure those controls are followed by the people they supervise.
Who Is the CITB SEATS Course For?
The CITB SEATS training course has primarily been developed for people who have, or are preparing to take on, supervisory and management responsibilities within construction.
CITB states that the course has been developed for site supervisors and managers, although anyone wishing to develop their knowledge of environmental issues on construction sites can take it.
This can make the course particularly useful for site managers, site supervisors, project managers, site agents, forepersons, environmental coordinators, contractors and subcontractors, as well as people progressing towards roles where they will have greater responsibility for site activities.
The SAMS course is also relevant to civil engineering contractors, groundworkers, demolition teams, infrastructure specialists and people involved with environmental planning or compliance on construction projects.
Environmental management isn’t solely the responsibility of an environmental manager. Decisions made during everyday construction activities can have environmental consequences, which is why developing awareness amongst those supervising and managing work can be so valuable.
Are There Any Entry Requirements for the CITB SEATS Course?
There are no formal entry requirements for the SEATS course.
CITB does, however, make clear that the course has been developed with construction supervisors and managers in mind. That should be considered when deciding whether SEATS is the appropriate training for an individual.
This means you don’t necessarily need to hold another CITB qualification before undertaking the Site Environmental Awareness Training Scheme SEATS online course.
The important consideration is whether the course content is appropriate to your current role, future responsibilities and training needs.
How Long Is the CITB SEATS Course?
The CITB SEATS course takes one day to complete.
It is designed as an intensive and interactive programme that introduces delegates to the major environmental considerations affecting building, construction and civil engineering work.
The relatively short duration can make SEATS particularly attractive to busy construction professionals and employers who need recognised environmental training without employees spending several days away from their normal responsibilities.
Although it is a one-day course, delegates cover a broad range of environmental subjects with direct relevance to modern construction sites.
Can I Take a CITB SEATS Course Online?
Yes. SEATS can be completed through remote delivery as well as in a traditional classroom. CITB specifically confirms both delivery options for the course.
At SAMS, we offer a CITB SEATS online course delivered live by an instructor, providing an accessible alternative for delegates who don’t want to travel to a physical training centre.
Our online delivery doesn’t mean you’re simply given an e-Learning package to complete alone. The course is instructor-led, allowing delegates to participate in discussions, consider practical examples and receive real-time guidance during their training.
This makes CITB SEATS training online particularly convenient for organisations with employees working across different locations, as well as individuals who want to reduce travelling time and associated costs.
Is the CITB SEATS Online Course a Recognised Qualification?
Yes. SEATS is an established CITB Site Safety Plus course.
CITB allows the Site Environmental Awareness Training Scheme to be delivered remotely as well as in the classroom, so completing an approved remote course provides a recognised route to SEATS certification.
SAMS provides CITB-approved SEATS training, and successful delegates receive a CITB SEATS certificate.
This is an important distinction when comparing environmental awareness courses online. If your employer, contractor or project specifically requires CITB SEATS, you should ensure you’re booking the recognised course through an appropriate training provider rather than assuming any general environmental awareness course will meet the same requirement.
What Does the CITB SEATS Course Cover?
The Site Environmental Awareness Training Scheme course covers environmental issues specifically within the context of construction and civil engineering.
CITB states that the course aims to help construction supervisors and similar roles understand environmental legal requirements, minimise nuisance to neighbours, protect ecosystems and wildlife, manage water and pollution risks, use environmental management systems and manage resources and waste responsibly.
Topics explored through the course include sustainable construction, environmental management systems, ecology and biodiversity, pollution prevention, water management, waste and resource management, statutory nuisance, community relations, archaeology and heritage, energy and responsible contracting.
The emphasis is on giving delegates environmental knowledge they can relate to the activities taking place around them on a real construction project.
Does the SEATS Course Cover Environmental Legislation?
Yes. Understanding environmental legal requirements is an important part of the CITB Site Environmental Awareness Training Scheme.
Construction projects can interact with numerous environmental responsibilities, so supervisors and managers need an awareness of why controls exist and the consequences of failing to manage environmental risks properly.
CITB identifies meeting environmental legal requirements as one of the course’s aims. The course also considers environmental management, nuisance and disturbance, pollution, natural resources and environmental protection.
