Environmental and Waste Awareness
Duty of care, the waste hierarchy, pollution prevention and being a considerate neighbour.
About this course
This course is awareness / foundation training designed to help everyone working on a construction or industrial site understand their basic environmental responsibilities. It is not a CSCS, NEBOSH, IOSH, CITB or other accredited qualification, but it gives you the practical knowledge you need to work in a way that protects land, water, air and wildlife.
Environmental incidents on site can lead to serious harm to watercourses, land contamination, prosecution of the company and individuals, and lasting damage to a business's reputation. Everyone on site has a part to play in preventing pollution and managing waste correctly, whatever their trade or role.
The course runs entirely in your browser. You can stop at any point and pick up where you left off, and once you pass the final assessment you can download a PDF certificate straight away.
Who it's for
- All site operatives and supervisors
- Anyone handling, storing or transferring waste
- Teams working near drains or watercourses
- Site managers and environmental champions
Snippets from the course
Two short extracts taken straight from the course material, so you know exactly what you're signing up for.
Preventing waste before it happens
The most effective way to manage waste is to avoid creating it. On site this means planning deliveries carefully, ordering the right quantities of materials, and protecting stored materials from damage so they do not need to be thrown away.
Fuels and oils
Fuel and oil storage is one of the most common sources of pollution on site. Tanks and drums should be stored in a bunded area capable of holding at least 110% of the largest container's volume, away from drains and watercourses, and on stable, level ground.
What's covered
Welcome and Introduction
- Welcome to Environmental and Waste Awareness
- Who this course is for
- How the course works
- Why environmental awareness matters
Environmental Law and Enforcement
- The Environmental Protection Act 1990
- The duty of care
- The Environment Agency and permits
- Enforcement powers and consequences
The Waste Hierarchy and Reducing Waste on Site
- What is the waste hierarchy?
- Preventing waste before it happens
- Reuse and recycling on site
- Site waste management plans
Segregating, Storing and Transferring Waste
- Segregating waste correctly
- Storing waste safely
- Hazardous waste
- Waste transfer notes and registered carriers
Preventing Water and Ground Pollution
- How pollution reaches water and ground
- Fuels and oils
- Concrete and cementitious materials
- Silty water and drainage
Spill Prevention and Response
- Preventing spills before they happen
- Bunding and secondary containment
- Spill kits
- Responding to a spill
Dust, Noise, Light, Ecology and Considerate Construction
- Dust and air quality
- Noise and vibration
- Light pollution
- Protecting ecology and protected species
Summary and Putting It Into Practice
- Bringing it all together
- Quick recap: waste
- Quick recap: pollution and spills
- Quick recap: dust, noise, light and ecology
Final assessment
A longer multiple-choice assessment covering every module. Score 80% or more and your PDF certificate is issued immediately. You can retake it as many times as you need.
Start Environmental and Waste Awareness now
8 modules, a test after each one and a final assessment — all in your browser, all saved as you go.
You'll be asked to sign in or create a free account first, then pay £29.99 (includes VAT at 20%) to unlock the course. Your progress and certificate are saved to your account.