Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 11:39 AM AWST

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Develop action plans to retrofit existing buildings for energy efficiency

Develop action plans to retrofit existing buildings for energy efficiency

Unit of competency
National Code
CPCSUS5002A
State Code
WI779
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Transition (Replaced)
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
17/01/2014
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
20/06/2014
Field of Education
030905 - Building Services Engineering
Original Release Date
20/06/2014
Nominal Hours
35
Description
This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required when planning to improve the energy efficiency of an existing building.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 Commence retro-fit planning processes.
  • 1.1 Client requirements and expectations for the specific use of the building and the energy efficient retro-fit priorities are discussed and incorporated into planning.
  • 1.2 Energy assessment is initiated or report from a prior assessment is reviewed and discussed with key stakeholders to determine energy conservation measures.
  • 1.3 Client is provided with overview of recommended processes and information relevant to generating an energy efficient retro fit.
2 Identify and evaluate opportunities to improve energy conservation and efficiency of the existing building.
  • 2.1 Recommendations from energy efficiency assessor are reviewed and evaluated for input into the retro-fit action plan.
  • 2.2 Limitations and obstacles involved in the energy efficiency upgrade of the building are identified and appropriatesolutions developed.
  • 2.3 Risks of retrofitting existing building for improved energy efficiency are identified and managed, including possible installation of mechanical ventilation systems.
  • 2.4 Strategies that provide a measurable increase in the operational energy efficiency of the existing building are developed and costed.
  • 2.5 Structural adequacy of the existing building is assessed to determine appropriateness of retro-fit solutions for energy efficiency.
3 Research and select energy efficient materials, products and systems.
  • 3.1 Materials, products and systems appropriate to the existing building are researched for energy efficiency specifications.
  • 3.2 Manufacturer representatives and literature are consulted to identify installation and operational specifications.
  • 3.3 Compliance requirements for selecting and installing materials, products and systems are understood and adhered to.
  • 3.4 Thermal and acousticinsulation of the building and quality of installation are assessed where appropriate to determine energy efficiency rating and appropriate solutions to improve insulating properties of the building.
4 Finalise retro-fit action plan.
  • 4.1 Final retro-fit action plan is developed according to organisational procedures.
  • 4.2 Projected benefits of undertaking each of the proposed retro fit measures are explained to client.
  • 4.3 Client sign-off is obtained and documentation of agreed plan is finalised.
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.
Client requirements and expectations mayinclude:
enhanced health and safety outcomes for occupants through improved air quality and selection of materials
improved building durability
increased return on investment through higher resale or higher rental income
reduction in energy bills following retro fit.
Energy assessment:
can include financial and non-financial benefits of retrofitting the building to improve energy efficiency
can include recommendations that will improve the energy efficiency of the building
identifies existing energy rating of a building using a variety of testing and assessment methods.
Information must include:
energy efficient materials and installation methods
regulations, codes and standards governing energy efficient construction.
Limitations andobstacles mayinclude:
budget constraints
condition of existing building
local council planning provisions, including land overlays and requirements relating to neighbourhood character
orientation of the existing building
original design and construction of existing building
position of existing services to the building
presence of protected vegetation adjacent to existing building
protection of existing building under heritage listing
proximity of other buildings or structures.
Solutions mayinclude:
engaging experts in heritage construction to advise on appropriate solutions for heritage listed buildings undergoing energy efficiency upgrades
repairing parts of the existing structure before commencing energy efficiency retro fit
repositioning services to the building
seeking permission from relevant authorities to remove large trees that may inappropriately overshadow the building and reduce energy efficiency opportunities
selecting and using economical and effective energy efficient systems and materials.
Risks mustinclude:
risks associated with completely sealing the building envelope, such as:
air pressure differentials
combustion
moisture and mould
poor indoor air quality.
Strategies may include:
changing light fittings to LEDs
installing motion sensor lighting
replacing insulation in ceilings, walls or floors
sealing building envelope to reduce unwanted air leakage
sealing openable windows
repositioning the heating system
installing solar photovoltaic systems
replacing electric hot water system with gas or solar hot water system.
Materials mayinclude:
aerated autoclaved concrete products
bricks and mortar
concrete blocks
insulating materials
plasterboard
reflective paints
slabs
timber
window frames and glass.
Final retro-fit action plan must address:
client expectations
costings
material use
other resourcing
risk management
timelines.
Benefits mayinclude:
improved levels of comfort for the occupants
increased air changes per hour to improve indoor air quality
increased durability of the building
potential for improved return on investment
reduction in and prevention of mould
reduction in heating and cooling costs.
Documentation mayinclude:
applications for permits and service connections
copies of plans, drawings and specifications
environmental applications.
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 performing a range of tasks in the workplace or a close simulation of the workplace environment, provided that simulated or project-based assessment techniques fully replicate construction workplace conditions, materials, activities, responsibilities and procedures.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
A person should demonstrate the ability to:
develop an action plan to retrofit and improve the energy efficiency of either one existing residential building or one existing commercial building, providing evidence of the following:
engaging in a team environment working with stakeholders across multiple disciplines, such as engaging or leading an integrated project design or delivery of a project
research undertaken to identify appropriate products, materials and systems for use in the retro fit
evaluation of risks involved in the retro fit and identification of appropriate solutions to avoid risks or hazards to occupants and others
written action plan for the retro fit of the building which responds to identified client requirements and expectations, as well as research undertaken into energy efficiency opportunities and recommended systems, materials and products to be used in the retro fit with relevant costings and timelines
locate, interpret and apply relevant information, standards and specifications to ensure the development of compliant action plans that meet client expectations and organisational policies and procedures
comply with work health and safety (WHS) legislation, regulations and codes of practice applicable to workplace operations.
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:
an induction procedure
realistic tasks or simulated tasks covering the mandatory task requirements
relevant specifications and work instructions
tools and equipment appropriate to applying safe work practices
support materials appropriate to activity
research resources, including industry-related systems information
safety data sheets.
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:
direct observation of tasks in real or simulated work conditions
questioning to confirm the ability to consistently identify and correctly interpret the essential underpinning knowledge required for practical application
review of relevant authenticated documentation from third parties, such as existing supervisors, team leaders or specialist training staff.
Guidance information for assessment
This unit could be assessed on its own or in combination with other units relevant to the job function, such as:
CPPHSA4001A Assess household energy use

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.
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
OCM05 CPCSUS5002 Develop action plans to retrofit existing buildings for energy efficiency Unit of competency