SEATS isn’t intended to turn delegates into environmental lawyers or specialist environmental consultants. Instead, it develops the level of awareness that helps construction professionals recognise environmental responsibilities and understand when appropriate controls or specialist advice may be necessary.
Does CITB SEATS Cover Pollution Prevention?
Yes. Pollution prevention is a significant element of SEATS training.
Construction sites can potentially create pollution through fuel and chemical spills, contaminated runoff, waste, poorly managed drainage, dust and other site activities.
The course considers how these risks can be controlled, including water use, protection of watercourses and the management of contaminated land.
The SAMS CITB SEATS Online Course expands on these areas through practical subjects including surface and groundwater protection, drainage, contaminated water, spill response, pollution incident control and the appropriate storage of fuels and chemicals.
For supervisors, this knowledge can be particularly valuable because environmental incidents can develop quickly. Recognising risks before they become pollution events is a fundamental part of responsible site management.
Does the SEATS Course Cover Waste Management?
Yes. Waste and resource management form an important part of the Site Environmental Awareness Training Scheme.
Construction can generate significant quantities of materials and waste, making appropriate storage, handling, reuse and disposal important both environmentally and operationally.
CITB’s course aims specifically include responsible resource management, including ethically sourced timber and safe waste handling and disposal. Its dedicated SEATS course content also identifies waste management as a core subject.
Understanding these principles can help construction professionals consider waste as something that should be actively managed rather than simply dealt with once it has been generated.
Does SEATS Cover Wildlife, Ecology and Biodiversity?
Yes. Protecting the natural environment is another important part of the course.
Construction sites can interact with ecosystems, wildlife, vegetation, habitats and water resources. Depending on the project and location, environmental considerations may need to be addressed before work starts and throughout construction.
CITB states that delegates should understand how to protect the natural environment, including ecosystems, wildlife and water resources.
The SAMS course also addresses protected species and habitats, ecological surveys, biodiversity enhancement, wildlife responsibilities, trees and hedgerows, and invasive species management.
Recognising these issues early can help projects manage environmental risks more effectively and reduce the likelihood of avoidable disruption.
What Is an Environmental Management System and Is It Covered by SEATS?
An Environmental Management System (EMS) is a structured approach that an organisation can use to identify, manage, monitor and improve its environmental performance.
Rather than dealing with individual environmental issues in isolation, an EMS provides a framework for setting objectives, establishing procedures, monitoring performance and continually improving the way environmental risks are managed.
Environmental management systems are specifically included within the CITB SEATS training course. CITB identifies using environmental management systems to control and reduce environmental damage as one of the course aims.
Understanding the basic principles of an EMS helps supervisors see how their day-to-day actions and site controls contribute to a company’s wider environmental objectives.
Does SEATS Cover Neighbours and Local Communities?
Yes. Environmental responsibility on a construction project also involves considering the people living and working around the site.
Noise, dust, vibration, odour, traffic, lighting and other construction activities can cause disturbance if they aren’t managed appropriately.
CITB includes minimising nuisance or disturbance to neighbours within the aims of SEATS and identifies good-neighbour practices and communication as part of its course content.
This helps delegates understand that good environmental management is not only about protecting landscapes and wildlife. It also involves managing the effect construction activities can have on communities.
Is There an Assessment on the CITB SEATS Course?
Yes. Delegates need to successfully complete the required assessment to achieve their CITB SEATS certificate.
CITB’s published course information identifies group work, discussions, case studies and presentations as learning methods and confirms that the course includes a multiple-choice examination.
Current CITB Site Safety Plus scheme information also specifies an 80% test pass mark for SEATS and includes a trainer review as part of the assessment requirements.
This means delegates should participate throughout the training and engage with the course material rather than viewing SEATS as simply a test to complete at the end of the day.
What Do I Receive When I Pass the SEATS Course?
After successfully completing the required training and assessment, delegates receive a CITB SEATS certificate.
The certificate demonstrates that the learner has successfully completed the recognised Site Environmental Awareness Training Scheme.
For individuals, this can provide evidence of environmental awareness when working within construction and civil engineering. For employers, having appropriately trained supervisors and managers can support a wider commitment to responsible environmental management.
