Environmental management is now a core responsibility on construction sites. Site managers and supervisors are expected to understand how their decisions affect the environment, comply with legislation, and prevent pollution incidents before they occur.

One of the most common questions asked about environmental training in construction is: what is the CITB SEATS course, and what does it actually cover?

This guide explains the course clearly, who it is for, how it is delivered, and why it matters on modern construction sites.

What Is the CITB SEATS Course?

The CITB Site Environmental Awareness Training Scheme (SEATS) is a one-day course designed for construction site managers, supervisors and those with environmental responsibilities.

The course provides practical, construction-specific environmental awareness, focusing on how site activities can impact the environment and how those impacts should be controlled.

The SEATS course follows a recognised course structure set by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and is widely used across the UK construction industry.

What Does the CITB SEATS Course Cover?

The SEATS course focuses on practical environmental management rather than theory alone. Key areas covered include:

• Environmental legislation relevant to construction sites
• Pollution prevention, including protection of water, land and air
• Waste management and resource efficiency
• Environmental risk assessment and control measures
• Managing noise, dust and nuisance
• Protecting habitats and biodiversity
• Incident response and reporting

The emphasis is on helping site leaders recognise environmental risks early and apply appropriate controls during day-to-day site operations.

More detail on who the SEATS course is aimed at and how it fits within construction roles is available on our CITB SEATS course information page.

Who Is the SEATS Course For?

The SEATS course is intended for those with management or supervisory responsibility on construction projects, including:

• Site managers
• Site supervisors
• Project managers
• Environmental or sustainability leads
• Anyone responsible for implementing environmental controls on site

It is particularly relevant where individuals are expected to:

• Monitor environmental compliance
• Manage environmental risks
• Respond to environmental incidents
• Promote good environmental practice on site

Why Is the SEATS Course Important?

Construction activities can pose significant environmental risks if not properly managed. These risks include pollution incidents, waste mismanagement, noise complaints, and damage to protected areas.

The SEATS course helps site leaders:

• Understand their environmental responsibilities
• Reduce the likelihood of environmental incidents
• Improve compliance with legislation and site controls
• Demonstrate competence in environmental management

Environmental awareness is increasingly viewed as an essential part of competent site management, rather than a specialist or optional role.

Is the CITB SEATS Course Available Online?

Yes. The CITB SEATS course can be delivered online or face to face, provided it is delivered using interactive methods that allow learner understanding to be assessed effectively, in line with CITB requirements.

At Essential Site Skills, the CITB SEATS course is available via live online delivery as well as face to face, offering flexibility while maintaining the required standards of delivery and assessment.

Reputable providers will clearly explain:

• How online sessions are delivered
• How interaction and engagement are maintained
• How learner understanding is assessed

How Long Does the CITB SEATS Course Take?

The duration of the CITB Site Environmental Awareness Training Scheme (SEATS) is fixed under the CITB course scheme rules.

• SEATS is a 1-day course

Providers should always confirm the delivery format and assessment arrangements in advance of booking.

How Is the SEATS Course Assessed?

Assessment on the SEATS course is designed to confirm understanding of key environmental principles and their application on construction sites, in line with the CITB SEATS scheme rules.

Learners are expected to:

• Participate in discussions and learning activities
• Demonstrate understanding of environmental risks and control measures
• Apply course content to practical site scenarios

The course includes a formal assessment at the end of the day to confirm learner understanding of the key topics covered.

How Long Is the SEATS Certificate Valid?

The SEATS certificate is valid for five years.

After this period, learners are expected to complete the course again to ensure their environmental knowledge remains current and aligned with industry expectations.

Is the SEATS Course Grant Funded?

Grant availability for the CITB SEATS course depends on employer eligibility and the funding route being used.

Employers registered with CITB may be able to claim funding for environmental awareness training through the CITB Employer Network scheme.

Under the Employer Network scheme, Environmental awareness in construction (SSP) is listed as an eligible health, safety and environment course, with £60 funding available per learner, subject to Employer Network approval and scheme rules.

Employers should always confirm:

• Their CITB registration status
• Eligibility under the Employer Network
• Any conditions attached to funding claims

Funding availability and claim values are set by CITB and may be subject to change.

Key Takeaways: Understanding the SEATS Course

The CITB SEATS course is a practical, one-day programme designed to help construction site leaders manage environmental risk effectively.

It supports:

• Legal compliance
• Improved environmental performance
• Reduced risk of incidents and enforcement action
• Better environmental decision-making on site

Understanding what the course covers — and who it is designed for — helps ensure the right people complete it at the right stage of their role.

Unsure If SEATS Is Right for Your Role?

If you’re unsure whether the CITB SEATS course is appropriate for your responsibilities, our team can help you decide whether it aligns with your role and site duties before you book.