Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 10:51 PM AWST
22/07/2026 10:51 PM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Improve energy efficiency in micro or small business operations
Improve energy efficiency in micro or small business operations
Unit of competency
National Code
BSBSMB308A
BSBSMB308A
State Code
WG907
WG907
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
01/10/2013
Field of Education
039901 - Environmental Engineering
Original Release Date
01/10/2013
Nominal Hours
30
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to improve energy efficiency in micro or small business operations, where energy-efficiency improvements are readily apparent and easily made within existing budgets and business processes.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Determine where energy savings can be made
- 1.1 Identify the types and sources of energy, and where energy is used in the business
- 1.2 Review business documents to determine which energy uses are a significant expense for the business
- 1.3 Collect information from a range of sources about energy-saving options to identify areas where improvements could be made
2. Evaluate the options for saving energy
- 2.1 Prepare a list of energy-saving options that apply to the business
- 2.2 Determine the costs and benefits for the business that apply to each option
- 2.3 Rank the options according to the costs and value of benefits to the business
3. Implement the preferred options
- 3.1 Decide which options will be implemented in the short term, and those which may be implemented in the future
- 3.2 Set specifications and parameters for the preferred options to assist in determining if improvements have been made
- 3.3 Plan how the preferred options will be implemented
- 3.4 Engage staff, and external specialist services where required, in implementing the preferred options
4. Monitor the outcomes of change
- 4.1 Check that the options have been introduced to specifications
- 4.2 Monitor costs to check whether savings have been made
- 4.3 Gather information on other benefits to the micro or small business
- 4.4 Determine if outcomes have been met and that the savings are ongoing
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.
Types and sources of energy may include:
electricity: non-renewable and renewable
fuel: biofuel, petrol, diesel, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), natural gas LPG, oil, and solid.
Energy use may include:
air conditioning
appliances, such as office and IT equipment
heating
lighting
production and service equipment and machinery
refrigeration
vehicles, car fleet and other forms of transportation
ventilation.
Business documents may include:
equipment monitoring records
financial accounts
supplier invoices.
Energy-saving options may include:
adopting energy-efficient equipment and technologies, such as:
LED lighting
variable speed electric motors
fuel conversions and fuel switching
conducting a formal energy audit or assessment
energy trading
implementing cogeneration or tri-generation energy solutions
installing energy monitoring devices and equipment
installing insulation
installing rooftop solar photovoltaic systems
installing timer switches
lighting upgrades
on-site electricity generation
optimising heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems
replacing major equipment with energy-efficient alternatives
revised business practices and operational procedures
turning lights and equipment off when not in use
using hybrid or electric cars
using lighting sensors and timers
using energy-saving devices
using off-peak electricity
using renewable energy.
Benefits may include:
cost savings
customer satisfaction
marketing opportunities
new business opportunities
payback period
profit margins
short- and long-term benefits.
Specifications and parameters may include:
revised organisational procedures
cost and budget allocation
features and performance of products and services
duration and time limitations.
Types and sources of energy may include:
electricity: non-renewable and renewable
fuel: biofuel, petrol, diesel, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), natural gas LPG, oil, and solid.
Energy use may include:
air conditioning
appliances, such as office and IT equipment
heating
lighting
production and service equipment and machinery
refrigeration
vehicles, car fleet and other forms of transportation
ventilation.
Business documents may include:
equipment monitoring records
financial accounts
supplier invoices.
Energy-saving options may include:
adopting energy-efficient equipment and technologies, such as:
LED lighting
variable speed electric motors
fuel conversions and fuel switching
conducting a formal energy audit or assessment
energy trading
implementing cogeneration or tri-generation energy solutions
installing energy monitoring devices and equipment
installing insulation
installing rooftop solar photovoltaic systems
installing timer switches
lighting upgrades
on-site electricity generation
optimising heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems
replacing major equipment with energy-efficient alternatives
revised business practices and operational procedures
turning lights and equipment off when not in use
using hybrid or electric cars
using lighting sensors and timers
using energy-saving devices
using off-peak electricity
using renewable energy.
Benefits may include:
cost savings
customer satisfaction
marketing opportunities
new business opportunities
payback period
profit margins
short- and long-term benefits.
Specifications and parameters may include:
revised organisational procedures
cost and budget allocation
features and performance of products and services
duration and time limitations.
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
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the ability to:
access and review information relating to energy-efficiency savings for a business
compare costs and benefits to decide on which energy-efficiency option to choose
make energy-efficiency changes, involving other staff and advisors if needed
monitor energy-efficiency improvements.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure:
access to relevant documentation
candidate’s individual circumstances and work in the context of establishing or running a micro business are used as the basis for assessment.
Method of assessment
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:
portfolio of information relating to energy-efficiency options relevant to the business, organised in a systematic way
oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of energy-efficiency options relevant to the candidate’s business.
Guidance information for assessment
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
BSBSMB301A Investigate micro business opportunities
BSBSMB302A Develop a micro business proposal.
Overview of assessment
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the ability to:
access and review information relating to energy-efficiency savings for a business
compare costs and benefits to decide on which energy-efficiency option to choose
make energy-efficiency changes, involving other staff and advisors if needed
monitor energy-efficiency improvements.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure:
access to relevant documentation
candidate’s individual circumstances and work in the context of establishing or running a micro business are used as the basis for assessment.
Method of assessment
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:
portfolio of information relating to energy-efficiency options relevant to the business, organised in a systematic way
oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of energy-efficiency options relevant to the candidate’s business.
Guidance information for assessment
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
BSBSMB301A Investigate micro business opportunities
BSBSMB302A Develop a micro business proposal.
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AUJ51 | BSBSMB308 | Improve energy efficiency in micro or small business operations | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D134 | BSB30307 | Certificate III in Micro Business Operations | Qualification |