Modification History
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TP Version |
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AHC10v6 |
Initial release |
Unit Descriptor
This unit covers the process of analysing and assessing the feasibility of a carbon farming project using methodologies approved under the Carbon Farming Initiative (CFI).
Application of the Unit
The unit applies to carbon service providers who determine the feasibility of a carbon farming project in the context of an approved CFI offsets methodology and the requirements of the CFI. Note that this unit does not relate to financial advice which requires an Australian financial services license. This unit does not address the skills or the generic knowledge requirements in "ASIC Regulatory Guide 146: Training of Financial Product Advisors".
When this unit is taught as part of the following Skill Sets, it applies in the context of at least one approved sequestration methodology and one approved emissions avoidance methodology under the Carbon Farming Initiative:
- Carbon Farming Initiative Advisor Skill Set
- Carbon Farming Initiative Business Skill Set
When this unit is taught as part of the following Skill Sets, it applies in the context of the methodologies relevant to the particular Skill Set. It should also apply the skills and knowledge applicable to new approved CFI methodologies relevant to these Skill Sets as they become available:
- Carbon Farming Initiative Vegetation Project Implementer Skill Set
- Carbon Farming Initiative Livestock Project Implementer Skill Set
- Carbon Farming Initiative Waste or Manure Project Implementer Skill Set
- Carbon Farming Initiative Soil or Biochar Project Implementer Skill Set
- Carbon Farming Initiative Savannah Burning, Feral Animal or Rangelands Project Implementer Skill Set
- Carbon Farming Initiative Soil or Crops Emissions Avoidance Project Implementer Skill Set
When this unit is taught as part of the Carbon Farming Initiative Business Skill Set, it applies in the context of assessing the feasibility of an aggregated CFI project.
Licensing/Regulatory Information
No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Pre-Requisites
AHCCFI501 Provide technical advice on the Carbon Farming Initiative
Employability Skills Information
This unit contains employability skills.
Elements and Performance Criteria Pre-Content
Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency. |
Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide. |
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT |
PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
1. Identify the rights of the project proponent and the stakeholder |
1.1 The right of the project proponent to undertake the project on the proposed land is determined 1.2 The rights to the land, project boundaries and if appropriate the applicable carbon sequestration right are determined, with legal advice sought where required 1.3 All interest holders in the land are identified and their likely agreement to the project determined 1.4 The ownership of carbon sequestration rights, if relevant, is determined |
2. Identify the project and its eligibility |
2.1 The nature and scope of the project is confirmed 2.2 Approved CFI methodologies are assessed to determine if one is applicable to the project 2.3 Any negative impacts of the project are determined and checked against the CFI negative list 2.4 Whether the project, or any part of it, is required by law is determined 2.5 How the project is in accordance with relevant regional Natural Resource Management plans is determined 2.6 The project is checked for compliance with an approved offset methodology |
3. Identify the contractual arrangements for the project |
3.1 Contract parties are identified 3.2 The responsibilities of owning and managing a CFI project are identified 3.3 The managerial and governance structure of the project is determined and roles of the parties are clarified 3.4 Responsibilities and obligations of the parties under relevant carbon farming legislation are identified 3.5 Financial relationships between the parties are identified, including for transfer of carbon rights if relevant |
4. Analyse the project |
4.1 Specialist technical advice is sought as required 4.2 Operational capabilities to successfully implement the project are assessed 4.3 Means of calculating the baseline and project emissions in accordance with the relevant methodology are established 4.4 Frequency of data collection, monitoring, ratification and verification requirements are determined 4.5 The impact of differing crediting and reporting periods on project feasibility is assessed 4.6 Approvals and restrictions associated with project implementation are determined 4.7 Timelines for the application, development, approval and implementation of the project are estimated 4.8 Potential risks in the project cycle and mitigation strategies are identified and responsibility assigned between parties involved in the project 4.9 Analysis of stakeholders and their expectations is undertaken. 4.10 The scope for project design, planning and implementation is defined |
5. Evaluate project viability |
5.1 The distinction between administrative advice on CFI projects and advice about carbon credits that requires holding a financial services license is stated 5.2 The impact of project location on the type of carbon credits generated, where relevant, is ascertained 5.3 Funding requirements for the application, development and implementation of the project are calculated 5.4 The potential abatement and short and long term returns are identified 5.5 Capacity to complete project activities within timeframes is assessed 5.6 Issues that impact on project business viability, including methods of valuing carbon credits, are assessed 5.7 A business viability case for the project identifying the source and cost of project capital, long term project costs and revenue and non-carbon economic benefits of the project is developed 5.8 Project feasibility is determined and advised in a written report to project proponent |
Required Skills and Knowledge
This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit. |
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Required skills |
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Required knowledge Knowledge of:
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Evidence Guide
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package. |
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Overview of assessment |
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Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit |
Evidence of the ability to:
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Context of and specific resources for assessment |
Assessment must be undertaken in the context of at least one approved sequestration methodology and one approved emissions avoidance methodology under the Carbon Farming Initiative. Assessment resources must be developed to determine the candidate’s depth and breadth of knowledge of carbon farming project feasibility as well as their ability to evaluate a project’s feasibility. |
Method of assessment |
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:
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Guidance information for assessment |
Assessment with other units relevant to the job role is recommended. The unit of competency can be assessed in the workplace or a simulated workplace environment. |
Range Statement
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included. |
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An approved offset methodology includes: |
a methodology for which a determination has been made under the Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) Act 2011 |
Contract parties include: |
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Carbon service provider includes: |
a person who provides advice about participation in or develops or manages a project under the Australian Government’s Carbon Farming Initiative |
Unit Sector(s)
Carbon farming.