Assessor Resource

AHCPER405
Select appropriate technology for a permaculture system

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to select appropriate technologies for permaculture systems. It includes identification, research, evaluation, selection and communication of sustainable technology for permaculture applications.

All work is carried out to comply with workplace procedures.

This unit applies to individuals who analyse information and exercise judgement to complete a range of advanced skilled activities and demonstrate deep knowledge in a specific technical area. They have accountability for the work of others and analyse, design and communicate solutions to a range of complex problems.

No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements are known to apply to this unit at the time of publication.

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



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.

Element

Performance criteria

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Investigate appropriate technology for permaculture systems

1.1 Review design needs and requirements for potential applications of appropriate technology

1.2 Identify relevant sources and locations of information on appropriate technology

1.3 Determine required scale of appropriate technology

1.4 Identify permaculture principles and practices relevant to the appropriate technology

2. Research appropriate technology for permaculture systems

2.1 Research potential appropriate technology options for the project

2.2 Determine unique characteristics of different appropriate technology options

2.3 Research applications of alternative technologies

2.4 Research requirements for integrating new technology with existing permaculture systems

2.5 Determine capital cost of installation

2.6 Determine training and maintenance required for operation of the different options

3. Evaluate appropriate technology for permaculture systems

3.1 Evaluate potential for integrating new appropriate technologies in the permaculture system design

3.2 Compare potential alternative technologies against cost and efficiency criteria

3.3 Evaluate risks and obstacles of potential appropriate technology options

4. Select appropriate technology for permaculture systems

4.1 Select suitable appropriate technology for the design use

4.2 Determine availability of appropriate technology

4.3 Confirm cost and mode of delivery

5. Communicate appropriate technology for permaculture systems

5.1 Report on research, evaluation and selection of appropriate technology

5.2 Communicate location and detail of selected appropriate technology option on the permaculture design using appropriate drafting and drawing techniques

5.3 Explain appropriate technology and reason for selection to client

The candidate must be assessed on their ability to integrate and apply the performance requirements of this unit in a workplace setting. Performance must be demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.

The candidate must provide evidence that they can:

investigate appropriate technologies for permaculture systems

evaluate permaculture systems capabilities in relation to the use of new technologies

evaluate suitability of new technology solutions to the permaculture application

communicate information and options

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:

permaculture principles and ethics

appropriate technologies, such as:

technologies involving solar, wind, wood, biomass and water driven equipment for generating power, performing pumping duties, heating hot water and biochar production

alternative and resource conserving technologies such as rainwater collection, waste water treatment, composting toilets, cooking stoves, cob ovens, space heating and cooling, household appliances, pedal-powered appliances, enterprise plant and equipment

building technology such as natural and resource conserving building materials and techniques including passive solar deign strategies and features

tools and implements employed in gardening and farming operations such as electric fencing, hand vs. power tools, shredders, mulching machines and use of animal power

lifestyle choices and behavioural adjustments to conserve energy and resources to meet sustainability objectives

smaller scale and lower cost solutions such as maintaining and riding a bicycle, using a refillable pen, using a razor with replaceable blades and substituting other non-disposable items where disposables are normally used

low energy devices

ingenuity applied to complex problems to develop simple solutions such as solar powered street lighting

criteria for determining appropriateness of energy and resource conservation technologies

principles of passive solar design, embodied energy and carbon emission reduction

innovations in energy and resource conservation technologies

role of appropriate technology in energy descent planning and greenhouse gas emission reduction

types of appropriate technology systems commonly available and applied to the design of energy and resource conscious houses, farms, offices and community projects

the benefits from combining a number of different appropriate technologies and the limitations of each different technology

design of systems integrating appropriate technologies

Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs. Assessors must also have a nationally accredited Certificate IV or Diploma of Permaculture. Completion of a Permaculture Design Course (PDC) or non-accredited Permaculture Diploma is not sufficient at this level.


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.

