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

CPPHSA5001 Mapping and Delivery Guide
Assess thermal performance of complex residential buildings

Version 1.0
Issue Date: March 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency CPPHSA5001 - Assess thermal performance of complex residential buildings
Description
Employability Skills
Learning Outcomes and Application This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to assess the thermal performance of complex residential buildings using a software tool accredited under the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) for regulatory purposes.The unit supports the work of NatHERS assessors engaged in assessing, and making recommendations for improving, the thermal performance of complex residential buildings.In some jurisdictions, this unit of competency may form part of the accreditation, licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements for NatHERS assessors.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.

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

equipment:

NatHERS software tool

computer equipment suitable for using NatHERS software tools and generating printed copies of reports

materials:

relevant codes, standards and government regulations

building documentation for residential building to be assessed

technical reference library with current publications on:

Australian climatic zones

building design and materials

house energy rating system (HERS)

building thermal performance for planned buildings

manufacturer product information on building products and materials

NatHERS

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. Assessors must also hold current accreditation with a NatHERS Assessor Accrediting Organisation.

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: Plan and organise thermal performance assessment.
  • Need for assessing thermal performance of a residential building is clarified with client.
  • Features of design requiring complex modelling techniques are determined and appropriate assessment strategies are identified in line with organisational procedures, software developer recommendations, and regulatory requirements.
  • Cost of assessment is communicated to client in line with organisational procedures.
  • Effective communication strategies are used to assist in establishing rapport with the client and in responding to client questions and concerns.
  • Potential risks are identified and suitably managed.
  • Computer equipment and software required for the assessment are identified and checked for serviceability.
  • Documentation required for the assessment is obtained.
  • Authority to proceed is obtained from client before commencing, and reconfirmed as appropriate during the assessment.
       
Element: Enter information into thermal performance assessment tool.
  • Building information is extracted from the full range of available sources.
  • Building information on complex features of building envelope is gathered, checked for accuracy and where necessary verified with other building professionals.
  • Software technical support and advice are identified and sourced as required.
  • Limitations of software are identified and considered during assessment.
  • Building information is correctly and consistently entered into the thermal performance assessment tool.
  • Methods for entering information on non-standard and complex building materials and designs are used correctly.
  • Complex constructions are built from standard construction materials library.
       
Element: Apply thermal performance assessment tool.
  • Relevant functions of thermal performance assessment tool are used to generate outputs in relation to thermal performance of the building.
  • Thermal performance assessment tool outputs are identified and analysed.
  • Impact of external factors on thermal performance of building are identified and assessed.
  • Methods for entering information on non-standard building materials and designs are used correctly.
  • Errors in data entry and assessment are identified and corrected.
  • Software scratch file is read and interpreted.
       
Element: Identify options for improving thermal performance.
  • Sources of technical advice on building thermal performance are identified.
  • Assumptions and limitations inherent in thermal performance assessment tool are considered when interpreting outputs.
  • Thermal performance tool outputs are interpreted to identify strengths and weaknesses in thermal performance of building.
  • Options for improving thermal and environmental performance and for meeting regulatory requirements are identified based on criteria.
  • Interactions of thermal performance improvements on other aspects of building performance are identified and advice is provided to client.
  • Impact of options is evaluated by reassessing the building using the thermal performance assessment tool.
  • Cost of options for improving the thermal performance of the residence is estimated in line with organisational procedures.
       
Element: 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 in line with organisational procedures.
  • Results and recommendations of thermal performance assessment are explained to the client.
  • Reports and other documentation associated with thermal performance assessment are lodged with regulatory authorities if required, and securely stored to be readily retrieved in line with organisational 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.

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.

Plan and organise thermal performance assessment.

1.1.

Need for assessing thermal performance of a residential building is clarified with client.

1.2.

Features of design requiring complex modelling techniques are determined and appropriate assessment strategies are identified in line with organisational procedures, software developer recommendations, and regulatory requirements.

