CPCSUS5002A
Develop action plans to retrofit existing buildings for energy efficiency

This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required when planning to improve the energy efficiency of an existing building.

Application

This unit of competency applies to those involved in the design or development of retro fits for energy efficiency, including building designers, tradespeople and building project managers.


Prerequisites

Nil


Elements and Performance Criteria

1

Commence retro-fit planning processes.

1.1

Client requirements and expectations for the specific use of the building and the energy efficient retro-fit priorities are discussed and incorporated into planning.

1.2

Energy assessment is initiated or report from a prior assessment is reviewed and discussed with key stakeholders to determine energy conservation measures.

1.3

Client is provided with overview of recommended processes and information relevant to generating an energy efficient retro fit.

2

Identify and evaluate opportunities to improve energy conservation and efficiency of the existing building.

2.1

Recommendations from energy efficiency assessor are reviewed and evaluated for input into the retro-fit action plan.

2.2

Limitations and obstacles involved in the energy efficiency upgrade of the building are identified and appropriatesolutions developed.

2.3

Risks of retrofitting existing building for improved energy efficiency are identified and managed, including possible installation of mechanical ventilation systems.

2.4

Strategies that provide a measurable increase in the operational energy efficiency of the existing building are developed and costed.

2.5

Structural adequacy of the existing building is assessed to determine appropriateness of retro-fit solutions for energy efficiency.

3

Research and select energy efficient materials, products and systems.

3.1

Materials, products and systems appropriate to the existing building are researched for energy efficiency specifications.

3.2

Manufacturer representatives and literature are consulted to identify installation and operational specifications.

3.3

Compliance requirements for selecting and installing materials, products and systems are understood and adhered to.

3.4

Thermal and acousticinsulation of the building and quality of installation are assessed where appropriate to determine energy efficiency rating and appropriate solutions to improve insulating properties of the building.

4

Finalise retro-fit action plan.

4.1

Final retro-fit action plan is developed according to organisational procedures.

4.2

Projected benefits of undertaking each of the proposed retro fit measures are explained to client.

4.3

Client sign-off is obtained and documentation of agreed plan is finalised.

Required Skills

Required skills

learning skills to evaluate information from a variety of sources to inform advice to client on retro-fitting buildings for energy efficiency

numeracy skills to:

calculate and confirm correct quantities of materials for work tasks

prepare costings for proposed project work

oral communication skills to:

enable clear and direct communication, using questioning to identify and confirm requirements, and share information

use language and concepts appropriate to cultural differences

reading skills to:

interpret documentation, including drawings and specifications

research and interpret manufacturer product information

writing skills to develop recommendations and reports for clients

Required knowledge

building science principles and their application to the retro-fitting of existing buildings for improved energy efficiency

compliance requirements relating to construction materials and methods, including:

Australian standards

environmental and sustainability requirements, including:

energy efficiency

fire resistance, including resistance from bushfire attack

National Construction Code deemed-to-satisfy requirements

energy efficiency ratings available for buildings, and their meaning

general construction terminology

processes for calculating material requirements

risks of completely sealing the building envelope and ways to mitigate them

types, characteristics, uses and limitations of materials, products and systems used when retrofitting for energy efficiency

types, uses and limitations of previously used materials

types, uses and limitations of renewable sources of energy

types, location and use of relevant safety information, such as:

job safety analyses (JSA) and safe work method statements

environmental and work site safety plans

safety data sheets (SDS)

Evidence Required

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 performing a range of tasks in the workplace or a close simulation of the workplace environment, provided that simulated or project-based assessment techniques fully replicate construction workplace conditions, materials, activities, responsibilities and procedures.

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

A person should demonstrate the ability to:

develop an action plan to retrofit and improve the energy efficiency of either one existing residential building or one existing commercial building, providing evidence of the following:

engaging in a team environment working with stakeholders across multiple disciplines, such as engaging or leading an integrated project design or delivery of a project

research undertaken to identify appropriate products, materials and systems for use in the retro fit

evaluation of risks involved in the retro fit and identification of appropriate solutions to avoid risks or hazards to occupants and others

written action plan for the retro fit of the building which responds to identified client requirements and expectations, as well as research undertaken into energy efficiency opportunities and recommended systems, materials and products to be used in the retro fit with relevant costings and timelines

locate, interpret and apply relevant information, standards and specifications to ensure the development of compliant action plans that meet client expectations and organisational policies and procedures

comply with work health and safety (WHS) legislation, regulations and codes of practice applicable to workplace operations.

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:

an induction procedure

realistic tasks or simulated tasks covering the mandatory task requirements

relevant specifications and work instructions

tools and equipment appropriate to applying safe work practices

support materials appropriate to activity

research resources, including industry-related systems information

safety data sheets.

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:

direct observation of tasks in real or simulated work conditions

questioning to confirm the ability to consistently identify and correctly interpret the essential underpinning knowledge required for practical application

review of relevant authenticated documentation from third parties, such as existing supervisors, team leaders or specialist training staff.

Guidance information for assessment

This unit could be assessed on its own or in combination with other units relevant to the job function, such as:

CPPHSA4001A Assess household energy use

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.


Range Statement

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.

Client requirements and expectations mayinclude:

enhanced health and safety outcomes for occupants through improved air quality and selection of materials

improved building durability

increased return on investment through higher resale or higher rental income

reduction in energy bills following retro fit.

Energy assessment:

can include financial and non-financial benefits of retrofitting the building to improve energy efficiency

can include recommendations that will improve the energy efficiency of the building

identifies existing energy rating of a building using a variety of testing and assessment methods.

Information must include:

energy efficient materials and installation methods

regulations, codes and standards governing energy efficient construction.

Limitations andobstacles mayinclude:

budget constraints

condition of existing building

local council planning provisions, including land overlays and requirements relating to neighbourhood character

orientation of the existing building

original design and construction of existing building

position of existing services to the building

presence of protected vegetation adjacent to existing building

protection of existing building under heritage listing

proximity of other buildings or structures.

Solutions mayinclude:

engaging experts in heritage construction to advise on appropriate solutions for heritage listed buildings undergoing energy efficiency upgrades

repairing parts of the existing structure before commencing energy efficiency retro fit

repositioning services to the building

seeking permission from relevant authorities to remove large trees that may inappropriately overshadow the building and reduce energy efficiency opportunities

selecting and using economical and effective energy efficient systems and materials.

Risks mustinclude:

risks associated with completely sealing the building envelope, such as:

air pressure differentials

combustion

moisture and mould

poor indoor air quality.

Strategies may include:

changing light fittings to LEDs

installing motion sensor lighting

replacing insulation in ceilings, walls or floors

sealing building envelope to reduce unwanted air leakage

sealing openable windows

repositioning the heating system

installing solar photovoltaic systems

replacing electric hot water system with gas or solar hot water system.

Materials mayinclude:

aerated autoclaved concrete products

bricks and mortar

concrete blocks

insulating materials

plasterboard

reflective paints

slabs

timber

window frames and glass.

Final retro-fit action plan must address:

client expectations

costings

material use

other resourcing

risk management

timelines.

Benefits mayinclude:

improved levels of comfort for the occupants

increased air changes per hour to improve indoor air quality

increased durability of the building

potential for improved return on investment

reduction in and prevention of mould

reduction in heating and cooling costs.

Documentation mayinclude:

applications for permits and service connections

copies of plans, drawings and specifications

environmental applications.


Sectors

Construction


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.