How Long Is a CITB SEATS Certificate Valid?
A CITB SEATS certificate is valid for five years.
CITB states that delegates who want to remain certified need to retake the course before their existing certification expires.
Unlike some Site Safety Plus qualifications that have separate refresher courses, the current CITB information says SEATS needs to be retaken before the certificate expiry date to maintain certification.
If your certificate is approaching the end of its five-year validity period, it is sensible to arrange your next CITB SEATS training course in good time rather than waiting until the certificate has expired.
Is There a SEATS Refresher Course?
CITB’s current Site Safety Plus course listings do not list a separate SEATS refresher course. Instead, CITB instructs delegates to retake the SEATS course before their five-year certification expires if they want to remain certified.
This differs from qualifications such as SSSTS and SMSTS, which have dedicated refresher courses.
If you completed SEATS several years ago, retaking the course also provides an opportunity to revisit environmental responsibilities and refresh your understanding of current construction environmental practices.
Why Is Environmental Awareness Important in Construction?
Environmental awareness matters because almost every stage of construction has the potential to affect the surrounding environment.
Excavation can affect soil and water. Construction traffic and machinery can contribute to emissions, noise and disturbance. Materials and waste need to be managed correctly. Fuel and chemicals can create pollution risks. Site activities can affect habitats and wildlife, while dust, vibration and lighting can affect neighbouring communities.
A construction supervisor may therefore make decisions every day that influence environmental performance.
The Site Environmental Awareness Training Scheme (SEATS) helps delegates understand these connections and consider environmental protection as part of normal site management rather than something completely separate from the construction process.
That can support better environmental decision-making, stronger compliance and a more responsible approach to construction.
Can Companies Book CITB SEATS Training for Their Employees?
Yes. SEATS is suitable for employers looking to strengthen environmental knowledge among supervisors, managers and other appropriate employees.
The one-day format and availability of CITB SEATS online training can make it particularly practical for organisations that have staff working across different projects or geographical locations.
Remote training reduces the need for delegates to travel to a training centre while still providing live, instructor-led tuition, discussion and support. SAMS highlights reduced travel costs and downtime among the benefits of its online SEATS delivery.
This can make the course useful for construction companies, contractors, subcontractors, civil engineering businesses, infrastructure organisations and other employers looking to develop environmental awareness across their teams.
What Are the Benefits of Taking the CITB SEATS Course Online?
Choosing a CITB SEATS online course provides the same opportunity to undertake recognised training while offering additional flexibility around where the delegate participates.
With SAMS, delegates benefit from live instructor-led training, interactive discussion, practical examples and real-time support without needing to travel to a conventional classroom.
For employers, CITB SEATS training online can help reduce travel requirements and make it easier to arrange training for employees based in different locations.
For delegates, it provides the convenience of remote learning while retaining interaction with an instructor and other course participants.
Why Take Your CITB SEATS Online Course with SAMS?
At SAMS LTD, we provide a broad range of professional health, safety and construction training, including CITB Site Safety Plus courses.
Our CITB Site Environmental Awareness Training Scheme (SEATS) Online Course combines the flexibility of remote learning with live instructor-led training.
The course is designed to help construction professionals develop practical knowledge of environmental responsibilities, including sustainability, environmental legislation, pollution prevention, waste management, environmental management systems, ecology and community considerations.
Whether you’re a site supervisor wanting to strengthen your environmental knowledge, a manager developing your professional competence or an employer arranging CITB SEATS training for your workforce, SAMS can help you access recognised training without unnecessary travel.
Ready to Book Your CITB SEATS Online Course?
Environmental responsibility is now an important part of effective construction management. Understanding how site activities affect the environment – and what can be done to minimise those effects – can help supervisors and managers make better decisions throughout a project.
The CITB Site Environmental Awareness Training Scheme (SEATS) provides a recognised route to developing that knowledge in a construction-specific context.
With SAMS, you can complete your CITB SEATS online course through live remote training and, upon successful completion, gain your recognised CITB SEATS certificate.
Find out more, view upcoming dates and book your CITB Site Environmental Awareness Training Scheme (SEATS) Online Course with SAMS LTD.