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

This unit of competency could be assessed by demonstrating the promotion to clients of low and zero carbon energy technologies in residential buildings by assessing the potential for use and advising on the selection of low and zero carbon energy technologies.

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

A person should demonstrate the ability to:

assess the potential for use of low and zero carbon energy technologies in residential buildings

conduct a site inspection as part of assessing the potential for the use of low and zero carbon energy technologies in residential buildings

identify potential opportunities and constraints regarding the use of low and zero carbon energy technologies in residential buildings

advise clients on the selection and use of low and zero carbon energy technologies.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment of this unit:

must be in the context of the work environment

may be conducted in an off-site context, provided it is realistic and sufficiently rigorous to cover all aspects of workplace performance, including task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills

must meet relevant compliance requirements.

Resource implications for assessment include:

relevant codes, standards and government regulations.

technical reference library with current publications on low and zero carbon energy technologies.

Method of assessment

Assessment for this unit must verify the practical application of the required skills and knowledge, using one or more of the following methods:

written and/or oral assessment

observed, documented and/or first-hand testimonial evidence of the candidate demonstrating the promotion to clients of low and zero carbon energy technologies in residential buildings by:

assessing the potential for use

advising on the selection of low and zero carbon energy technologies.

Guidance information for assessment

This unit could be assessed on its own or in combination with other units relevant to the job function.

Reasonable adjustments for people with disabilities must be made to assessment processes where required. This could include access to modified equipment and other physical resources, and the provision of appropriate assessment support.

Assessment processes and techniques should, as far as is practical, take into account the language, literacy and numeracy capacity of the candidate in relation to the competency being assessed.

Required skills

communication skills to interact with clients, staff and other stakeholders from diverse social, economic and cultural backgrounds in an ethical manner

data analysis skills to interpret data relating to energy use and carbon emissions of different technologies

decision-making and problem-solving skills to advise clients on appropriateness of different low and zero carbon energy technologies

learning skills to maintain and update own knowledge of low and zero carbon energy technologies through catalogues and other industry information

literacy skills to read and interpret a variety of texts, including legislation, regulations and product information

numeracy skills to interpret data relating to the cost, energy and carbon emissions of low and zero carbon energy technologies

planning, organising and scheduling skills to organise site and property inspections to assess viability of use of low and zero carbon energy technologies

research skills to identify, locate and evaluate reports on low and zero carbon energy technologies

technology skills to:

operate computer equipment and peripherals

use relevant software, hardware and equipment to conduct online research and access catalogues and other information on low and zero carbon energy technologies

time-management skills to efficiently and effectively plan and implement meetings with clients and other work activities

Required knowledge

purpose and key features relating to thermal performance and energy efficiency in the National Construction Code

commonwealth, state and territory, and local government legislation and regulations impacting on identifying, using and providing advice on energy using appliances and equipment relating to:

building and construction

building thermal performance

consumer protection, fair trading and trade practices

environment protection

installation of appliances and equipment

occupational licensing

public health and safety

work health and safety

energy and power:

terminology:

energy

energy efficiency

kilowatt hours

joules

megajoules

power

primary energy source

watts

units of measurement

uses, cost and environmental impact of energy in residential buildings

greenhouse gas emissions:

relationship between building design, selection of technologies, energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions

ways of reducing greenhouse gas emissions through use of zero and low carbon technologies

installation standards for energy technologies

low and zero carbon energy technologies:

biomass

ground cooling

ground source heat pumps

mini hydro systems

passive solar design

small combined heat and power systems

solar photovoltaics

solar thermal

wind power

passive energy design:

benefits of passive design

principles of passive design

relationship between passive design, energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions

risk and hazard identification procedures

zero carbon and carbon neutral technologies

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.

Low and zero carbon energy technologies may include:

biomass

ground cooling

ground source heat pumps

mini hydro systems

passive solar design

small combined heat and power systems

solar photovoltaics

solar thermal

wind power.

Hazards may include:

confined spaces

electricity

fire

harassment, bullying and/or violence involving co-workers or customers

hazardous substances:

asbestos

biological products

blood products

broken metal

chemicals

electrical wiring

fibres

fumes

gases

glass

insulation

leaking containers

oil and petrol

heat:

burns

scalds

manual handling:

carrying

lifting

pulling

pushing

machinery, including powered and non-powered equipment

skin penetrating injuries:

knives

sharps

syringes and needles

unaccompanied minors

waste

work environment:

access

animals

dust

floor surfaces

lighting

noise

passive smoking

temperature extremes

trips and falls

ventilation

working alone

working at heights.

Tools, equipment and other requirements may include:

calculator

clipboard

collection containers

commercial ladder

compass

digital camera

personal protective equipment (PPE):

dust masks

eye protection

gloves

headwear

overalls

safety shoes and workboots

portable computer equipment

reference manuals

tape measure

thermometer

timer

torch.

Information required from client may include:

house construction details:

age

floor area

insulation

materials

number of storeys

household member:

age

number.

Details of site inspection may include:

address and postcode of residence

assessor name and contact details

date and time of inspection

duration of inspection

responsible adult to be at site during inspection.

Opportunities and constraints may include:

design and siting of building

grants and incentives

grid connection

planning policy

regulations:

building

electrical

gas

planning

plumbing

utilities

suitability of technology to client needs and energy use.