Element

Performance criteria

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Investigate appropriate technology for permaculture systems

1.1 Review design needs and requirements for potential applications of appropriate technology

1.2 Identify relevant sources and locations of information on appropriate technology

1.3 Determine required scale of appropriate technology

1.4 Identify permaculture principles and practices relevant to the appropriate technology

2. Research appropriate technology for permaculture systems

2.1 Research potential appropriate technology options for the project

2.2 Determine unique characteristics of different appropriate technology options

2.3 Research applications of alternative technologies

2.4 Research requirements for integrating new technology with existing permaculture systems

2.5 Determine capital cost of installation

2.6 Determine training and maintenance required for operation of the different options

3. Evaluate appropriate technology for permaculture systems

3.1 Evaluate potential for integrating new appropriate technologies in the permaculture system design

3.2 Compare potential alternative technologies against cost and efficiency criteria

3.3 Evaluate risks and obstacles of potential appropriate technology options

4. Select appropriate technology for permaculture systems

4.1 Select suitable appropriate technology for the design use

4.2 Determine availability of appropriate technology

4.3 Confirm cost and mode of delivery

5. Communicate appropriate technology for permaculture systems

5.1 Report on research, evaluation and selection of appropriate technology

5.2 Communicate location and detail of selected appropriate technology option on the permaculture design using appropriate drafting and drawing techniques

5.3 Explain appropriate technology and reason for selection to client

The candidate must be assessed on their ability to integrate and apply the performance requirements of this unit in a workplace setting. Performance must be demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.

The candidate must provide evidence that they can:

investigate appropriate technologies for permaculture systems

evaluate permaculture systems capabilities in relation to the use of new technologies

evaluate suitability of new technology solutions to the permaculture application

communicate information and options

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:

permaculture principles and ethics

appropriate technologies, such as:

technologies involving solar, wind, wood, biomass and water driven equipment for generating power, performing pumping duties, heating hot water and biochar production

alternative and resource conserving technologies such as rainwater collection, waste water treatment, composting toilets, cooking stoves, cob ovens, space heating and cooling, household appliances, pedal-powered appliances, enterprise plant and equipment

building technology such as natural and resource conserving building materials and techniques including passive solar deign strategies and features

tools and implements employed in gardening and farming operations such as electric fencing, hand vs. power tools, shredders, mulching machines and use of animal power

lifestyle choices and behavioural adjustments to conserve energy and resources to meet sustainability objectives

smaller scale and lower cost solutions such as maintaining and riding a bicycle, using a refillable pen, using a razor with replaceable blades and substituting other non-disposable items where disposables are normally used

low energy devices

ingenuity applied to complex problems to develop simple solutions such as solar powered street lighting

criteria for determining appropriateness of energy and resource conservation technologies

principles of passive solar design, embodied energy and carbon emission reduction

innovations in energy and resource conservation technologies

role of appropriate technology in energy descent planning and greenhouse gas emission reduction

types of appropriate technology systems commonly available and applied to the design of energy and resource conscious houses, farms, offices and community projects

the benefits from combining a number of different appropriate technologies and the limitations of each different technology

design of systems integrating appropriate technologies

Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs. Assessors must also have a nationally accredited Certificate IV or Diploma of Permaculture. Completion of a Permaculture Design Course (PDC) or non-accredited Permaculture Diploma is not sufficient at this level.

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
Review design needs and requirements for potential applications of appropriate technology 
Identify relevant sources and locations of information on appropriate technology 
Determine required scale of appropriate technology 
Identify permaculture principles and practices relevant to the appropriate technology 
Research potential appropriate technology options for the project 
Determine unique characteristics of different appropriate technology options 
Research applications of alternative technologies 
Research requirements for integrating new technology with existing permaculture systems 
Determine capital cost of installation 
Determine training and maintenance required for operation of the different options 
Evaluate potential for integrating new appropriate technologies in the permaculture system design 
Compare potential alternative technologies against cost and efficiency criteria 
Evaluate risks and obstacles of potential appropriate technology options 
Select suitable appropriate technology for the design use 
Determine availability of appropriate technology 
Confirm cost and mode of delivery 
Report on research, evaluation and selection of appropriate technology 
Communicate location and detail of selected appropriate technology option on the permaculture design using appropriate drafting and drawing techniques 
Explain appropriate technology and reason for selection to client 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

AHCPER405 - Select appropriate technology for a permaculture system
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:


Assessment Record Sheet

AHCPER405 - Select appropriate technology for a permaculture system

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: