Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 5:19 AM AWST

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Complete a building thermal performance survey

Complete a building thermal performance survey

Unit of competency
National Code
MEM23141A
State Code
WE954
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
20/12/2012
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
16/04/2013
Field of Education
030703 - Industrial Engineering
Original Release Date
16/04/2013
Nominal Hours
70
Description
This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to carry out a detailed heat load estimate for a multiple zone commercial/industrial building and then analyse building thermal performance and document results.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 Estimate heat load for a multiple zone commercial/industrial building
  • 1.1 Obtain and implement work health and safety (WHS) and environmental requirements for a given work area
  • 1.2 Determine extent of the performance survey from work sheets, drawings, building specifications or other documentation and discussions with appropriate personnel
  • 1.3 Determine sources of heat gains
  • 1.4 Coordinate work effectively with all team members
  • 1.5 Obtain and check resources and equipment required for the performance survey
2 Analyse the air conditioning heat and cooling load
  • 2.1 Complete room sensible and latent heat estimates of a multiple zone building
  • 2.2 Identify peak effective room latent, and sensible and latent heat loads over time of day and year for each zone
  • 2.3 Determine the thermal performance of the building using simulation software
3 Investigate building design improvement options
  • 3.1 Analyse alternative building design improvement options with respect to the effect on thermal performance using simulation software
  • 3.2 Identify unacceptable high thermal loads on the building using check figures and industry standards
  • 3.3 Prepare recommendations for changes in building design/treatment to eliminate unacceptably high thermal loads
  • 3.4 Document and recommend improvements of thermal performance of the building to appropriate personnel
  • 3.5 Consult as required on unexpected situations and take appropriate action
4 Specify system design
  • 4.1 Determine equipment size, including coil and air handling unit capacities for constant and variable volume systems, and central refrigeration and boiler capacities based on the recommendations
  • 4.2 Document the completed survey with all recommendations, building design improvements/treatments, and appropriate system design specifications according to enterprise procedures
  • 4.3 Prepare a formal survey report in consultation with appropriate personnel and enterprise procedures
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.
WHS requirements
WHS requirements include:
legislation
protective equipment
material safety management systems
hazardous substances and dangerous goods code
local safe operation procedures
awards provisions
Environmental requirements
Environmental requirements include:
relevant legislation, regulations and codes
correct handling and disposal of liquid and solid waste
elimination or minimisation of gas, fume, vapour and smoke emissions, including fugitive emissions
dust elimination, minimisation and control
minimisation of energy and water use
elimination or control of excessive noise
use and recycling of refrigerants
Appropriate personnel
Appropriate personnel may include:
supervisor
leading hand
foreman
manager
engineer
technician
trainer
mentor
team member
customer
client
Heat gains
Heat gains may include:
external
internal
system
U values and infiltration rates for various wall/roof constructions
measure sun azimuth and altitude angles, and overall shade factors for various windows
Resources and equipment
Resources and equipment may include:
computer workstation
appropriate simulation and reporting software
reference manuals and charts
appropriate measurement equipment
building codes and codes of conduct
access to legislative and regulatory requirements
technical library
stationery
scientific calculator
appropriate tools of trade, equipment and materials
Industry standards
Industry standards include:
AS 1668 Parts 1 & 2. The use of Mechanical Ventilation and Air Conditioning in Buildings
EU Guidelines on ventilation
ASHRAE 62-89 Ventilation standard
AUBRCC or Building Code of Australia (BCA)
Enterprise procedures
Enterprise procedures may include:
use of tools and equipment
instructions, including job sheets, plans, drawings and designs
reporting and communication
manufacturer specifications
site operational procedures
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.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Assessors must be satisfied that the candidate can competently and consistently:
implement WHS workplace procedures and practices, including the use of risk control measures
demonstrate essential knowledge and skills to complete a building thermal performance survey
demonstrate competency within a timeframe typically expected of the discipline, work function and industrial environment
carry out a building survey and load estimate for a multiple zone commercial building
complete a building thermal performance survey for different buildings. This must include:
minimum five (5) zones
internal and system heat gains
infiltration and fresh air rates
heat flow through windows accounting for internal and external shading
heat flows through building fabric
use of simulation software.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
This unit may be assessed on the job, off the job or a combination of both on and off the job. Where assessment occurs off the job, then an appropriate simulation must be used where the range of conditions reflects realistic workplace situations.
The competencies covered by this unit would be demonstrated by an individual working alone or as part of a team. The assessment environment should not disadvantage the candidate.
Method of assessment
Assessment must satisfy the endorsed Assessment Guidelines of the MEM05 Metal and Engineering Training Package.
Assessment methods must confirm consistency and accuracy of performance (over time and in a range of workplace relevant contexts) together with application of underpinning knowledge.
Assessment methods must be by direct observation of tasks and include questioning on underpinning knowledge to ensure correct interpretation and application.
Assessment may be applied under project-related conditions (real or simulated) and require evidence of process.
Assessment must confirm a reasonable inference that competency is not only able to be satisfied under the particular circumstance, but is able to be transferred to other circumstances.
Assessment may be in conjunction with assessment of other units of competency where required.
Guidance information for assessment
Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate and appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
OEU53 MEM23141 Complete a building thermal performance survey Unit of competency
State Code National Code Title Type
J368 MEM60112 Advanced Diploma of Engineering Qualification