Application
This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to review the thermal performance of existing residences using non-rating tools and techniques.
The unit supports the work of home sustainability assessors and building thermal performance assessors engaged in reviewing the thermal performance of existing residences.
No licensing, legislative, regulatory, or certification requirements apply to this unit of competency at the time of endorsement.
Elements and Performance Criteria
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 review of thermal performance of existing residential building. | 1.1. | Need for review of thermal performance of existing residential building is clarified with client. |
1.2. | Effective communication strategies are used to assist in establishing rapport with client and in responding to client questions and concerns. | ||
1.3. | Potential hazards are identified to ensure risks are suitably managed. | ||
1.4. | Review is planned ensuring that health and safety of self and others are not compromised. | ||
1.5. | Review documentation is prepared. | ||
1.6. | Tools, equipment and other requirements for the review are identified and arrangements are made to ensure their availability on day of review. | ||
1.7. | Owner or occupier status of client is determined. | ||
1.8. | Client is advised of information that should be obtained prior to review and details of review are confirmed. | ||
1.9. | Authority to proceed is obtained from client before commencing, and reconfirmed as appropriate during the review. | ||
2. | Gather and analyse information on thermal performance of existing residence. | 2.1. | Information required for conducting the thermal performance review is determined. |
2.2. | Information is gathered from resident and measurements and observations are conducted during inspection of residence. | ||
2.3. | Information is verified for accuracy and recorded using relevant data collection tool. | ||
2.4. | Information is analysed to identify strengths and weaknesses of the thermal performance of residence. | ||
3. | Assess options for improving thermal performance of existing residence. | 3.1. | Sources of technical advice on building thermal performance are identified. |
3.2. | Government rebates and other assistance programs for improving the thermal performance of existing residential buildings are identified. | ||
3.3. | Options for improving thermal performance and reducing emissions of the residence are evaluated. | ||
3.4. | Cost of options for improving thermal performance of the residence is estimated. | ||
4. | Report outcomes of thermal performance review of existing residence. | 4.1. | Results and recommendations, along with supporting evidence, are collated and documented. |
4.2. | Estimated cost of proposed recommendations, associated reductions in costs and emissions, and improvements in thermal performance are documented. | ||
4.3. | Results and recommendations, including estimated costs, are explained to client. | ||
Evidence of Performance
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 review the thermal performance of three different existing residences using non-rating tools and techniques. The buildings must be drawn from the following classes of buildings under the National Construction Code (NCC): Class 1 buildings, sole occupancy units (SOU) in Class 2 buildings, or Class 4 buildings.
In doing the above, the person must:
gather the building information required to conduct a thermal performance review of the existing residence
identify options for improving the thermal performance of the existing residence, taking into account the type of building, ownership of building, cost and practicality
apply knowledge of:
Australian climatic zones
building thermal performance principles
non-rating tools and techniques
passive energy design principles
relationship between building thermal performance and thermal comfort
thermal performance properties of common building materials.
Evidence of Knowledge
A person demonstrating competency in this unit must demonstrate knowledge of:
Australian climatic zones:
different climatic zones and their characteristics
climate data used in thermal performance review:
diurnal temperature range
humidity
irradiance
minimum and maximum temperature
solar geometry
wind speed and direction
building materials:
constraints on choice of building materials:
availability
compliance with relevant codes, standards and legislation
cost
practicality
size
space
embodied energy and life cycle properties of building materials
thermal performance properties of common building materials
building thermal performance:
relationship between building thermal performance and thermal comfort
sources of professional advice on thermal performance and when referral to a registered practitioner or other licensed professional / consultant is required
thermal performance principles:
glazing, shading and insulation for controlling temperature
orientation
thermal mass for storing
ventilation
thermal performance ratings:
current rating requirements
documentation of ratings
legal requirements
sources of information
uses
ways of improving thermal performance of existing residential buildings:
draught proofing
glazing
insulation
landscaping and planting
shade
structural changes
ventilation
window and floor coverings
commonwealth, state or territory, and local government legislation and regulations impacting on thermal performance review relating to:
building thermal performance
environment protection
privacy
work health and safety (WHS)
data collection tools and techniques:
advantages and disadvantages of non-rating data collection tools and techniques
types of non-rating tools and techniques
energy and power:
terminology:
energy
energy efficiency
power
primary energy source
units of measurement
uses, cost and environmental impact of energy 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
thermal comfort:
definition of thermal comfort
physical factors that influence thermal comfort
requirement for thermal comfort.
Assessment Conditions
The following must be present and available to learners during assessment activities:
equipment:
data collection tool
materials:
relevant codes, standards and regulations relating to thermal performance of residential buildings
physical conditions:
residential buildings from the NCC classes of buildings specified in the performance evidence
householders for provision of information relevant to thermal performance review of buildings
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.
Foundation Skills
This section describes the language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills essential to performance in this unit but not explicit in the performance criteria. | |
Skill | Performance feature |
Learning skills to: | maintain up-to-date knowledge of options for improving thermal efficiency of residential buildings. |
Numeracy skills to: | take measurements interpret different units of measurement perform basic calculations associated with conducting a thermal performance review. |
Oral communication skills to: | ask questions to clarify customer requirements. |
Reading skills to: | identify and interpret documents and information on matters associated with building thermal performance, such as: climatic zones thermal properties of building materials. |
Technology skills to: | use general purpose software packages. |
Writing skills to: | complete standards forms prepare routine reports on thermal efficiency of residential buildings. |
Self-management skills to: | interact with clients from diverse social, economic and cultural backgrounds. |
Range Statement
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. | |
Need for review must include at least one of the following: | building design or retrofit advice purposes determining thermal performance profile and identifying opportunities for improving thermal performance legislative, regulatory and compliance purposes. |
Information must include at least six of the following groups: | air leakage features: fans wall vents attachments to other buildings externally construction materials glazing insulation levels: ceiling floors walls orientation overshadowing shading thermal mass ventilation window size and type zoning and layout. |
Data collection tool | calculator checklist and form questionnaire table thermal tool. |
Sectors
Home sustainability assessment