The path to minimising environmental footprints on construction sites – how SEATS can help

Towards the end of last year, the Sustainable Futures Report offered some grounds for optimism regarding sustainability in the construction sector. Developed by the built-environment platform NBS with the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), the report showed that 70% of construction projects now incorporate sustainability targets, while approaching half (43%) of industry professionals reported successfully meeting goals in this area, up from one in three in 2022.

Meanwhile, Statista reported last autumn that carbon dioxide emissions from the sector dipped 1.7% in 2022.

But construction still makes a significant contribution to the nation’s total carbon footprint – according to the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), 40% of total emissions come from the sector and the built environment. Equally, government targets such as reaching Net Zero by 2050 mean there can be no room for complacency. Find out more about Innovations Driving the UKs Net Zero Efforts in one of our blogs

What can the construction sector do?

There are many things the construction industry can do to reduce carbon emissions, including:

1. Encouraging low-carbon design

This helps reduce footprint before building has even begun. It’s possible to make choices at design stage to cut down emissions throughout a structure’s whole lifecycle, known as a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). This can include factors like repairs, water requirements and repairs.

2. Sourcing materials locally

This is a quick win in terms of minimising emissions. Local sourcing obviously keeps travel-related emissions low – and can also talk to the supplier and make sure they’re making their own efforts on sustainability.

3. Remaining accountable

Without constant, accurate reporting on emissions produced across the life of a construction project, it’s impossible to know which elements are the worst offenders or where you can reduce carbon footprint.

4. Recycling materials from other projects

There are plenty of opportunities to do this in the construction sector, for example by using recycled aggregates rather than concrete or cement. You can also research and make best use of low-carbon materials.

5. Running equipment with renewable energy or biofuels

Cutting down travel distances and using more renewable energy and biofuels clearly minimises emissions from transportation.

6. Appreciating the importance of environmental training

With the right training, workers in the sector can implement and take part in carbon-reducing initiatives and techniques. A trained workforce is best equipped to design and execute energy-efficient, environmentally friendly projects which comply with rapidly changing regulations.

Enrol in SEATS

The Site Environmental Awareness Training Scheme (SEATS) is a one-day CITB course for site supervisors and managers as an introduction to sustainability and environmental issues on building sites.

It provides the essential knowledge the subcontract chain needs to prove to major contractors and clients, while covering environmental elements of the new Health, Safety and Environment (HS&E) touchscreen test.

It covers all relevant legislation and industry best practice so that afterwards employees will be able to identify, control and minimise environmental aspects what they do. They will also be able to pinpoint opportunities for improving sustainability efforts.

CITB SEATS training from Pragmatic Consulting

Pragmatic Consulting specialises in training for the utilities and construction industries. We offer SEATS one-day courses from our training centre at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, endorsed by BuildUK.

This encompasses the importance of the environment, a basic understanding of Environmental Management Systems, site waste management, energy and resource use, water management and pollution prevention. You’ll also learn about being a responsible contractor and a good neighbour.

Assessment is via a 30-minute exam with 25 questions, including 22 which are multiple choice. The pass rate is 80%. On successful completion, you’ll receive a recognised qualification which will remain valid for five years.

You can find out more about reducing the environmental impact of construction sites or Innovations Driving the UKs Net Zero Efforts in some of our latest blogs.

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