1.3.

Cost of assessment is communicated to client in line with organisational procedures.

1.4.

Effective communication strategies are used to assist in establishing rapport with the client and in responding to client questions and concerns.

1.5.

Potential risks are identified and suitably managed.

1.6.

Computer equipment and software required for the assessment are identified and checked for serviceability.

1.7.

Documentation required for the assessment is obtained.

1.8.

Authority to proceed is obtained from client before commencing, and reconfirmed as appropriate during the assessment.

2.

Enter information into thermal performance assessment tool.

2.1.

Building information is extracted from the full range of available sources.

2.2.

Building information on complex features of building envelope is gathered, checked for accuracy and where necessary verified with other building professionals.

2.3.

Software technical support and advice are identified and sourced as required.

2.4.

Limitations of software are identified and considered during assessment.

2.5.

Building information is correctly and consistently entered into the thermal performance assessment tool.

2.6.

Methods for entering information on non-standard and complex building materials and designs are used correctly.

2.7.

Complex constructions are built from standard construction materials library.

3.

Apply thermal performance assessment tool.

3.1.

Relevant functions of thermal performance assessment tool are used to generate outputs in relation to thermal performance of the building.

3.2.

Thermal performance assessment tool outputs are identified and analysed.

3.3.

Impact of external factors on thermal performance of building are identified and assessed.

3.4.

Methods for entering information on non-standard building materials and designs are used correctly.

3.5.

Errors in data entry and assessment are identified and corrected.

3.6.

Software scratch file is read and interpreted.

4.

Identify options for improving thermal performance.

4.1.

Sources of technical advice on building thermal performance are identified.

4.2.

Assumptions and limitations inherent in thermal performance assessment tool are considered when interpreting outputs.

4.3.

Thermal performance tool outputs are interpreted to identify strengths and weaknesses in thermal performance of building.

4.4.

Options for improving thermal and environmental performance and for meeting regulatory requirements are identified based on criteria.

4.5.

Interactions of thermal performance improvements on other aspects of building performance are identified and advice is provided to client.

4.6.

Impact of options is evaluated by reassessing the building using the thermal performance assessment tool.

4.7.

Cost of options for improving the thermal performance of the residence is estimated in line with organisational procedures.

5.

Report outcomes of thermal performance assessment.

5.1.

Results and recommendations, along with supporting evidence, are collated and documented.

5.2.

Estimated cost of proposed recommendations and potential associated reductions in energy use, costs and greenhouse gas emissions are documented in line with organisational procedures.

5.3

Results and recommendations of thermal performance assessment are explained to the client.

5.4.

Reports and other documentation associated with thermal performance assessment are lodged with regulatory authorities if required, and securely stored to be readily retrieved in line with organisational requirements.

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 assess the thermal performance of one of the following residential buildings:

a building with complex levels, shading, irregular shapes and void arrangements

a building with non-conventional building materials and configurations.

The assessment must be undertaken using a Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) software tool accredited under NatHERS for regulatory purposes in a mode appropriate to the type of assessment.

In doing the above, the person must:

gather the required building information from building plans, specifications and other supporting documents required for a thermal performance assessment and correctly enter this information into a NatHERS software tool

identify and analyse the outputs of a thermal performance assessment tool

identify interactions of thermal performance with other health, safety, amenity and sustainability aspects of a dwelling

make recommendations to improve the thermal performance of a planned residential building.

