Modification History
Not Applicable
Unit Descriptor
Unit descriptor |
This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to apply sound principles of thermal efficiency as part of the implementation of sustainable building and construction processes. The range of legislative and council planning requirements are addressed in this unit, in addition to the need to respond to growing consumer demand for sustainable buildings and environmentally friendly developments. |
Application of the Unit
Application of the unit |
This unit of competency supports the needs of builders, site managers and forepersons, and estimators in the building and construction industry. |
Licensing/Regulatory Information
Not Applicable
Pre-Requisites
Prerequisite units |
Nil |
Employability Skills Information
Employability skills |
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. Apply legislative and planning requirements for thermal efficiency to the building process. |
1.1. Current relevant state, territory and council requirements for building thermally efficient structures are identified. 1.2. Factors that contribute to the construction of a five-star rated dwelling identified within the Building Code of Australia (BCA) are identified and the impact of regional climate differences is assessed. 1.3. Client needs and expectations for the design and construction of thermally efficient structures are identified and negotiated. 1.4. Expert design and other advice is gathered as part of the planning and construction process. 1.5. Relevant Australian standards are consulted to identify the implications for the conduct of the building project. |
2. Review design solutions for effectiveness and compliance. |
2.1. Impact of radiation, convection, conduction and evaporation on the thermal comfort of residents is identified. 2.2. Orientation of the building, location and size of glazing, and use of thermal mass as design features are evaluated for effectiveness and compliance with planning and other regulatory requirements. 2.3. Effective strategy for insulating the structure is evaluated, costed and communicated to the client. 2.4. Building designs are assessed for their compliance with the energy efficiency requirements of the BCA's five-star rating system. 2.5. Designers and clients are consulted to ensure final construction plans are effective, efficient and compliant. |
3. Manage the building process to ensure an effective outcome. |
3.1. Effective communications are established between designers, architects and clients to ensure effective thermal performance is embedded from the design to construction phase. 3.2. Effective quality assurance processes are confirmed as in place to evaluate and implement the building of a five-star dwelling. 3.3. Cost effective strategies to achieve desired level of thermal performance are assessed and communicated to client. 3.4. Life cycle costs of various construction approaches are assessed and negotiated with the client. |
Required Skills and Knowledge
REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE |
This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit. |
Required skills |
Required skills for this unit are:
|
Required knowledge |
Required knowledge for this unit is:
|
Evidence Guide
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. |
|
Overview of assessment |
This unit of competency could be assessed by the effective application of mechanical principles and concepts to construction of a thermally efficient and sustainable building structure. This unit of competency can be assessed in the workplace or a close simulation of the workplace environment, provided that simulated or project-based assessment techniques fully replicate construction workplace conditions, materials, activities, responsibilities and procedures. |
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit |
A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to provide evidence of the ability to:
|
Context of and specific resources for assessment |
This competency is to be assessed using standard and authorised work practices, safety requirements and environmental constraints. Assessment of essential underpinning knowledge will usually be conducted in an off-site context. Assessment is to comply with relevant regulatory or Australian standards' requirements. Resource implications for assessment include:
Reasonable adjustments for people with disabilities must be made to assessment processes where required. This could include access to modified equipment and other physical resources, and the provision of appropriate assessment support. |
Method of assessment |
Assessment methods must:
Validity and sufficiency of evidence requires that:
Assessment processes and techniques should as far as is practical take into account the language, literacy and numeracy capacity of the candidate in relation to the competency being assessed. Supplementary evidence of competency may be obtained from relevant authenticated documentation from third parties, such as existing supervisors, team leaders or specialist training staff. |
Range Statement
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. |
|
Requirements for building thermally efficient structures include: |
|
Regional climate differences and the impact on effective design solutions include areas with: |
|
Unit Sector(s)
Unit sector |
Construction |
Co-requisite units
Co-requisite units |
Nil |
Functional area
Functional area |