Assessor Resource

CPPHSA4012
Conduct NatHERS assessment of proposed residential buildings

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: March 2024


This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to assess the thermal performance of proposed residential buildings using software tools that are accredited under the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) for regulatory purposes.

The unit supports the work of NatHERS assessors engaged in assessing, and making recommendations for improving, the thermal performance of proposed residential buildings.

In some jurisdictions, this unit of competency may form part of the accreditation, licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements for NatHERS assessors.

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.

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions.

1.

Plan the NatHERS assessment.

1.1.

Need for assessing thermal performance of proposed residential building or part of building, including additions and alterations, is clarified with client.

1.2.

Effective communication strategies are used to assist in establishing rapport with the client and in responding to client questions and concerns.

1.3.

Potential risks are identified and suitably managed.

1.4.

Computer equipment and software required for the assessment are identified and checked for serviceability.

1.5.

Documentation required for the assessment is obtained.

1.6.

Drawings are checked for consistency, and adequacy and further information is sought as required.

1.7.

Limitations of data collected are identified.

1.8.

Authority to proceed is obtained from client prior to commencing, and is reconfirmed as appropriate during the assessment.

2.

Enter information into thermal performance assessment tool.

2.1.

Building information is obtained and entered into the thermal performance assessment tool.

2.2.

Methods for entering information on non-standard building materials and designs are implemented correctly.

2.3.

Methods for entering information required for assessing alterations and extensions are implemented correctly.

3.

Apply thermal performance assessment tool.

3.1.

Relevant functions of thermal performance assessment tool are used to generate outputs in relation to thermal performance of the building.

3.2.

Thermal performance assessment tool outputs are identified and analysed.

3.3.

Errors in data entry and assessment are identified and corrected.

3.4.

Limitations of software are identified and considered during assessment.

4.

Identify options for improving thermal performance.

4.1.

Sources of technical advice on building thermal performance are identified.

4.2.

Assumptions and limitations inherent in thermal performance assessment tool are considered when interpreting outputs.

4.3.

Thermal performance tool outputs are interpreted to identify strengths and weaknesses in thermal performance of building.

4.4.

Options for improving thermal and environmental performance and for meeting regulatory requirementsare identified based on criteria.

4.5.

Interactions of thermal performance improvements on other aspects of building performance are identified and advice is provided to client.

4.6.

Impact of options is evaluated by reassessing the building using the thermal performance assessment tool.

5.

Report outcomes of thermal performance assessment.

5.1.

Results and recommendations, along with supporting evidence, are collated and documented.

5.2.

Results and recommendations of thermal performance assessment are explained to the client.

5.3.

Reports and other documentation associated with thermal performance assessment are lodged with regulatory authorities if required, and securely stored to be readily retrieved in line with organisational requirements.

A person demonstrating competency in this unit must satisfy the requirements of the elements, performance criteria, foundation skills and range of conditions of this unit.

The person must also assess the thermal performance of each of the following National Construction Code (NCC) types of proposed residential buildings for legislative, regulatory and compliance purposes:

one single storey Class 1 building

one double storey Class 1 building

one Class 2 sole occupancy unit (SOU)

one single storey building with planned alterations or additions

one double storey building with planned alterations or additions.

The above buildings must be from the following Australian climatic zones:

one or more from zones 1 or 2

one or more from zones 6 or 7.

In each case the assessment must be undertaken using a Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) software tool accredited under NatHERS for regulatory purposes in a mode appropriate to the type of assessment.

In doing the above, the person must:

gather the required building information from building plans, specifications and other supporting documents required for a thermal performance assessment, and enter this information into a NatHERS software tool in regulator mode

identify and analyse the outputs of a thermal performance assessment tool

identify the limitations of the software and items that cannot be assessed

make recommendations to improve the thermal performance of a proposed residential building to meet relevant regulatory and client requirements.

