Elements and Performance Criteria

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 in the performance criteria is detailed below.

Environmental and resource efficiency issues may include:
minimisation of environmental risks and maximisation of opportunities to improve business environmental performance, including:
minimisation of waste through implementation of the waste management hierarchy
efficient energy use, seeking alternative sources of energy
efficient water use
modelling environmentally efficient workplace practices.


Appropriate techniques may include:
examination of invoices from suppliers
analysis of resource orders placed and resource audits
observation of usage
measurements made under different conditions
examination of relevant information and data
monitoring equipment.


Compliance may include:
meeting relevant federal, state or territory, and local government laws, by-laws and regulations
meeting the requirements of industry codes of conduct to which the organisation subscribes
meeting the requirements of industry accreditation schemes to which the organisation subscribes.


Enterprise plans may include:
documented policies and procedures
work plans to minimise waste and increase efficiency of water use
endorsement of accepted industry codes of practice developed by industry associations.


Suggestions may include ideas that help to:
prevent and minimise risks and maximise opportunities, such as use of solar or other alternative forms of energy where appropriate
reduce emissions of greenhouse gases
reduce use of non-renewable resources
improve energy efficiency
increase use of renewable, recyclable, reusable and recoverable resources.


Workplace practices may involve:
administrative, purchasing and product planning activities
personal services
purchasing stock, equipment and supplies
disposal of waste, which can include waste disposal associated with large events as well as that from the workplace
communicating with suppliers, clients and colleagues
catering and provision of food and beverage
organising and managing activities relevant to the operations of the enterprise
providing advice to customers on risks to the environment and how to reduce these.

EVIDENCE GUIDE
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, the range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the following is essential:
project or work activities that show candidates' ability to identify and integrate environmentally sustainable principles into their work practices and to follow predetermined procedures
ability to participate in the improvement of environmental and resource-efficient work practices at own level of responsibility
knowledge of the principles of environmental sustainability and means by which they can be incorporated into the workplace.


Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure:
project or work activities that show candidates' ability to participate in environmentally sustainable work practices within operationally-realistic service industry environments and within the context of the particular industry sector and business type in which they are working or seeking work
access to current regulatory documents distributed by key federal, state or territory, and local government agencies such as plain English legislative publications
access to industry codes, standards and accreditation scheme documentation that outline principles and practices for environmental sustainability and resource-efficient approaches
access to organisational policies and procedures that relate to resource usage, measurement and reporting and general environmental sustainability practices.


Methods of assessment
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess the practical skills and knowledge required to participate in environmentally sustainable work practices. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:
evaluation of written or verbal reports prepared by the candidate on resource use, measurements of usage, inefficiencies and suggestions for improvements
evaluation of checklists on workplace environmental hazards and risks completed by the candidate
project activities and problem-solving exercises to allow candidates to identify resource inefficiencies and environmental impacts and apply improved approaches to their own workplace operations
evaluation of written or verbal reports that outline suggested measures to reduce environmental impacts of the organisation
written and oral questioning or interview to assess knowledge of environmental regulatory requirements, contents of industry codes of conduct and methods for reducing environmental impacts and improving environmental sustainability of operations
review of portfolios of evidence and third-party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by the candidate.
Holistic assessment with other operational units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended.


Assessing employability skills
Employability skills are integral to effective performance in the workplace and are broadly consistent across industry sectors. How these skills are applied varies between occupations and qualifications due to the different work functions and contexts.
Employability skills embedded in this unit should be assessed holistically with other relevant units that make up the skill set or qualification and in the context of the job role.