1

Research trends in sustainable design

1.1

Current and incoming legislation relating to sustainable design requirements for new buildings is researched and analysed in relation to small-scale building design projects.

1.2

Global trends in sustainable design for new buildings are researched and analysed.

1.3

Locally produced components and materials for sustainable design are researched and analysed.

1.4

Research is recorded, filed and regularly updated according to workplace procedures.

2

Assess clients’ sustainability requirements, preferences and budget

2.1

Compulsory requirements and trends in sustainable design are explained to client in relation to specific building design projects.

2.2

Client’s preferences for sustainable design solutions are clarified, assessed against current and incoming requirements, and discussed.

2.3

Client’s project budget is clarified and budgetary constraints on sustainable design preferences are discussed.

3

Evaluate and recommend design options for sustainability

3.1

Sustainable design options specific to project location and site conditions are researched and evaluated.

3.2

Generic sustainable design options relevant to small-scale building design projects are researched and evaluated.

3.3

Sustainable design options are assessed against client preferences and budget, and cost-effective solutions are recommended to client.

3.4

Client’s decisions on sustainable design options are recorded and actioned according to workplace requirements.

Required skills

administration and management skills to:

manage documents

manage time, including planning and prioritising work

plan and arrange professional development activities

analytical and problem-solving skills to:

develop innovative ideas and designs

select cost-effective products and materials that contribute to sustainable development

work out optimum compliant and cost-effective design solutions

interpersonal skills to:

interact with builders, clients, consultants, manufacturers and suppliers

network with other professionals

language, literacy and numeracy skills to:

communicate with clients and contacts, including:

presenting design options

writing reports

estimate costs of sustainable design options

interpret and apply complex information, including legislation, regulations, codes and standards

research sustainable design options

technology skills to use information technology and relevant software

Required knowledge

basic principles of structural engineering

building designers’ duty of care to ensure quality and safety of designs

construction materials and methods used in sustainable design, including costs

legislation, codes and standards relevant to sustainable design requirements for small-scale building design projects

organisational scope of business and client demographics, including:

geographic areas of operation

trends in clients’ sustainable design preferences

types of building design projects that form the core business of the organisation

principles of sustainable design

sources of reliable information on:

current and incoming legislation

local and global trends in sustainable design

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.

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

A person should demonstrate the ability to:

develop a body of current research findings relating to sustainable designs for different types of small-scale buildings in different project locations and conditions

systematically document and store research findings

analyse sustainable design options in relation to a range of different projects and locations

communicate with clients to finalise sustainable design solutions.

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:

access to:

suitable assessment venue and equipment

suitable simulated or real opportunities and resources to demonstrate competence

assessment instruments.

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:

written and/or oral assessment of the candidates required knowledge for the unit

observed, documented and/or firsthand testimonial evidence of the candidates

implementation of appropriate procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient achievement of the required outcomes

identification of the relevant information and scope of the work required to meet the required outcomes

identification of viable options and the selection of options that best meet the required outcomes

consistently achieving the required outcomes.

Guidance information for assessment

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

Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.

Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required.

Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate, and appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.

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.

Legislation relating to sustainable design requirements may include:

environmental

heritage protection

land rights

planning

renewable energy

sustainability

water use.

Sustainable design may include:

carbon dioxide reduction methods

energy-efficient design

minimal impact on site ecosystem and natural water

passive solar design

renewable energy appliances

sustainable building materials, including:

locally produced

recycled

water-efficient design.

Small-scale building design projects:

include buildings covered by the BCA except construction Type A buildings

may be residential projects, such as:

additions and renovations

heritage restorations

new buildings

may be commercial or industrial projects, such as:

factories

motels

offices

restaurants

retail and service outlets

warehouses.

Clients may include:

companies

individuals

families

target groups for standard housing products.