A person demonstrating competency in this unit must demonstrate knowledge of:

Australian climatic zones:

climate data used in thermal performance assessment:

diurnal temperature range

humidity

irradiance

maximum and minimum temperature

solar geometry

wind speed and direction

climatic zones and characteristics

building alterations and additions:

effects on building thermal performance

performance standards

regulations

type and scale of alterations and additions

building thermal performance:

benefits of thermal performance assessment

impact of building design and building materials on building thermal performance

relationship between building thermal performance and thermal comfort

thermal performance principles:

glazing, shading and insulation for controlling temperature

orientation for heating

thermal mass for storing

ventilation for cooling

thermal performance standards:

current performance standards

documentation of assessments and ratings

legal requirements

uses

ways of improving thermal performance of proposed residential buildings:

construction materials

draught proofing

floor coverings

glazing

insulation levels

landscaping and planting

orientation

overshadowing

passive heating and cooling

shade

structural changes

thermal mass

ventilation

window coverings

window size, location and type

zoning and layout

building materials

constraints on choice of building materials:

availability

compliance with codes, standards and legislation

cost

practicality

size

space

thermal performance properties of common building materials

commonwealth, state and territory, and local government legislation and regulations impacting on thermal performance assessment relating to:

building and construction

building thermal performance

environment protection

occupational licensing

work health and safety

energy and power:

terminology:

energy efficiency

energy loads

heating and cooling loads

latent heat

power

primary energy source

environmental impact of energy use in residential buildings

units of measurement

greenhouse gas emissions:

potential ways of reducing operational greenhouse gas emissions through building design

relationship between building design, energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions

NatHERS software tools:

types of NatHERS software tools

assumptions and limitations inherent in NatHERS software protocol and accredited software

building and external elements included in NatHERS thermal performance assessments

scope and function of NatHERS software tools

criteria for the selection of particular NatHERS software tools

operating procedures for one or more NatHERS software tools

properties of materials, such as heat transfer coefficients and U-value, thermal resistance and R-value, reflectivity, absorptance, solar heat gain coefficient and emissivity

star rating

passive energy design:

benefits of passive design

principles of passive design

relationship between passive design and greenhouse gas emissions

thermal comfort:

definition of thermal comfort

physical factors that influence thermal comfort

requirement for thermal comfort

role of thermal comfort in building thermal performance assessments.

The following must be present and available to learners during assessment activities:

equipment:

NatHERS software tool

computer equipment suitable for using NatHERS software tool

materials:

relevant codes, standards and government regulations

building documentation for residential buildings to be assessed

technical reference library with current publications on:

Australian climatic zones

building design and materials

house energy rating system (HERS)

building thermal performance for proposed buildings

manufacturer product information on building products and materials

NatHERS

relationships with team members and supervisor:

assessment activities are performed on an individual basis under general supervision.

Assessor requirements

As a minimum, assessors must satisfy the assessor requirements in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) current at the time of assessment. Assessors must also hold current accreditation with a NatHERS Assessor Accrediting Organisation.


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.

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions.

1.

Plan the NatHERS assessment.

1.1.

Need for assessing thermal performance of proposed residential building or part of building, including additions and alterations, is clarified with client.

1.2.

Effective communication strategies are used to assist in establishing rapport with the client and in responding to client questions and concerns.

1.3.

Potential risks are identified and suitably managed.

1.4.

Computer equipment and software required for the assessment are identified and checked for serviceability.

1.5.

Documentation required for the assessment is obtained.

1.6.

Drawings are checked for consistency, and adequacy and further information is sought as required.

1.7.

Limitations of data collected are identified.

1.8.

Authority to proceed is obtained from client prior to commencing, and is reconfirmed as appropriate during the assessment.

2.

Enter information into thermal performance assessment tool.

2.1.

Building information is obtained and entered into the thermal performance assessment tool.

2.2.

Methods for entering information on non-standard building materials and designs are implemented correctly.

2.3.

Methods for entering information required for assessing alterations and extensions are implemented correctly.

3.

Apply thermal performance assessment tool.

3.1.

Relevant functions of thermal performance assessment tool are used to generate outputs in relation to thermal performance of the building.

