Unit of competency details

Version 

Comments 

CUVPRP504A

This version first released with CUV11 Visual Arts, Craft and Design Training Package version 1.0

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

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.

1. Evaluate current practice for environmental sustainability

1.1 Assess the source of materials used in current practice, taking account of its origin and abundance

1.2 Investigate and evaluate resource usage  and sustainability issues  in current practice

1.3 Identify and evaluate relevant legislation, codes and national standards that impact on workplace sustainability to ensure compliance

1.4 Analyse existing and potential environmental risks and hazards in the workplace

2. Conserve resources in own practice

2.1 Use sustainable work practices across all areas of activity 

2.2 Explore alternative sources of materials, including recycled products where possible

2.3 Maximise use of waste products from the creative process

2.4 Source and use sustainable materials in preference to materials in short supply

2.5 Monitor and measure own use of resources on an ongoing basis and make positive changes to own practice

3. Make sustainable design decisions

3.1 Evaluate choice and use of materials in design briefs, whether generated by self or others

3.2 Assess the impact of user needs and preferences on sustainable design options

3.3 Assess the environmental impact of intended production processes

3.4 Determine opportunities to enhance sustainability by asking pertinent questions 

3.5 Positively influence  the sustainability of the design process within the scope of own responsibility

3.6 Include explicit reference to sustainability issues in design and production documentation

4. Maintain currency of knowledge on sustainability issues and options

4.1 Maintain currency of specialised knowledge relevant to own area of expertise

4.2 Proactively identify sources of information and professional development for sustainability skills

4.3 Integrate current and emerging ideas into own practice

Required skills 

• communication skills to work with others to positively influence sustainability
• critical thinking and analytical skills to reflect on the ways that the individual practice can be made more sustainable
• initiative and enterprise skills to develop new ideas for developing sustainable practice
• learning and self-management skills to engage in and commit to an ongoing process of enhanced sustainability
• literacy skills to interpret varied information on sustainability issues
• numeracy skills to measure resource usage in current practice
• planning and organising skills to develop and action strategies about sustainability
• problem-solving skills to find different and more sustainable approaches to work
• technology skills to use the internet as a research tool

Required knowledge 

• sources of raw materials used in the relevant area of creative practice
• specific sustainability issues that impact on the relevant area of creative practice in terms of both design and production
• ways to positively influence sustainability in the design and production of work
• tools, techniques and strategies used by practitioners to build sustainable practice
• legislation, codes of practice and standards about sustainability in the relevant areas of practice

Overview of assessment 

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

Evidence of the ability to:

• develop a set of actions to enhance the environmental sustainability of individual practice
• apply knowledge of key aspects of sustainability in the relevant area of creative practice.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment must ensure access to:

• industry networks and information.

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:

• evaluation of presentation or documentation prepared by the candidate detailing plans to achieve an environmentally sustainable practice
• participation in discussions with the candidate and others about sustainability issues in a given area
• review of written or verbal reports developed by the candidate
• review of portfolios of evidence
• review of third-party reports from experienced practitioners.

Assessment methods should closely reflect workplace demands (e.g. literacy) and the needs of particular groups (e.g. people with disabilities, and people who may have literacy or numeracy difficulties, such as speakers of languages other than English, remote communities and those with interrupted schooling).

Guidance information for assessment 

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended.

Resource usage  will vary depending on the type of practice and may relate to:

• energy
• raw materials
• water.

Sustainability issues  may relate to:

• emissions
• hazardous or toxic substances
• influence on ecosystems
• pollution
• short supply
• spills and leaks
• waste.

Areas of activity  may include:

• design
• methods of communication
• packaging
• production
• transport
• work space organisation.

Pertinent questions  may relate to:

• use of Fair Trade products
• use of plant-based materials
• use of recycled materials
• use of renewable resources
• different ways of working to avoid using materials in short supply
• potential release of toxins in processes
• amount of water used in processes
• interrogating origins of materials.

Ways to influence  sustainable approaches may include: 

• asking suppliers for sustainable products
• explicitly incorporating sustainability in all projects
• participating in industry-based sustainability initiatives
• promoting and sharing information about sustainable options to colleagues
• selecting suppliers with sustainable products.