Unit of Competency Mapping – Information for Teachers/Assessors – Information for Learners

AHCDES501 Mapping and Delivery Guide
Design sustainable landscapes

Version 1.0
Issue Date: March 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency AHCDES501 - Design sustainable landscapes
Description
Employability Skills
Learning Outcomes and Application This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to design for improvement of long-term ecological sustainability of landscapes, land under production, land areas in business use, natural resource areas and recreational amenity spaces essential for long-term economic and cultural viability.It 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. All work is carried out to comply with workplace procedures.No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements are known to apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.

Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs.

Prerequisites/co-requisites
Competency Field
Development and validation strategy and guide for assessors and learners Student Learning Resources Handouts
Activities
Slides
PPT
Assessment 1 Assessment 2 Assessment 3 Assessment 4
Elements of Competency Performance Criteria              
Element: Assess requirements for sustainable land use
  • Consult client to establish a brief for the design
  • Research and identify legislative and regulatory requirements and document in the improvement plan
  • Identify specific requirements for sustainability from the brief, business plan, management plan or policy documentation
  • Assess the land area for its biophysical factors, biodiversity, historical and cultural attributes, services, site modifications and threats to sustainability
  • Identify environmental implications of the planned works and, if necessary, report to relevant personnel for further research and recommendations
       
Element: Prepare an integrated design to improve land use
  • Develop a concept plan for improvement that reflects client preferences and requirements and takes into account heritage issues, site factors and any identified environmental requirements
  • Present concept plan to the client or land owner for discussion and approval
  • Consult other professionals to assist in research and planning of works in areas of specific technical expertise, energy efficiency and use, current and developing technologies and legislative and enterprise requirements
  • Consider design of products, materials and finishes that are efficient, low risk and cyclic and confirm availability from a local source
  • Evaluate resources, materials, equipment and machinery required for the works for their impact on the sustainable use of the site
  • Select plants and soils for their integrated roles for the designed outcomes in the specific site conditions, system of irrigation and environmental parameters
  • Review environmental conditions for a functional analysis of the site and the planned design
  • Prepare a detailed plan or design
  • Present plan or design to the client or land owner for acceptance
       
Element: Plan the implementation into the design
  • Outline staged implementation and development with appropriate access for future works
  • Incorporate timelines for development, taking into account the needs of the implementation plan and principles of sustainability
  • Determine schedules for planting and post-planting care in accordance with the requirements of the plant species, site conditions and any other planning requirements
  • Integrate protection of water resources, riparian zones, specified trees and existing vegetation into the design plan
  • Review chemical, non-chemical, ameliorant application and waste disposal procedures and processes to select designs of minimal environmental consequence and potential contamination of soils and ground water
  • Review implementation outline for integration of approach to land and water management
       
Element: Audit the implementation for sustainability of use
  • Ensure that all work materials, waste and debris from site works have low risk and energy sustainable methods
  • Sample and test soil and ground water quality and implement recommendations
  • Confirm soil conservation measures and erosion sediment controls
  • Verify protection measures for specified trees, protected flora and fauna and areas and objects of cultural significance
  • Maintain or improve biodiversity, heritage, cultural and historical attributes, soil and water quality
  • Provide client with a report according to the brief or contractual requirements
       


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. Assess requirements for sustainable land use

1.1 Consult client to establish a brief for the design

1.2 Research and identify legislative and regulatory requirements and document in the improvement plan

1.3 Identify specific requirements for sustainability from the brief, business plan, management plan or policy documentation

1.4 Assess the land area for its biophysical factors, biodiversity, historical and cultural attributes, services, site modifications and threats to sustainability

1.5 Identify environmental implications of the planned works and, if necessary, report to relevant personnel for further research and recommendations

2. Prepare an integrated design to improve land use

2.1 Develop a concept plan for improvement that reflects client preferences and requirements and takes into account heritage issues, site factors and any identified environmental requirements

2.2 Present concept plan to the client or land owner for discussion and approval

2.3 Consult other professionals to assist in research and planning of works in areas of specific technical expertise, energy efficiency and use, current and developing technologies and legislative and enterprise requirements

2.4 Consider design of products, materials and finishes that are efficient, low risk and cyclic and confirm availability from a local source

2.5 Evaluate resources, materials, equipment and machinery required for the works for their impact on the sustainable use of the site

2.6 Select plants and soils for their integrated roles for the designed outcomes in the specific site conditions, system of irrigation and environmental parameters

2.7 Review environmental conditions for a functional analysis of the site and the planned design

2.8 Prepare a detailed plan or design

2.9 Present plan or design to the client or land owner for acceptance

3. Plan the implementation into the design

3.1 Outline staged implementation and development with appropriate access for future works

3.2 Incorporate timelines for development, taking into account the needs of the implementation plan and principles of sustainability

3.3 Determine schedules for planting and post-planting care in accordance with the requirements of the plant species, site conditions and any other planning requirements

3.4 Integrate protection of water resources, riparian zones, specified trees and existing vegetation into the design plan

3.5 Review chemical, non-chemical, ameliorant application and waste disposal procedures and processes to select designs of minimal environmental consequence and potential contamination of soils and ground water

3.6 Review implementation outline for integration of approach to land and water management

4. Audit the implementation for sustainability of use

4.1 Ensure that all work materials, waste and debris from site works have low risk and energy sustainable methods

4.2 Sample and test soil and ground water quality and implement recommendations

4.3 Confirm soil conservation measures and erosion sediment controls

4.4 Verify protection measures for specified trees, protected flora and fauna and areas and objects of cultural significance

