Elements and Performance Criteria
- Plan the assessment of residential building’s thermal performance and energy efficiency.
- Need for assessment 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.
- Functions of software package to be used in assessment are identified.
- Computer equipment required for the assessment is identified and checked for serviceability.
- Potential risks are identified and suitably managed.
- Gather building and other relevant information.
- Building and appliance information is extracted from building drawings, specifications and other documents; outcomes of site inspections; and discussions with client and other building professionals.
- Information required for assessment is gathered, checked for accuracy, and where necessary verified with software developer, regulatory authorities and other building professionals, as required.
- Site inspection of existing building, if required, is planned to gather information for assessment.
- Potential hazards associated with conducting a site inspection of an existing building are identified to ensure risks are suitably managed.
- Tools, equipment and other requirements for site inspection are identified and arrangements are made to ensure their availability on day of inspection.
- Information required from client is obtained before conducting site inspection.
- Details of site inspection are agreed with client before conducting inspection.
- Site inspection is conducted and information required for assessment is gathered.
- Enter information into assessment tool.
- Conduct residential sustainability assessment.
- Appropriate functions of assessment tool are used to generate outputs in relation to the thermal performance and sustainability of the building.
- Advanced features of software are used.
- Assessment tool outputs are identified and analysed.
- Errors in data entry and assessment are identified and corrected.
- Identify options for improving residential sustainability.
- Sources of technical advice on residential sustainability are identified.
- Assumptions and limitations inherent in assessment tool are considered when interpreting outputs.
- Assessment tool outputs are interpreted to identify strengths and weaknesses in the residential sustainability of building.
- Government rebates and other assistance programs for improving residential sustainability are identified, as required.
- Options for improving thermal performance and residential sustainability are identified by considering the outputs of the assessment and other criteria.
- Impact of options is evaluated by modelling options using the assessment tool.
- Costs of options for improving the residential sustainability of residence are estimated.
- Report outcomes of thermal performance assessment.
- Results and recommendations, along with supporting evidence, are collated and documented.
- Estimated cost of proposed recommendations and potential associated reductions in energy use, costs and greenhouse gas emissions are documented.
- Results and recommendations of the residential sustainability assessment are explained to the client.
- Reports and other documentation associated with residential sustainability assessment are securely stored to be readily retrieved.