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

Australian climatic zones:

climate data used in thermal performance assessment:

diurnal temperature range

humidity

irradiance

maximum and minimum temperature

solar geometry

wind speed and direction

climatic zones and characteristics

building thermal performance:

benefits of thermal performance assessment

constraints on choice of building materials:

availability

compliance with codes, standards and legislation

cost

practicality

size

space

heat flows

impact of building materials on building thermal performance

impact of building design on building thermal performance

properties of building materials:

capacitance

material thickness

resistance heat flow up and down

thermal bridging

relationship between building thermal performance and thermal comfort

thermal performance principles:

glazing, shading and insulation for controlling temperature

orientation for heating

thermal mass for storing

ventilation for cooling

thermal performance properties of common building materials

thermal performance ratings:

current rating requirements

documentation of ratings

legal requirements

uses

ways of improving the thermal performance of residential buildings:

condition of building

construction materials

draught proofing

floor coverings

glazing

insulation levels

landscaping and planting

orientation

overshadowing

passive heating and cooling

shade

siting of building

structural changes

thermal mass

ventilation

window coverings

window size, location and type

building 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

environment protection

occupational licensing

work health and safety

energy and power:

terminology:

energy loads

energy efficiency

heating and cooling loads

latent heat

power

primary energy source

units of measurement

uses, cost and environmental impact of energy use in residential buildings

greenhouse gas emissions:

relationship between building design, energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions

ways of reducing greenhouse gas emissions through building design

NatHERS software tools:

assumptions inherent in software protocol

criteria for the selection of particular 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

scratch file

types of software tools

passive energy design:

benefits of passive design

passive design standards

Passivhaus (Passive) House Standard

principles of passive design

relationship between passive design, energy use and operational greenhouse gas emissions

thermal comfort:

definition of thermal comfort

models

physical factors that influence thermal comfort

requirement for and importance of thermal comfort

role of thermal comfort in building thermal performance assessments.


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.

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.

Plan and organise thermal performance assessment.

1.1.

Need for assessing thermal performance of a residential building is clarified with client.

1.2.

Features of design requiring complex modelling techniques are determined and appropriate assessment strategies are identified in line with organisational procedures, software developer recommendations, and regulatory requirements.

1.3.

Cost of assessment is communicated to client in line with organisational procedures.

1.4.

Effective communication strategies are used to assist in establishing rapport with the client and in responding to client questions and concerns.

1.5.

Potential risks are identified and suitably managed.

1.6.

Computer equipment and software required for the assessment are identified and checked for serviceability.

1.7.

Documentation required for the assessment is obtained.

1.8.

Authority to proceed is obtained from client before commencing, and reconfirmed as appropriate during the assessment.

2.

Enter information into thermal performance assessment tool.

2.1.

Building information is extracted from the full range of available sources.

2.2.

Building information on complex features of building envelope is gathered, checked for accuracy and where necessary verified with other building professionals.

2.3.

Software technical support and advice are identified and sourced as required.

2.4.

Limitations of software are identified and considered during assessment.

2.5.

Building information is correctly and consistently entered into the thermal performance assessment tool.

2.6.

Methods for entering information on non-standard and complex building materials and designs are used correctly.

2.7.

Complex constructions are built from standard construction materials library.

3.

Apply thermal performance assessment tool.

3.1.

Relevant functions of thermal performance assessment tool are used to generate outputs in relation to thermal performance of the building.

3.2.

Thermal performance assessment tool outputs are identified and analysed.

3.3.

Impact of external factors on thermal performance of building are identified and assessed.

3.4.

Methods for entering information on non-standard building materials and designs are used correctly.

3.5.

Errors in data entry and assessment are identified and corrected.

3.6.

Software scratch file is read and interpreted.

4.

Identify options for improving thermal performance.

4.1.

Sources of technical advice on building thermal performance are identified.

4.2.

Assumptions and limitations inherent in thermal performance assessment tool are considered when interpreting outputs.

4.3.

Thermal performance tool outputs are interpreted to identify strengths and weaknesses in thermal performance of building.

4.4.

Options for improving thermal and environmental performance and for meeting regulatory requirements are identified based on criteria.

4.5.

Interactions of thermal performance improvements on other aspects of building performance are identified and advice is provided to client.

4.6.

Impact of options is evaluated by reassessing the building using the thermal performance assessment tool.

4.7.

Cost of options for improving the thermal performance of the residence is estimated in line with organisational procedures.

