Application
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to plan strategically for environmentally sustainable operations. This is subject to a range of regulatory requirements that relate to environmental sustainability at land management agency and federal, state or territory, and local government level. It requires the ability to establish and operate a sustainable operation and to monitor its environmental impact.
The unit applies to those in the tourism industry with managerial responsibilities in strategic planning and product development. Planning may be for a whole region or local area or for a particular venue, organisation, event or product. The unit applies to any operation with a strong focus on environmental sustainability.
No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENTS | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Plan for environmental sustainability. | 1.1.Make environmental sustainability an integral part of product planning processes. 1.2.Conduct evaluations prior to any decision to establish operation. 1.3.Consult stakeholders and incorporate their views into planning process. 1.4.Investigate methods of managing impact. 1.5.Develop strategies that provide social and economic returns to communities. 1.6.Proactively seek opportunities for new, innovative and more sustainable approaches to conducting operations. 1.7.Develop strategies that balance environmental sustainability and economic viability. |
2. Implement environmentally sustainable operations. | 2.1.Establish and integrate best practice environmental standards to limit negative environmental impacts. 2.2.Evaluate and use technologies for environmental best practice. 2.3.Develop environmentally-friendly codes of practice for the operation and for customer use. 2.4.Conduct operations according to environmentally sustainable practices, guidelines and legal requirements. 2.5.Promote environmental awareness among stakeholders. |
3. Evaluate environmental impact. | 3.1.Monitor and assess environmental impacts as part of regular management reviews. 3.2.Monitor compliance with codes of practice and legislative requirements. 3.3.Initiate follow-up action based on assessment of environmental impact and compliance. |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit in the context of the job role, and:
develop a plan for a tourism operation that supports environmental sustainability and provides evidence of:
analysis of key environmental issues
consultation with key stakeholders
evaluation of proposed operation
development of strategies and operational approaches that maximise positive impacts
integration of current legislation, regulations and industry codes
implement the above plan, complying with environmentally sustainable practices, guidelines and legal requirements
monitor and evaluate the environmental impact of the above tourism operation through:
community consultation and involvement
internal and external education programs
implementing sustainable operational initiatives:
regularly reviewing optimal group sizes
scheduling for optimal weather conditions and seasons
selecting most appropriate equipment and transport modes.
Evidence of Knowledge
Demonstrated knowledge required to complete the tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit:
current research trends in the area of ecologically sustainable operations
current and emerging issues and trends relevant to above operation and the environment
global environmental issues, in particular a layperson’s understanding of the science associated with:
climate change
energy
land management
waste and consumption
water
relevance of particular environmental issues to the area or region of work and the specific features and vulnerabilities of the local environment
methods of environmental evaluation:
environmental impact study (EIS)
evaluation of organisational capacity to comply with:
environmental and community protection laws
industry and ecotourism codes of practice
social sustainability
site studies
consultation and communication mechanisms used by organisations in the product development process:
features
nature
objectives and outcomes
scope
time parameters
strategic frameworks and operational systems and procedures that support environmentally sustainable operations:
customers
equipment and supplies
staff
ways of balancing ecological sustainability and the economic viability of an operation
potential negative environmental impacts:
disturbance of flora and fauna
introduction of exotic and feral species
physical damage
pollution
visual impacts
waste issues
laws, regulations and land management requirements and guidelines:
need for permits in national parks or on land under control of traditional owners
restrictions on operations in relevant areas.
Assessment Conditions
Skills must be demonstrated in a destination, location, organisation or event for which an environmentally sustainable operation can be established. This can be:
an industry workplace
a simulated industry environment set up for the purposes of assessment.
Assessment must ensure access to:
current information about environmental practices:
legislation
guidelines
industry codes of practice
current information and communications technology to support the research and planning process
stakeholders with whom consultations can take place, these can be:
consumer representatives
host community
investors
government authorities
land management agencies
suppliers of environmentally-friendly products; or
individuals who participate in role plays or simulated activities, set up for the purpose of assessment, in a simulated industry environment operated within a training organisation.
Assessors must satisfy the Standards for Registered Training Organisations’ requirements for assessors; and:
have worked in industry for at least three years where they have applied the skills and knowledge of this unit of competency.
Foundation Skills
Foundation skills essential to performance in this unit, but not explicit in the performance criteria are listed here, along with a brief context statement. | |
SKILLS | DESCRIPTION |
Reading skills to: | interpret materials describing environmental regulatory requirements and codes of practice. |
Writing skills to: | develop plans, systems and procedures for tourism operations. |
Oral communication skills to: | consult with diverse stakeholders on potentially divisive and nuanced issues. |
Numeracy skills to: | perform complex calculations to assess profitability considerations. |
Problem-solving skills to: | respond to complex internal and external management challenges. |
Initiative and enterprise skills to: | evaluate complex issues and information, and develop strategic responses. |
Planning and organising skills to: | coordinate interrelated planning and operational processes. |
Sectors
Tourism
Competency Field
Planning and Product Development