Assessor Resource

CPPHSA4016
Advise on options for enhancing thermal performance of residential buildings

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: March 2024


This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to assess options for enhancing the thermal performance of residential buildings. It includes identifying options for improving thermal performance, and making recommendations to clients.

The unit supports the work of Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) assessors engaged in advising on the options for enhancing building thermal performance.

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.

Assess options for improving thermal performance of building.

1.1.

Outcomes of NatHERS assessment are interpreted to identify strengths and weaknesses in thermal performance of building.

1.2.

Options for improving thermal performance are identified taking into account user preferences, passive building design principles, and the thermal properties of the building and materials.

1.3.

NatHERS software tool is applied to model the impact of the options on the thermal performance of the building.

1.4.

Criteria for evaluating options are established.

1.5.

Options for improving thermal performance are assessed against evaluative criteria.

2.

Provide information to client on options for improving thermal performance.

2.1.

Accurate information on options for enhancing thermal performance of building, including their benefits and limitations, is presented to client.

2.2.

Evidence of impact of options on thermal performance of building is provided and explained to client.

2.3.

Effective communication strategies are used to explain to client recommended option for improving thermal performance.

2.4.

Potential impact of thermal performance measures on other aspects of the building are identified and communicated to client.

2.5.

Opportunities are provided for client to confirm understanding and seek clarification about options for enhancing thermal performance.

2.6.

Advice on additional sources of information on options for improving thermal performance is provided to client.

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 evaluate options and make recommendations on ways of enhancing the thermal performance of two different residential buildings.

In doing the above, the person must:

identify options for improving the thermal performance of the buildings using knowledge of passive building design principles and the thermal performance of buildings and materials

apply one or more accredited Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) software tools to model the impact of different options for improving the thermal performance of buildings

establish and apply evaluative criteria for assessing options and making recommendations for improving the thermal performance of buildings

explain recommendations for improving thermal performance of buildings to clients

provide clients with reliable information and details of additional sources of information on options for improving thermal performance of buildings

provide clients with reliable information on potential impact on other health, safety, amenity and sustainability aspects of the dwelling or building.

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

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

building thermal performance:

benefits of thermal performance assessment

energy loads, heating and cooling loads, and latent heat

impact of building materials on building thermal performance

impact of building and materials condition on building thermal performance

impact of building design on building thermal performance

relationship between building thermal performance and thermal comfort

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

thermal performance principles:

glazing, shading and insulation for controlling temperature

orientation for heating

thermal mass for storing

ventilation for cooling

thermal performance standards:

current standards

documentation

legal requirements

uses

ways of improving the thermal performance of planned 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

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

building and construction

building thermal performance

consumer protection and trade practices

energy conservation

environment protection

occupational licensing

work health and safety (WHS)

NatHERS software tools:

assumptions inherent in NatHERS software protocol

criteria for the selection of particular 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

passive building design principles.

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

equipment:

NatHERS software tool

computer equipment suitable for running NatHERS software tools

materials:

building plans and specifications for residential buildings to be assessed

relevant codes, standards and government regulations

technical reference library with current publications on:

passive building design

thermal performance of building materials

building thermal performance

NatHERS and manufacturer product information on building products and materials

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.


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.

Assess options for improving thermal performance of building.

1.1.

Outcomes of NatHERS assessment are interpreted to identify strengths and weaknesses in thermal performance of building.

1.2.

Options for improving thermal performance are identified taking into account user preferences, passive building design principles, and the thermal properties of the building and materials.

1.3.

NatHERS software tool is applied to model the impact of the options on the thermal performance of the building.

1.4.

Criteria for evaluating options are established.

1.5.

Options for improving thermal performance are assessed against evaluative criteria.

2.

Provide information to client on options for improving thermal performance.

2.1.

Accurate information on options for enhancing thermal performance of building, including their benefits and limitations, is presented to client.

2.2.

Evidence of impact of options on thermal performance of building is provided and explained to client.

2.3.

Effective communication strategies are used to explain to client recommended option for improving thermal performance.

2.4.

Potential impact of thermal performance measures on other aspects of the building are identified and communicated to client.

2.5.

Opportunities are provided for client to confirm understanding and seek clarification about options for enhancing thermal performance.

2.6.

Advice on additional sources of information on options for improving thermal performance is provided to client.

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.

Options for improving thermal performancemust include at least ten of the following:

construction materials

glazing

insulation levels

landscaping and planting

orientation

passive heating and cooling

sealing the building envelope

shading

thermal mass

ventilation

weather stripping

window:

location

size

style

type of glazing

building layout and zoning.

Criteria must include at least three of the following:

client requirements

compliance of option with legislative and regulatory requirements

cost of option

impact of option on thermal performance or rating of building

potential impact of option on other aspects of a dwelling’s thermal performance

practicality of option

time required to implement option.

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 evaluate options and make recommendations on ways of enhancing the thermal performance of two different residential buildings.

In doing the above, the person must:

identify options for improving the thermal performance of the buildings using knowledge of passive building design principles and the thermal performance of buildings and materials

apply one or more accredited Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) software tools to model the impact of different options for improving the thermal performance of buildings

establish and apply evaluative criteria for assessing options and making recommendations for improving the thermal performance of buildings

explain recommendations for improving thermal performance of buildings to clients

provide clients with reliable information and details of additional sources of information on options for improving thermal performance of buildings

provide clients with reliable information on potential impact on other health, safety, amenity and sustainability aspects of the dwelling or building.

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

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

building thermal performance:

benefits of thermal performance assessment

energy loads, heating and cooling loads, and latent heat

impact of building materials on building thermal performance

impact of building and materials condition on building thermal performance

impact of building design on building thermal performance

relationship between building thermal performance and thermal comfort

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

thermal performance principles:

glazing, shading and insulation for controlling temperature

orientation for heating

thermal mass for storing

ventilation for cooling

thermal performance standards:

current standards

documentation

legal requirements

uses

ways of improving the thermal performance of planned 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

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

building and construction

building thermal performance

consumer protection and trade practices

energy conservation

environment protection

occupational licensing

work health and safety (WHS)

NatHERS software tools:

assumptions inherent in NatHERS software protocol

criteria for the selection of particular 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

passive building design principles.

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

equipment:

NatHERS software tool

computer equipment suitable for running NatHERS software tools

materials:

building plans and specifications for residential buildings to be assessed

relevant codes, standards and government regulations

technical reference library with current publications on:

passive building design

thermal performance of building materials

building thermal performance

NatHERS and manufacturer product information on building products and materials

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.

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
Outcomes of NatHERS assessment are interpreted to identify strengths and weaknesses in thermal performance of building. 
Options for improving thermal performance are identified taking into account user preferences, passive building design principles, and the thermal properties of the building and materials. 
NatHERS software tool is applied to model the impact of the options on the thermal performance of the building. 
Criteria for evaluating options are established. 
Options for improving thermal performance are assessed against evaluative criteria. 
Accurate information on options for enhancing thermal performance of building, including their benefits and limitations, is presented to client. 
Evidence of impact of options on thermal performance of building is provided and explained to client. 
Effective communication strategies are used to explain to client recommended option for improving thermal performance. 
Potential impact of thermal performance measures on other aspects of the building are identified and communicated to client. 
Opportunities are provided for client to confirm understanding and seek clarification about options for enhancing thermal performance. 
Advice on additional sources of information on options for improving thermal performance is provided to client. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

CPPHSA4016 - Advise on options for enhancing thermal performance of 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

CPPHSA4016 - Advise on options for enhancing thermal performance of 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: