Application
This unit of competency supports the work of NatHERS assessors engaged in assessing, and making recommendations for improving, the thermal performance of existing residential buildings.
Prerequisites
Not applicable.
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 | Plan the assessment. | 1.1 | Need for assessing thermal performance of existing residential building is clarified with client. |
1.2 | Effective communication strategies are employed to assist in establishing rapport with the client and in responding to client questions and concerns. | ||
1.3 | Potential risks are identified and suitably managed. | ||
1.4 | Documentation required for the assessment is obtained consistent with organisational practice and regulatory requirements. | ||
1.5 | Authority to proceed is obtained from client prior to commencing, and is reconfirmed as appropriate during the assessment. |
2 | Gather information on existing residential building. | 2.1 | Building drawings and other supporting documentation for use in assessment, including details of proposed building additions and alterations, are identified and accessed from relevant sources in line with organisational procedures and regulatory requirements. |
2.2 | Site inspections are planned according to job requirements. | ||
2.3 | Potential hazards associated with conducting a site inspection of an existing building are identified to ensure risks are suitably managed. | ||
2.4 | Information required from client prior to conducting site inspection is obtained in line with organisational requirements. | ||
2.5 | Details of site inspection are agreed with client prior to inspection being conducted. | ||
2.6 | Site inspection is safely conducted and information required for assessment is gathered in line with organisational procedures and regulatory requirements. | ||
2.7 | Limitations of data collected |
3 | Enter information into thermal performance assessment tool. | 3.1 | Computer equipment and software required for the assessment are identified and checked for serviceability. |
3.2 | Building information is extracted from building plans and specifications, outcomes of site inspection, other supporting documentation and discussions with client. | ||
3.3 | Building information is correctly entered into thermal performance assessment tool. | ||
3.4 | Methods for entering information relating to non-standard building materials and designs are used correctly. | ||
3.5 | Methods for entering information required for assessing and rating alterations and extensions are implemented correctly. |
4 | Apply thermal performance assessment tool. | 4.1 | Relevant functions of thermal performance assessment tool are used to generate outputs in relation to thermal performance of the building, including proposed additions and alterations if required. |
4.2 | Thermal performance assessment tool outputs are identified and analysed. | ||
4.3 | Errors in data entry and assessment are identified and corrected. | ||
4.4 | Limitations of software are identified and considered during assessment. |
5 | Identify options for improving thermal performance. | 5.1 | Sources of technical advice on building thermal performance are identified. |
5.2 | Assumptions and limitations inherent in thermal performance assessment tool are considered when interpreting outputs. | ||
5.3 | Thermal performance tool outputs are interpreted to identify strengths and weaknesses in thermal performance of building. | ||
5.4 | Options for improving thermal and environmental performance and for meeting regulatory requirements | ||
5.5 | Interactions of thermal performance improvements on other aspects of building performance are identified and advice is provided to client in line with organisational procedures. | ||
5.6 | Impact of options is evaluated by reassessing the building using the thermal performance assessment tool. |
6 | Report outcomes of thermal performance assessment. | 6.1 | Results and recommendations |
6.2 | Results and recommendations of thermal performance assessment are explained to client in line with organisation | ||
6.3 | Reports and other documentation associated with thermal performance assessment are lodged with regulatory authorities as required |
Required Skills
Required skills |
communication skills to interact with clients from diverse social, economic and cultural backgrounds decision-making and problem-solving skills to identify materials and gather data about existing buildings for entering into NatHERS software tools literacy skills to: complete standard forms generate business correspondence and prepare reports read and interpret a variety of texts, including legislation, regulations, and codes of conduct and ethical standards numeracy and data analysis skills to calculate and interpret the outputs of NatHERS software tools data associated with conducting thermal performance assessments, such as U-value, R-value, reflectivity, absorptance and emissivity planning, organising and scheduling skills to undertake work-related tasks, such as collecting data from existing buildings and other sources required for conducting thermal performance assessments research skills to identify and locate documents and information on key matters associated with thermal performance assessments, such as climatic zones and thermal properties of building materials technology skills to: enter data into thermal performance software operate computer hardware and NatHERS software use measuring instruments time-management skills to complete assessment in a timely, cost-efficient manner |
Required knowledge |
Australian climatic zones: climate data used in thermal performance assessment: diurnal temperature range humidity irradiance minimum and maximum temperature solar geometry wind speed and direction climatic zones and characteristics building alterations and additions: effects on building thermal performance performance standards regulations type and scale of alterations and additions building materials: constraints on choice of building materials: cost practicality size space thermal performance properties of common building materials: capacitance material thickness resistance thermal bridging building thermal performance: benefits of thermal performance assessment impact of building design and building materials on building thermal performance 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 standards: current performance standards documentation of assessment and ratings legal requirements uses ways of improving thermal performance of existing residential buildings: draught proofing floor coverings glazing insulation levels landscaping and planting overshadowing passive heating and cooling shade structural changes ventilation window coverings window size, location and type zoning and layout commonwealth, state or territory, and local government legislation and regulations impacting on thermal performance assessment relating to: building and construction building thermal performance consumer protection, fair trading and trade practices environment protection work health and safety 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 NatHERS software tools: assumptions inherent in NatHERS software protocol criteria for selection of particular NatHERS software tools NatHERS and Australian Building Codes Board Protocol for House Energy Rating software properties of materials, such as heat transfer coefficients and U-value, thermal resistance and R-value, reflectivity, absorptance, solar heat gain coefficient and emissivity star rating types of NatHERS software tools passive energy design: benefits of passive design principles of passive design relationship between passive design and greenhouse gas emissions site inspection procedures thermal comfort: definition of thermal comfort physical factors that influence thermal comfort requirement for thermal comfort role of thermal comfort in building thermal performance assessments |
