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Environmental management in construction - SSP

Overview

On completion of this standard the delegate will gain a comprehensive introduction to environmental issues on construction sites.

Duration

Minimum 7.5 learning hours (e-learning)

Purpose/scope

Purpose: On completion of this standard the delegate will gain a comprehensive introduction to environmental issues on construction sites.

Scope:

  • sustainable construction and the environment
  • environmental management systems
  • energy management
  • archaeology and heritage
  • ecology and biodiversity
  • statutory nuisance
  • water protection and management
  • resource efficiency
  • soil management and contamination control
  • waste management

Occupational relevance

Training delivered against this standard would be relevant to the following occupational group(s):

  • management and leadership

Delegate pre-requisites

There are no delegate pre-requisites as part of this standard. However, a basic knowledge of environmental issues, terminology and procedures would be beneficial. A course developed from the standard Environmental supervision in construction may be beneficial.

Instruction/ supervision

As a minimum, course instructors must be able to demonstrate that, in relation to this standard, they have:

  • a train the trainer or instructional techniques course certificate
  • successfully completed training to this standard
  • at least 2 years relevant industrial experience
  • a verifiable CV

Delivery

Delivery may be in an on or off the job environment.

All delegate materials must be of a suitable quality for candidates to achieve learning outcomes and must be delivered on a reliable delivery platform.

The class size and delegate/instructor ratio must allow training to be delivered in a safe manner and enable delegates to achieve the learning outcomes.
The following delivery method may be used in the delivery of this standard:

  • classroom
  • a blend of classroom and e-learning
  • e-learning
  • courses mapped to this standard can be delivered remotely as there are not any practical activities

This standard is considered to contain 51% or more theoretical learning.

Assessment

For the successful completion of training, delegates must complete an end of course practical assessment or knowledge test that measures the learning outcomes and has a pass or fail criteria.

Quality assurance

SSP approved

Renewal

Recommended renewal

Approval date

March 2019

Review cycle 

On request or 3 year(s) from approval date

Learning outcomes

The delegate will be able to: 

  • Describe sustainable development and the environment, the UK Governments strategy and priorities and the role the construction industry plays in achieving these priorities.

  • Identify stakeholders and regulators in a construction activity and give examples of their involvement or interaction during a construction project.

  • Describe the most common construction sustainability assessment tools and the categories of performance.

  • Describe the benefits of the Environmental Management System (EMS) in relation to efficiency targets and protection of the environment.

  • Outline the global issues associated with energy production and consumption, the effects on the environment and the initiatives being implemented to address these problems.

  • Give examples of low carbon renewable sources for heat and electricity and governments’ financial incentive.
  • Identify the building regulations, site activities and certification schemes that support energy performance and outline their importance in delivering energy efficient buildings.

  • Outline why archaeology and the built heritage are important assets and why the construction process must consider archaeological factors.

  • Identify elements of the heritage environment that are offered protection under legislation.

  • Outline how archaeology can be considered as a hazard and the adverse effects it can have on a project.

  • State the importance of wildlife management in the planning stage and identify the potential impacts construction has on plants and wildlife.

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

  • Describe the importance of protecting wildlife, locations where wildlife may be found and the requirements of legislation covering protection.

  • Outline the requirements of legislation covering tree and hedgerow protection and identify the appropriate authority.

  • Identify and describe what Invasive species are and the control measures that support effective management and disposal.

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

  • Describe the role of Local Authorities and Environment Agencies in the management of air quality.

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

  • Outline how a good transport management plan can help with the management of nuisance on site.

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

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

  • Describe why community liaison is good for business.

  • Outline the importance of taking care of water, protecting against pollution from construction activity and the regulations that support this protection.

  • Outline the rules around water abstraction from mains and watercourses and the importance of monitoring.

  • Explain how to manage contaminated water and outline the regulations, licencing and permitting that cover discharge to surface water and drain systems.

  • Describe the general binding rules, how pollution can be identified and when a permit or exemption will be required when working near a watercourse.

  • Outline information included in an incident response plan and the basic actions to respond to pollution incidents.

  • State the impacts construction has on resource depletion and waste creation and the purpose of a site waste management plan and design for manufacture and assembly.

  • Outline the negative issues that impact water, the benefits of monitoring water consumption and the purpose of a sustainable urban drainage system (SuDS).

  • Outline what life cycle assessment is and specific stages in the life of a building that should be considered.

  • Outline the policy and regulations that ensure timber is responsibly and ethically sourced.

  • Describe the positive and negative impact construction has on soil and why it is important to protect it.

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

  • Describe how to manage contaminated land and identify guidance, licensing and permitting that supports the treatment.

  • Identify sites that may contain unexpected contaminants and the actions to take when excavating in these areas.

  • Explain waste, how it can be managed and how to minimise the creation of waste on site.

  • Outline the process, information requirements and benefits of implementing a Site Waste Management Plan.

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

  • Outline the duty of care, the specific roles that have responsibilities and the regulations that cover waste.
  • Identify the regulations and control measures that cover hazardous waste.

  • Outline the purpose of using quality protocol.

  • Outline the regulations and guidance covering electrical equipment.

Additional information about this standard

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