3.2.

Thermal performance assessment tool outputs are identified and analysed.

3.3.

Errors in data entry and assessment are identified and corrected.

3.4.

Limitations of software are identified and considered during assessment.

4.

Identify options for improving thermal performance.

4.1.

Sources of technical advice on building thermal performance are identified.

4.2.

Assumptions and limitations inherent in thermal performance assessment tool are considered when interpreting outputs.

4.3.

Thermal performance tool outputs are interpreted to identify strengths and weaknesses in thermal performance of building.

4.4.

Options for improving thermal and environmental performance and for meeting regulatory requirementsare identified based on criteria.

4.5.

Interactions of thermal performance improvements on other aspects of building performance are identified and advice is provided to client.

4.6.

Impact of options is evaluated by reassessing the building using the thermal performance assessment tool.

5.

Report outcomes of thermal performance assessment.

5.1.

Results and recommendations, along with supporting evidence, are collated and documented.

5.2.

Results and recommendations of thermal performance assessment are explained to the client.

5.3.

Reports and other documentation associated with thermal performance assessment are lodged with regulatory authorities if required, and securely stored to be readily retrieved in line with organisational requirements.

This section specifies work environments and conditions that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) are included. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below.

Information must include:

air leakage features:

fans

wall vents

attachments to other buildings externally

building sealing

construction materials

dimensions

electrical fittings:

ceiling fans

exhaust fans

glazing

insulation levels:

ceiling

floors

walls

orientation

overshadowing

shading

thermal mass

ventilation

windows:

size

style

type of frame

type of glass

zoning and layout.

Options must include at least two of the following:

construction materials

glazing

insulation levels

landscaping and planting

orientation

overshadowing

passive heating and cooling

size

style

thermal mass

type of glazing

ventilation

window

zoning and layout.

Criteria must include at least one of the following:

cost

outputs of thermal performance assessment

practicality

thermal performance properties of building elements

type of building.

A person demonstrating competency in this unit must satisfy the requirements of the elements, performance criteria, foundation skills and range of conditions of this unit.

The person must also assess the thermal performance of each of the following National Construction Code (NCC) types of proposed residential buildings for legislative, regulatory and compliance purposes:

one single storey Class 1 building

one double storey Class 1 building

one Class 2 sole occupancy unit (SOU)

one single storey building with planned alterations or additions

one double storey building with planned alterations or additions.

The above buildings must be from the following Australian climatic zones:

one or more from zones 1 or 2

one or more from zones 6 or 7.

In each case the assessment must be undertaken using a Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) software tool accredited under NatHERS for regulatory purposes in a mode appropriate to the type of assessment.

In doing the above, the person must:

gather the required building information from building plans, specifications and other supporting documents required for a thermal performance assessment, and enter this information into a NatHERS software tool in regulator mode

identify and analyse the outputs of a thermal performance assessment tool

identify the limitations of the software and items that cannot be assessed

make recommendations to improve the thermal performance of a proposed residential building to meet relevant regulatory and client requirements.

A person demonstrating competency in this unit must demonstrate knowledge of:

Australian climatic zones:

climate data used in thermal performance assessment:

diurnal temperature range

humidity

irradiance

maximum and minimum temperature

solar geometry

wind speed and direction

climatic zones and characteristics

building alterations and additions:

effects on building thermal performance

performance standards

regulations

type and scale of alterations and additions

building thermal performance:

benefits of thermal performance assessment

impact of building design and building materials on building thermal performance

relationship between building thermal performance and thermal comfort

thermal performance principles:

glazing, shading and insulation for controlling temperature

orientation for heating

thermal mass for storing

ventilation for cooling

thermal performance standards:

current performance standards

documentation of assessments and ratings

legal requirements

uses

ways of improving thermal performance of proposed residential buildings:

construction materials

draught proofing

floor coverings

glazing

insulation levels

landscaping and planting

orientation

overshadowing

passive heating and cooling

shade

structural changes

thermal mass

ventilation

window coverings

window size, location and type

zoning and layout

building materials

constraints on choice of building materials:

availability

compliance with codes, standards and legislation

cost

practicality

size

space

thermal performance properties of common building materials

commonwealth, state and territory, and local government legislation and regulations impacting on thermal performance assessment relating to:

building and construction

building thermal performance

environment protection

occupational licensing

work health and safety

energy and power:

terminology:

energy efficiency

energy loads

heating and cooling loads

latent heat

power

primary energy source

environmental impact of energy use in residential buildings

units of measurement

greenhouse gas emissions:

potential ways of reducing operational greenhouse gas emissions through building design

relationship between building design, energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions

NatHERS software tools:

types of NatHERS software tools

assumptions and limitations inherent in NatHERS software protocol and accredited software

building and external elements included in NatHERS thermal performance assessments

scope and function of NatHERS software tools

criteria for the selection of particular NatHERS software tools

operating procedures for one or more NatHERS software tools

properties of materials, such as heat transfer coefficients and U-value, thermal resistance and R-value, reflectivity, absorptance, solar heat gain coefficient and emissivity

star rating

passive energy design:

benefits of passive design

principles of passive design

relationship between passive design and greenhouse gas emissions

thermal comfort:

definition of thermal comfort

physical factors that influence thermal comfort

requirement for thermal comfort

role of thermal comfort in building thermal performance assessments.

The following must be present and available to learners during assessment activities:

equipment:

NatHERS software tool

computer equipment suitable for using NatHERS software tool

materials:

relevant codes, standards and government regulations

building documentation for residential buildings to be assessed

technical reference library with current publications on:

Australian climatic zones

building design and materials

house energy rating system (HERS)

building thermal performance for proposed buildings

manufacturer product information on building products and materials

NatHERS

relationships with team members and supervisor:

assessment activities are performed on an individual basis under general supervision.

Assessor requirements

As a minimum, assessors must satisfy the assessor requirements in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) current at the time of assessment. Assessors must also hold current accreditation with a NatHERS Assessor Accrediting Organisation.

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
Need for assessing thermal performance of proposed residential building or part of building, including additions and alterations, is clarified with client. 
Effective communication strategies are used to assist in establishing rapport with the client and in responding to client questions and concerns. 
Potential risks are identified and suitably managed. 
Computer equipment and software required for the assessment are identified and checked for serviceability. 
Documentation required for the assessment is obtained. 
Drawings are checked for consistency, and adequacy and further information is sought as required. 
Limitations of data collected are identified. 
Authority to proceed is obtained from client prior to commencing, and is reconfirmed as appropriate during the assessment. 
Building information is obtained and entered into the thermal performance assessment tool. 
Methods for entering information on non-standard building materials and designs are implemented correctly. 
Methods for entering information required for assessing alterations and extensions are implemented correctly. 
Relevant functions of thermal performance assessment tool are used to generate outputs in relation to thermal performance of the building. 
Thermal performance assessment tool outputs are identified and analysed. 
Errors in data entry and assessment are identified and corrected. 
Limitations of software are identified and considered during assessment. 
Sources of technical advice on building thermal performance are identified. 
Assumptions and limitations inherent in thermal performance assessment tool are considered when interpreting outputs. 
Thermal performance tool outputs are interpreted to identify strengths and weaknesses in thermal performance of building. 
Options for improving thermal and environmental performance and for meeting regulatory requirementsare identified based on criteria. 
Interactions of thermal performance improvements on other aspects of building performance are identified and advice is provided to client. 
Impact of options is evaluated by reassessing the building using the thermal performance assessment tool. 
Results and recommendations, along with supporting evidence, are collated and documented. 
Results and recommendations of thermal performance assessment are explained to the client. 
Reports and other documentation associated with thermal performance assessment are lodged with regulatory authorities if required, and securely stored to be readily retrieved in line with organisational requirements. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

CPPHSA4012 - Conduct NatHERS assessment of proposed residential buildings
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

CPPHSA4012 - Conduct NatHERS assessment of proposed residential buildings

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: