CPPCMN4001B
Develop workplace policies and procedures for sustainability

This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to develop and implement a workplace sustainability policy, including modifying the policy to suit changed circumstances. The unit requires the ability to review legislation to inform the development of workplace policies and procedures related to environmental sustainability. The ability to communicate the intent and content of the policies and procedures is also required, together with the organisational competency to implement and review the policies and procedures.

Application

This unit of competency supports individuals working in a range of property services sectors and organisations who operate within the scope of their defined roles and responsibilities.

The unit must be applied strictly according to relevant state or territory legislative and industry requirements.


Prerequisites

Not applicable.


Elements and Performance Criteria

1

Develop workplace sustainability policy.

1.1

Scope of sustainability policy is defined.

1.2

Impact of relevant environmental and sustainability legislation, standards and codes of practice is reviewed to inform practices and policy development.

1.3

Stakeholders are identified and consulted as a key component of policy development process.

1.4

Strategies for minimising resource use, reducing toxic material and hazardous chemical use, and employing life cycle management approaches at all stages of work are included in policy.

1.5

Recommendations are made for policy options and benchmark indicators based on likely effectiveness, timeframes and cost.

1.6

Policy that reflects organisational commitment to sustainability as an integral part of business planning and as a business opportunity is developed.

1.7

Methods of implementation are agreed.

2

Communicate policy.

2.1

Policy and its expected outcomes are promoted to key stakeholders.

2.2

Those involved in implementing policy are informed of expected outcomes, activities to be undertaken and assigned responsibilities.

3

Implement policy.

3.1

Procedures to help implement policy are developed and communicated.

3.2

Strategies for continuous improvement in resource efficiency are implemented.

3.3

Recording systems for tracking continuous improvements in sustainability approachesare established and responsibilities assigned.

4

Review policy implementation.

4.1

Policy outcomes are documented and feedback provided to key personnel and stakeholders.

4.2

Success or otherwise of policy is investigated.

4.3

Records are monitored to identify trends that may require remedial action, and used to promote continuous improvement of performance.

4.4

Policy and procedures are modified as required to ensure improvements are made.

Required Skills

Required skills

analytical skills to develop workplace policies and procedures informed by legislation

language, literacy and numeracy skills for:

communicating clearly and concisely verbally and in writing

preparing reports

monitoring records that track continuous improvements to identify trends in usage

reading, interpreting and evaluating complex and formal documents, such as policy and legislation

researching, analysing and presenting information

interpersonal skills to relate to people from diverse backgrounds

organisational and planning skills to implement and review organisational policies and procedures

working as a member of a team for:

consulting

validating

reviewing

Required knowledge

best practice approaches relevant to own work area

implications of policies for:

equal employment opportunity

equity and diversity principles

occupational health and safety (OHS) legislation

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

organisational policies, procedures and protocols

policy development processes and practices, including:

methodologies for involving stakeholders

implementing

reviewing

quality assurance systems relevant to own organisation

relevant industry competencies

sustainability management, including:

principles and practices

tools and techniques

systems and procedures to aid achievement of sustainability in the workplace

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 observing at least two instances of development and implementation of integrated sustainability policies and procedures in an organisation.

The review of the policy after implementation will also need to be evidenced.

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:

play a key role in the development of organisational policies and show that the developed policies comply with legislative requirements

use methodology to involve stakeholders in policy development, implementation and review

implement plans and work plans

present policies and procedural documentation that outline approach taken

implement a strategy that has been devised, implemented and reviewed showing a measurable improvement and using the chosen benchmark indicators.

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

reports from other parties involved in developing and implementing policy

workplace documentation and personnel

some access to an actual workplace, however part of the assessment may be through:

simulated project-based activity

scenarios, case studies and role plays

actual participation in sustainability work practices and processes.

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.


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.

Scope of sustainability policy may include:

addressing sustainability initiatives through reference to standards, guidelines and approaches, such as:

ISO 14001 Environment Management Systems

ecological footprint assessment

global reporting initiatives

life cycle analyses

product stewardship

triple bottom line reporting

integrated approach to sustainability, which includes:

environmental, economic and social aspects, or focus on each individual aspect

investigation of particular business and market context of industry or organisation

parts of organisation to which policy is to apply, including:

whole enterprise

one site

one work area

combination of these.

Relevant environmental and sustainability legislation, standards and codes of practice may include:

5 or 6 star energy rating standards

Green Star environmental rating system

environmental health legislation

environmental protection legislation

industry codes of practice

ISO 14001 Environment Management Systems

OHS legislation

relevant Australian standards.

Stakeholders may include:

customers

employees at all levels of organisation

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

regulators

suppliers.

Strategies may include:

application of industry codes, standards and protocols, including ecoCLEAN

awareness raising among stakeholders

promotional activities

training of staff in principles and techniques of sustainability.


Sectors

Common


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

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