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 observing at least two instances of implementation and monitoring of integrated environment and resource efficiency management policies and procedures in an organisation.

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

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to provide evidence of the required skills and knowledge specified in this unit.

In particular the person should demonstrate the ability to:

analyse external benchmarks

apply improved approaches to resource use in own work area

effect outcomes from environmental and resource efficiency improvement plans

explain reasons for the choice of particular benchmarks.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment of essential underpinning knowledge may be conducted in an off-site context. It is to comply with relevant regulatory or Australian standards’ requirements.

Resource implications for assessment include access to:

relevant legislation, standards and guidelines

workplace documentation and personnel

reports from other parties involved in the process of identifying and implementing improvements.

Method of assessment

Assessment methods must:

satisfy the endorsed Assessment Guidelines of the Property Services Training Package

include direct observation of tasks in real or simulated work conditions, with questioning to confirm the ability to consistently identify and correctly interpret the essential underpinning knowledge required for practical application

reinforce the integration of employability skills with workplace tasks and job roles

confirm that competency is verified and able to be transferred to other circumstances and environments

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

Guidance information for assessment

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

change management skills to implement improved environmental and resource efficiency plans

interpersonal skills to relate to people from diverse backgrounds

language, literacy and numeracy skills for:

communicating clearly and concisely verbally and in writing

comparing benchmarks

consulting with work group

reading and interpreting documentation, including:

environment and energy efficiency requirements

resource use

requesting information

seeking and receiving feedback

sourcing, organising and recording information

using costing strategies

problem-solving skills to analyse problems, devise solutions and reflect on approaches

self-management skills to recognise and implement environment and energy efficiency management policies and procedures

technology skills, including the ability to operate and shut down equipment

Required knowledge

environment and energy efficiency systems and procedures, including:

environment management systems

supply chains

environment and resource efficiency issues specific to industry practices

industry benchmarks, including:

best practice approaches

quality assurance systems

legislation, regulations, codes of practice and industry advisory standards that apply to environmental sustainability

strategies for:

continuous improvement

effecting outcomes

maximising opportunities

minimising impacts

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.

Compliance includes:

meeting relevant federal, state or territory, and local government laws, by-laws, regulations and codes of practice.

Purchasing strategies may include:

influencing suppliers to take up environmental sustainability.

Stakeholders, key personnel and specialists may include:

individuals and groups both inside and outside the organisation who have direct interest in organisation’s conduct, actions, products and services, including:

customers

employees at all levels of organisation

key personnel in organisation, and specialists outside it, who may have particular technical expertise

suppliers.

Techniques and tools may include:

applying industry policies, standards and protocols, including the ecoCLEAN system

examining relevant information and data, such as invoices from suppliers

measurements made under varying conditions

others appropriate to the specific industry context.

Environmental and resource efficiency improvement plans may include:

addressing environmental and resource sustainability initiatives, action plans, surveys and audits

applying waste management hierarchy in the workplace

determining organisation’s most appropriate waste treatment, including waste to landfill, recycling, re-use and wastewater treatment

initiating and maintaining appropriate organisational procedures for operational energy consumption, including stationary and non-stationary (transport) energy

reference to standards, guidelines and approaches, such as:

ecological footprinting

global reporting initiative

Green Star environmental rating system

ISO 14001 Environment Management Systems

life cycle analyses

product stewardship

triple bottom line reporting.

Suggestions may include ideas that help to:

eliminate use of hazardous and toxic materials

express purchasing power through selection of suppliers with improved environmental performance, such as purchase of renewable energy

identify strategies to offset or mitigate environmental impacts, such as purchasing carbon credits

make more efficient use of energy

maximise opportunities to re-use and recycle materials

prevent and minimise risks and maximise opportunities, such as use of solar or other alternative forms of energy where appropriate

reduce emissions of greenhouse gases

reduce use of non-renewable resources.