4.5 Maintain or improve biodiversity, heritage, cultural and historical attributes, soil and water quality

4.6 Provide client with a report according to the brief or contractual requirements

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:

assess a land area for sustainable use

conduct soil and water quality tests

design for the health and sustainability of soils and plants

implement sustainable practices

interpret specifications and plans

outline an integrated approach to land and water management

prepare a detailed plan or design, specifications and where appropriate a proposal or quotation for sustainable land improvement

consult with clients

protect water resources, riparian zones and vegetation in a development area

research, interpret and apply appropriate legislation and regulations

select plants and soils for their integrated functional roles

use a range of graphic techniques for illustrating landscape design components

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:

principles and practices of designing sustainable landscapes

assessment techniques

environmental controls and codes of practice applicable to the business and to the improvement works

botany, plant physiology, taxonomy and nomenclature

identification and selection of soils, growing media, plants, shrubs and trees

irrigation practices

legislation and regulations relating to soil and water degradation issues and construction

specific legislation and regulations for landscape design and development

specific requirements for sustainability

surface hydrology

sustainable land and water use principles and practices applicable in the region

types, properties and characteristics of a wide range of soils and growing media

workplace health and safety legislation and regulations


Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assignment, 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. Assess requirements for sustainable land use

1.1 Consult client to establish a brief for the design

1.2 Research and identify legislative and regulatory requirements and document in the improvement plan

1.3 Identify specific requirements for sustainability from the brief, business plan, management plan or policy documentation

1.4 Assess the land area for its biophysical factors, biodiversity, historical and cultural attributes, services, site modifications and threats to sustainability

1.5 Identify environmental implications of the planned works and, if necessary, report to relevant personnel for further research and recommendations

2. Prepare an integrated design to improve land use

2.1 Develop a concept plan for improvement that reflects client preferences and requirements and takes into account heritage issues, site factors and any identified environmental requirements

2.2 Present concept plan to the client or land owner for discussion and approval

2.3 Consult other professionals to assist in research and planning of works in areas of specific technical expertise, energy efficiency and use, current and developing technologies and legislative and enterprise requirements

2.4 Consider design of products, materials and finishes that are efficient, low risk and cyclic and confirm availability from a local source

2.5 Evaluate resources, materials, equipment and machinery required for the works for their impact on the sustainable use of the site

2.6 Select plants and soils for their integrated roles for the designed outcomes in the specific site conditions, system of irrigation and environmental parameters

2.7 Review environmental conditions for a functional analysis of the site and the planned design

2.8 Prepare a detailed plan or design

2.9 Present plan or design to the client or land owner for acceptance

3. Plan the implementation into the design

3.1 Outline staged implementation and development with appropriate access for future works

3.2 Incorporate timelines for development, taking into account the needs of the implementation plan and principles of sustainability

3.3 Determine schedules for planting and post-planting care in accordance with the requirements of the plant species, site conditions and any other planning requirements

3.4 Integrate protection of water resources, riparian zones, specified trees and existing vegetation into the design plan

3.5 Review chemical, non-chemical, ameliorant application and waste disposal procedures and processes to select designs of minimal environmental consequence and potential contamination of soils and ground water

3.6 Review implementation outline for integration of approach to land and water management

4. Audit the implementation for sustainability of use

4.1 Ensure that all work materials, waste and debris from site works have low risk and energy sustainable methods

4.2 Sample and test soil and ground water quality and implement recommendations

4.3 Confirm soil conservation measures and erosion sediment controls

4.4 Verify protection measures for specified trees, protected flora and fauna and areas and objects of cultural significance

4.5 Maintain or improve biodiversity, heritage, cultural and historical attributes, soil and water quality

4.6 Provide client with a report according to the brief or contractual requirements

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
Consult client to establish a brief for the design 
Research and identify legislative and regulatory requirements and document in the improvement plan 
Identify specific requirements for sustainability from the brief, business plan, management plan or policy documentation 
Assess the land area for its biophysical factors, biodiversity, historical and cultural attributes, services, site modifications and threats to sustainability 
Identify environmental implications of the planned works and, if necessary, report to relevant personnel for further research and recommendations 
Develop a concept plan for improvement that reflects client preferences and requirements and takes into account heritage issues, site factors and any identified environmental requirements 
Present concept plan to the client or land owner for discussion and approval 
Consult other professionals to assist in research and planning of works in areas of specific technical expertise, energy efficiency and use, current and developing technologies and legislative and enterprise requirements 
Consider design of products, materials and finishes that are efficient, low risk and cyclic and confirm availability from a local source 
Evaluate resources, materials, equipment and machinery required for the works for their impact on the sustainable use of the site 
Select plants and soils for their integrated roles for the designed outcomes in the specific site conditions, system of irrigation and environmental parameters 
Review environmental conditions for a functional analysis of the site and the planned design 
Prepare a detailed plan or design 
Present plan or design to the client or land owner for acceptance 
Outline staged implementation and development with appropriate access for future works 
Incorporate timelines for development, taking into account the needs of the implementation plan and principles of sustainability 
Determine schedules for planting and post-planting care in accordance with the requirements of the plant species, site conditions and any other planning requirements 
Integrate protection of water resources, riparian zones, specified trees and existing vegetation into the design plan 
Review chemical, non-chemical, ameliorant application and waste disposal procedures and processes to select designs of minimal environmental consequence and potential contamination of soils and ground water 
Review implementation outline for integration of approach to land and water management 
Ensure that all work materials, waste and debris from site works have low risk and energy sustainable methods 
Sample and test soil and ground water quality and implement recommendations 
Confirm soil conservation measures and erosion sediment controls 
Verify protection measures for specified trees, protected flora and fauna and areas and objects of cultural significance 
Maintain or improve biodiversity, heritage, cultural and historical attributes, soil and water quality 
Provide client with a report according to the brief or contractual requirements 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

AHCDES501 - Design sustainable landscapes
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

AHCDES501 - Design sustainable landscapes

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: