Assessor Resource

AHCCFI502A
Assess the feasibility of a Carbon Farming Initiative project

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


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.

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).

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)

Prerequisites

AHCCFI501 Provide technical advice on the Carbon Farming Initiative

Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.



Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

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

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

Evidence of the ability to:

undertake background and preparatory work for a feasibility assessment

assess the feasibility of a CFI project for clients and land managers

develop a business viability case for a CFI project

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:

observing processes and procedures in workplaces

oral or written questioning on required knowledge and skills

evaluating workplace documents and samples of work

simulated projects, scenarios or case studies

obtaining and validating third party references and reports

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.

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

Required skills

administration and management skills to:

manage documents

manage time, including planning and prioritising work

coordinate work across a range of disciplines

communication skills to:

liaise with others, share information, seek advice and guidance

determine and confirm client requirements, using questioning and active listening as required

liaise with others, share information, listen and understand

language, literacy and numeracy skills to:

read and interpret documentation from a variety of sources

access, interpret and manage complex information

use internet to research information

analyse information to ensure currency, accuracy and appropriateness to client needs

complete documentation accurately

estimate costs

interpret and apply complex information, including legislation, regulations, and codes and standards

interpersonal skills to:

establish rapport with clients

liaise with other team members and specialists

relate to people from diverse backgrounds and people with diverse abilities

interact with clients and other stakeholders, including planning and regulatory personnel and technical experts

establish networks with relevant technical experts

research and evaluative skills to:

apply outcomes of research

access, interpret and manage complex information

Required knowledge

Knowledge of:

the Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) Act 2011 and regulations, particularly provisions that impact on the ability to undertake the project and the cost and benefits of doing so, including:

eligible projects

land tenure requirements, including for freehold, leasehold and native title

carbon sequestration rights requirements

project requirements

participant requirements e.g. Recognised Offset Entity

reporting and auditing requirements

crediting (e.g. obtaining credits, and monitoring and enforcement)

details of relevant CFI methodologies that impact on the cost and benefits of undertaking a project including requirements for:

project eligibility

capital works and machinery

inputs including labour and resources

project establishment

ongoing maintenance, data collection, monitoring and reporting

calculation of baselines and project abatement

productivity or other benefits of undertaking a project in accordance with the relevant CFI methodologies and their monetary value

carbon farming project initiation and development:

project feasibility analysis

project application and approval process

administration and reporting requirements for the project

design, planning and implementation processes

the CFI negative list

the types of relevant requirements of regional Natural Resource Management Plans and how to assess them

circumstances when an Australian financial services license is required to provide advice about carbon farming credits

legal and regulatory requirements relevant to the type of project, for example necessary permits and their costs

project design and implementation

risk management

principles of cost/benefit analysis

possible terms and conditions under a purchase and sales agreement including:

possible pricing mechanisms such as payment on delivery, spot, forward, upfront payment options, floor price, cap, fixed price, variable price

each contract party's obligations and responsibilities

delivery schedules

event of default

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.

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:

land managers

leaseholders

project developers

aggregators

others

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

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
The right of the project proponent to undertake the project on the proposed land is determined 
The rights to the land, project boundaries and if appropriate the applicable carbon sequestration right are determined, with legal advice sought where required 
All interest holders in the land are identified and their likely agreement to the project determined 
The ownership of carbon sequestration rights, if relevant, is determined 
The nature and scope of the project is confirmed 
Approved CFI methodologies are assessed to determine if one is applicable to the project 
Any negative impacts of the project are determined and checked against the CFI negative list 
Whether the project, or any part of it, is required by law is determined 
How the project is in accordance with relevant regional Natural Resource Management plans is determined 
The project is checked for compliance with an approved offset methodology 
Contract parties are identified 
The responsibilities of owning and managing a CFI project are identified 
The managerial and governance structure of the project is determined and roles of the parties are clarified 
Responsibilities and obligations of the parties under relevant carbon farming legislation are identified 
Financial relationships between the parties are identified, including for transfer of carbon rights if relevant 
Specialist technical advice is sought as required 
Operational capabilities to successfully implement the project are assessed 
Means of calculating the baseline and project emissions in accordance with the relevant methodology are established 
Frequency of data collection, monitoring, ratification and verification requirements are determined 
The impact of differing crediting and reporting periods on project feasibility is assessed 
Approvals and restrictions associated with project implementation are determined 
Timelines for the application, development, approval and implementation of the project are estimated 
Potential risks in the project cycle and mitigation strategies are identified and responsibility assigned between parties involved in the project 
Analysis of stakeholders and their expectations is undertaken. 
The scope for project design, planning and implementation is defined 
The distinction between administrative advice on CFI projects and advice about carbon credits that requires holding a financial services license is stated 
The impact of project location on the type of carbon credits generated, where relevant, is ascertained 
Funding requirements for the application, development and implementation of the project are calculated 
The potential abatement and short and long term returns are identified 
Capacity to complete project activities within timeframes is assessed 
Issues that impact on project business viability, including methods of valuing carbon credits, are assessed 
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 
Project feasibility is determined and advised in a written report to project proponent 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

AHCCFI502A - Assess the feasibility of a Carbon Farming Initiative project
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Assessment Record Sheet

AHCCFI502A - Assess the feasibility of a Carbon Farming Initiative project

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