1

Assess influence of common construction materials on thermal performance of residential buildings.

1.1

Properties of construction materials that may influence thermal performance of buildings are identified.

1.2

Properties of glazing units that may influence the thermal performance of buildings are identified.

1.3

Ways in which the use of building materials may influence the thermal performance of buildings are identified.

1.4

Impact of climate on the choice of construction materials that improve the thermal performance of buildings is identified.

1.5

Ways in which physical constraints may influence the choice of building materials when improving the thermal performance of buildings are identified.

1.6

Construction materials are identified that meet requirements for improving the thermal performance of residential buildings.

1.7

Correct use and installation of materials to improve thermal performance are identified.

1.8

Condition of materials and the effect of condition on degrading thermal performance are identified.

2

Assess impact of building design features on thermal performance of residential buildings.

2.1

Building design features that influence the thermal performance of residential buildings are identified using correct industry and regulatory terminology.

2.2

Potential impact of building design features on thermal performance is identified.

2.3

Ways in which building design features may be altered to improve thermal performance of residential buildings are identified.

3

Assess impact of residential construction methods on thermal performance.

3.1

Residential construction methods are identified using correct industry terminology.

3.2

Potential impact of construction methods on thermal performance of buildings is identified.

3.3

Key components of the building envelope are identified using correct industry terminology.

3.4

Impact of the construction of the key features of the building envelope on thermal performance is identified.

4

Assess impact of common building defects on thermal performance.

4.1

Common building defects and poor construction techniques,as well as condition of building elements that may influence thermal performance of the building, are researched.

4.2

Sources of professional advice on ways of responding to common building defects that may influence the thermal performance of the building are identified.

4.3

Potential impact of poorly designed or installed measures for improving thermal performance on other aspects of residential buildings is researched.

Required skills

literacy skills to:

apply correct building industry terminology for construction materials and methods

read and interpret written sources of information on the thermal performance of construction materials

numeracy and data analysis skills to calculate and interpret statistical information on the thermal performance of different construction materials and methods

research skills to identify and locate documents and information required to assess the impact of construction materials, methods and condition on the thermal performance of residential buildings

technology skills to:

operate computer equipment and peripherals

access online catalogues and references to source information on the thermal performance of construction materials

time-management skills to provide advice on the impact of construction materials and design elements on thermal performance to clients in a time-efficient manner

Required knowledge

building regulations, including National Construction Code requirements

building construction materials, including types, correct industry terms, and sources of information on their thermal performance

building construction methods: types, materials, benefits and limitations, and implication for thermal performance of structure

building defects that impact on thermal performance

building design features that may influence the thermal performance of a building:

common walls

convection

eaves

floor type

glazing

insulation

landscaping

mass

materials

orientation

shading

siting

thermal mass

ventilation

windows

zoning and layout

building envelope components:

flooring

roof

wall

windows

building life cycle, and impact on energy use, costs and sustainability

building materials:

constraints on choice of building materials:

cost

practicality

size

space

correct terminology for building materials

causes of and remedies for condensation

passive building design principles

properties of building materials that can influence thermal performance:

emissivity

R-value

reflectivity

solar absorptance

U-value

properties of glazing units that can influence thermal performance:

solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC)

U-value

visible light transmission (VLT)

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 evaluating the impact of construction materials, design elements, key features of the building envelope, and construction condition on thermal performance of residential buildings.

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

A person should demonstrate the ability to:

assess the impact of:

construction materials on thermal performance of residential buildings

building design and external elements on thermal performance of residential buildings

residential construction methods on thermal performance

common building defects on thermal performance

explain the impact of the construction of key elements of the building envelope on thermal performance

research non-standard building materials and techniques

identify potential impacts of thermal performance improvements on other health, safety, amenity and sustainability aspects of building performance.

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 existing buildings and building materials

relevant codes, standards and government regulations

computer equipment suitable for accessing online catalogues and references to source information on the thermal performance of construction materials

technical reference library with current publications on passive building design, thermal performance of building materials and construction methods, building thermal performance, house energy rating schemes, and common building defects.

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 evaluating the impact of the following on thermal performance of residential buildings:

construction materials

design elements

key features of the building envelope

construction condition.

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.

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.

Properties of construction materials may include:

emissivity

R-value

reflectivity

solar absorptance

U-value.

Properties of glazing units may include:

SHGC

U-value

VLT.

Ways in which the use of building materials may influence the thermal performance of buildings may include:

heat loss

heat transfer

thermal insulation.

Physical constraints may include:

cost

practicality

size

space.

Correct use and installation of materials mayinclude:

draught proofing

glazing

insulation

mass.

Building design features may include:

convection

glazing

insulation

landscaping

mass

orientation

shading

ventilation

zoning and layout.

Residential construction methods may include:

brick veneer (BV)

cavity brick (CB)

light weight (LW)

reverse brick veneer (RBV).

Key components of the building envelope may include:

flooring

roof

walls

windows.

Common building defects and poor construction techniques may include:

air leakage

draughts

inadequate or missing insulation

inadequate ventilation.

Measures for improving thermal performance may include:

airtightness measures

insulation.