Modification History
Not applicable.
Unit Descriptor
This unit of competency covers analysing the life cycle of an existing or a proposed product to inform sustainability related decision making.
This unit does not specifically cover design for sustainability which is covered by MSS015004A Design sustainable product or process.
Application of the Unit
This unit applies to analysing all aspects of a product, including its design, production, storage and distribution, use, and end of life reuse, recycling or disposal. This analysis may be undertaken to assist in improving the sustainability of a product or process.
This unit applies inside organisations and their value chains. The unit has been developed with manufacturing operations as a focus. However, because of the range of organisations in a typical manufacturing value chain it may also be applied to other types of organisations.
It would typically be undertaken by a manager or technical specialist who had a major responsibility for sustainability as part of a broader work role, or sustainability may be their primary work responsibility. The technologist may undertake this alone or as part of a team.
The technical measurement of operational performance or measurement of emissions or other environmental impact is not covered by this unit.
Licensing/Regulatory Information
Not applicable.
Pre-Requisites
Not applicable.
Employability Skills Information
This unit contains employability skills
Elements and Performance Criteria Pre-Content
Not applicable.
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 |
Assess raw sources of material and resources |
1.1 |
Identify current or planned materials back to their source in the value chain |
1.2 |
Identify possible alternative materials/sources |
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1.3 |
Assess the sustainability impacts of each material |
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2 |
Assess the production process |
2.1 |
Identify design brief for product |
2.2 |
Map out the current or planned process |
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2.3 |
Assess the sustainability impacts of each process |
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2.4 |
Assess the sustainability impact of each material on the process sustainability |
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2.5 |
Identify possible alternative steps or processes |
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2.6 |
Determine if alternative steps or processes maintain design brief while improving sustainability |
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3 |
Assess the product life and end of life disposal |
3.1 |
Determine sustainability impacts from steps to final consumer |
3.2 |
Determine sustainability impacts from likely uses and applications |
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3.3 |
Determine sustainability impacts from final use or disposal at end of life |
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3.4 |
Identify possible alternative steps to customer, use and disposal |
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3.5 |
Determine sustainability impacts from these alternatives |
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4 |
Develop strategies to improve life cycle |
4.1 |
Identify alternative processes, logistics, usage and disposal with better sustainability impacts |
4.2 |
Determine requirements to implement these alternatives |
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4.3 |
Determine benefit/cost for each alternative |
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4.4 |
Select preferred alternatives |
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5 |
Prepare a recommendation for life cycle improvement |
5.1 |
Consult with key stakeholders |
5.2 |
Prepare a recommendation for improving product life cycle |
Required Skills and Knowledge
Required knowledge includes:
Required skills include:
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Evidence Guide
Overview of assessment |
A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to identify determine the life cycle of a product, including resources and materials used in production, and be able to recommend improvements in product life cycle. |
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit |
Assessors must be satisfied that the candidate can competently and consistently apply the skills covered in this unit of competency in new and different situations and contexts. Critical aspects of assessment and evidence include:
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Context of and specific resources for assessment |
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Method of assessment |
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Guidance information for assessment |
Range Statement
Materials |
Materials include:
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Design brief |
Design brief includes the aims and objectives of the original product design, including:
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Sustainability impact |
The sustainability impact of a product and process may include:
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Product life cycle |
Product life cycle includes:
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Final use or disposal at end of life |
Final use or disposal at end of life covers decisions and actions on:
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Unit Sector(s)
Sustainability
Custom Content Section
Not applicable.