Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 8:06 AM AWST
22/07/2026 8:06 AM 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.
Measure and report carbon footprint
Measure and report carbon footprint
Unit of competency
National Code
MSS015001A
MSS015001A
State Code
D7730
D7730
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
12/06/2014
Field of Education
050999 - Environmental Studies, N.e.c.
Original Release Date
12/06/2014
Nominal Hours
80
Description
This unit of competency covers determining the carbon footprint of a product or product class across the value chain. It includes determining the carbon dioxide (CO2) equivalent tonnes and the point of obligation for reporting purposes.It also includes calculating the embodied carbon of a product.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 Map carbon sources and sinks along the value chain
- 1.1 Select portion of the value chain for analysis
- 1.2 Identify process steps along the chain
- 1.3 Identify the carbon-related change which occurs at each step
2 Determine nature and source for carbon emissions
- 2.1 Determine carbon emissions from each step
- 2.2 Determine source of each emission
- 2.3 Identify measurements available for each emission and each source
3 Quantify carbon
- 3.1 Quantify each emission
- 3.2 Determine CO2 equivalent tonnes for each emission
- 3.3 Determine point of obligation and total obligation, as required
- 3.4 Determine total carbon embodied in product
4 Recommend strategies for reducing carbon footprint
- 4.1 Short-list high carbon sources
- 4.2 Determine root cause of emissions
- 4.3 Identify relevant carbon sinks
- 4.4 Investigate methods for reducing emissions
- 4.5 Prepare recommendation for improvement
5 Report carbon footprint
- 5.1 Identify purpose of report and key stakeholders
- 5.2 Compile data, implications and recommendations
- 5.3 Consult with stakeholders, as appropriate
Carbon emissions
Carbon emissions means all materials which enter the process or site but which do not leave as part of the product and so includes:
known or able to be physically measured emissions of:
gases, vapours and fumes
liquids
solids
assumed emissions through material balancing
assumed emissions through energy loss, including heat, friction and other energy conversion yield losses
relevant greenhouse gases, including those defined under the Kyoto protocol
Embodied carbon
Embodied carbon is the total of carbon consumed in the manufacture, use and disposal of the product expressed as CO2 equivalent tonnes
Portion of the value chain
Portion of the value chain includes:
internal and external value chain sections
Carbon emissions means all materials which enter the process or site but which do not leave as part of the product and so includes:
known or able to be physically measured emissions of:
gases, vapours and fumes
liquids
solids
assumed emissions through material balancing
assumed emissions through energy loss, including heat, friction and other energy conversion yield losses
relevant greenhouse gases, including those defined under the Kyoto protocol
Embodied carbon
Embodied carbon is the total of carbon consumed in the manufacture, use and disposal of the product expressed as CO2 equivalent tonnes
Portion of the value chain
Portion of the value chain includes:
internal and external value chain sections
Overview of assessment
A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to measure carbon or carbon equivalent usage along all or part of a value chain and recommend strategies to reduce emissions.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Assessors must be satisfied that the candidate can competently and consistently apply the skills covered in this unit of competency in new and different situations and contexts. Critical aspects of assessment and evidence include:
identifying and mapping portion of value chain for carbon footprint analysis
quantifying carbon footprint, including embodied carbon into each process step
identifying strategies for minimising carbon footprint as part of measure and report process.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
This unit of competency is to be assessed in the workplace or a simulated workplace environment.
Assessment should emphasise a workplace context and procedures found in the candidate’s workplace.
This unit of competency may be assessed with other relevant units addressing sustainability at the enterprise level or other units requiring the exercise of the skills and knowledge covered by this unit.
The competencies covered by this unit would be demonstrated by an individual working alone or as part of a team.
Method of assessment
In all cases, practical assessment should be supported by questions to assess underpinning knowledge and those aspects of competency which are difficult to assess directly.
Where applicable, reasonable adjustment must be made to work environments and training situations to accommodate ethnicity, age, gender, demographics and disability.
The language, literacy and numeracy demands of assessment should not be greater than those required to undertake the unit of competency in a work-like environment.
Guidance information for assessment
A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to measure carbon or carbon equivalent usage along all or part of a value chain and recommend strategies to reduce emissions.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Assessors must be satisfied that the candidate can competently and consistently apply the skills covered in this unit of competency in new and different situations and contexts. Critical aspects of assessment and evidence include:
identifying and mapping portion of value chain for carbon footprint analysis
quantifying carbon footprint, including embodied carbon into each process step
identifying strategies for minimising carbon footprint as part of measure and report process.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
This unit of competency is to be assessed in the workplace or a simulated workplace environment.
Assessment should emphasise a workplace context and procedures found in the candidate’s workplace.
This unit of competency may be assessed with other relevant units addressing sustainability at the enterprise level or other units requiring the exercise of the skills and knowledge covered by this unit.
The competencies covered by this unit would be demonstrated by an individual working alone or as part of a team.
Method of assessment
In all cases, practical assessment should be supported by questions to assess underpinning knowledge and those aspects of competency which are difficult to assess directly.
Where applicable, reasonable adjustment must be made to work environments and training situations to accommodate ethnicity, age, gender, demographics and disability.
The language, literacy and numeracy demands of assessment should not be greater than those required to undertake the unit of competency in a work-like environment.
Guidance information for assessment
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| BAL21 | MSS015001 | Measure and report carbon footprint | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D551 | MSS40211 | Certificate IV in Environmental Monitoring and Technology | Qualification |
| D553 | MSS50211 | Diploma of Environmental Monitoring and Technology | Qualification |
| D552 | MSS50111 | Diploma of Sustainable Operations | Qualification |
| J131 | MSS50112 | Diploma of Sustainable Operations | Qualification |