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 candidates undertaking thermal performance assessments of each of the following types of existing residential buildings: single and two-storey residential buildings single and two-level apartments alterations or additions to existing residential buildings. In each case the assessment must be undertaken using a NatHERS software tool that is accredited under NatHERS for regulatory purposes in a mode appropriate to the type of assessment. |
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit | A person should demonstrate the ability to: gather building information from documents and existing buildings required for thermal performance assessment and correctly enter this information into a NatHERS software tool gather any relevant site information to support NatHERS assessment conduct thermal performance assessment of existing residential buildings using a NatHERS software tool identify and analyse the outputs of thermal performance assessment tool identify limitations to the software and items that cannot be assessed identify ways to improve the thermal performance of existing residential buildings. |
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: NatHERS software tools relevant codes, standards and government regulations building plans and specifications for residential buildings to be assessed computer equipment suitable for using NatHERS software tools access to residential buildings from which building information required for conducting a building thermal performance assessment may be obtained technology suitable for generating copies of reports technical reference library with current publications on: Australian climatic zones building design and materials building thermal performance for existing buildings NatHERS scheme NatHERS software tools manufacturer information on building products and materials. |
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 observed, documented and/or first-hand testimonial evidence of the candidate undertaking thermal performance assessments. |
Guidance information for assessment | This unit could be assessed on its own or in combination with other units relevant to the job function. 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. | |
Need may include assessment for: | building design, renovation, alteration, addition, regulatory disclosure or retrofit advice purposes determining thermal performance profile and identifying opportunities for improving thermal performance legislative, regulatory and compliance purposes. |
Residential building refers to: | any building categorised as Class 1, 2, 4 and 10a of the National Construction Code or in accordance with jurisdictional requirements. |
Client may include: | architect builder community organisation construction manager dwelling owner government agency property developer property manager real estate agent. |
Effective communication strategies may include: | active listening being non-judgemental exploring problems expressing an individual perspective providing sufficient time for questions and responses providing summarising and reflective responses in conflict situations using appropriate words, behaviour and posture using clarifying and summarising questions using clear and concise language using culturally appropriate communication using plain English using verbal and non-verbal communication. |
Risks may include: | awareness of current legislative and regulatory requirements confidentiality data accuracy data integrity data loss insurance privacy professional indemnity work health and safety. |
Planning involves identifying and obtaining required tools, equipment and other requirements, which may include: | calculator clipboard collection containers commercial ladder compass digital camera personal protective equipment (PPE): dust masks eye protection gloves headwear overalls safety shoes and workboots portable computer equipment reference manuals tape measure thermal imaging devices thermometer timer torch. |
Hazards may include: | confined spaces electricity fire harassment, bullying and/or violence involving co-workers or customers hazardous substances: asbestos biological products blood products broken metal chemicals electrical wiring fibres fumes gases glass insulation leaking containers oil and petrol heat: burns scalds manual handling: carrying lifting pulling pushing machinery, including powered and non-powered equipment skin penetrating injuries: knives sharps syringes and needles waste work environment: access animals dust floor surfaces lighting noise passive smoking temperature extremes trips and falls ventilation working alone working at heights. |
Information required from client may include: | house construction details: age floor area insulation materials number of storeys proposed additions or alterations to building. |
Details of site inspection may include: | address and postcode of residence assessor name and contact details date and time of inspection duration of inspection responsible adult to be at site during inspection. |
Information may include: | air leakage features: fans wall vents attachments to other buildings externally building sealing construction materials construction method dimensions floor coverings insulation levels: ceiling floors walls orientation overshadowing proposed building additions or alterations roofing shading thermal mass ventilation windows and glazing: coverings location size style type of frame type of glass window energy rating schemes (WERS) zoning and layout. |
Outputs may include: | cooling loads data for individual zones heating loads information on building properties latent cooling rating and non-rating mode temperature graphs. |
Sources of technical advice may include: | architects building designers building thermal performance assessors colleagues consultants government agencies professional associations research bodies supervisors suppliers of products relating to building thermal performance. |
Assumptions may include: | climate data comfort material properties occupancy profiles thermostat settings uses of windows, doors, curtains and blinds. |
Options may include: | air leakage reduction draught proofing floor coverings glazing insulation levels internal and external window coverings landscaping and planting passive heating and cooling shade structural changes ventilation. |
Criteria may include: | cost outputs of thermal performance assessment practicality thermal performance properties of building elements type of building. |
Results and recommendations may include: | compliance with regulatory requirements cost implications practicalities. |
Sectors
Home sustainability assessment
Employability Skills
This unit contains employability skills.
Licensing Information
In some jurisdictions, this unit of competency may form part of the accreditation, licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements for NatHERS assessors.