5.

Report outcomes of thermal performance assessment.

5.1.

Results and recommendations, along with supporting evidence, are collated and documented.

5.2.

Estimated cost of proposed recommendations and potential associated reductions in energy use, costs and greenhouse gas emissions are documented in line with organisational procedures.

5.3

Results and recommendations of thermal performance assessment are explained to the client.

5.4.

Reports and other documentation associated with thermal performance assessment are lodged with regulatory authorities if required, and securely stored to be readily retrieved in line with organisational requirements.

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.

Information must include at least four of the following:

air leakage features, including fans and wall vents

attachments to other buildings externally

building sealing

construction materials

dimensions

electrical fittings, including ceiling fans and exhaust fans

glazing

insulation levels, including ceiling, floors and walls

orientation

overshadowing

shading

thermal mass

ventilation

windows, including size, style, type of frame and type of glass

zoning and layout.

Complex features of building envelope must include:

buildings with complex levels, shading, irregular shapes and void arrangements

buildings with non-conventional building materials and configurations.

Options must include at least two of the following main groups:

construction materials

glazing

insulation levels

landscaping and planting

orientation

overshadowing

passive heating and cooling

size

style

thermal mass

type of glazing

ventilation

window:

adjustment of window areas to gain maximum solar gains without over heating the design

shading

size

style

type of glazing

use of advanced window technologies

zoning and layout.

Criteria must include at least one of the following:

cost

outputs of thermal performance assessment

practicality

thermal performance properties of building elements

type of building.

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
Need for assessing thermal performance of a residential building is clarified with client. 
Features of design requiring complex modelling techniques are determined and appropriate assessment strategies are identified in line with organisational procedures, software developer recommendations, and regulatory requirements. 
Cost of assessment is communicated to client in line with organisational procedures. 
Effective communication strategies are used to assist in establishing rapport with the client and in responding to client questions and concerns. 
Potential risks are identified and suitably managed. 
Computer equipment and software required for the assessment are identified and checked for serviceability. 
Documentation required for the assessment is obtained. 
Authority to proceed is obtained from client before commencing, and reconfirmed as appropriate during the assessment. 
Building information is extracted from the full range of available sources. 
Building information on complex features of building envelope is gathered, checked for accuracy and where necessary verified with other building professionals. 
Software technical support and advice are identified and sourced as required. 
Limitations of software are identified and considered during assessment. 
Building information is correctly and consistently entered into the thermal performance assessment tool. 
Methods for entering information on non-standard and complex building materials and designs are used correctly. 
Complex constructions are built from standard construction materials library. 
Relevant functions of thermal performance assessment tool are used to generate outputs in relation to thermal performance of the building. 
Thermal performance assessment tool outputs are identified and analysed. 
Impact of external factors on thermal performance of building are identified and assessed. 
Methods for entering information on non-standard building materials and designs are used correctly. 
Errors in data entry and assessment are identified and corrected. 
Software scratch file is read and interpreted. 
Sources of technical advice on building thermal performance are identified. 
Assumptions and limitations inherent in thermal performance assessment tool are considered when interpreting outputs. 
Thermal performance tool outputs are interpreted to identify strengths and weaknesses in thermal performance of building. 
Options for improving thermal and environmental performance and for meeting regulatory requirements are identified based on criteria. 
Interactions of thermal performance improvements on other aspects of building performance are identified and advice is provided to client. 
Impact of options is evaluated by reassessing the building using the thermal performance assessment tool. 
Cost of options for improving the thermal performance of the residence is estimated in line with organisational procedures. 
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 in line with organisational procedures. 
Results and recommendations of thermal performance assessment are explained to the client. 
Reports and other documentation associated with thermal performance assessment are lodged with regulatory authorities if required, and securely stored to be readily retrieved in line with organisational requirements. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

CPPHSA5001 - Assess thermal performance of complex 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

CPPHSA5001 - Assess thermal performance of complex 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: