Assessor Resource

BSBSMB308A
Improve energy efficiency in micro or small business operations

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


This unit applies to those responsible for implementing change who use analytical skills to implement identified energy-efficiency options.

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.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)

Prerequisites

Not applicable.

Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.



Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

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.

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

Required skills

analytical skills to identify energy use and assess its impact on products and services

communication skills to request information from diverse sources

literacy skills to interpret technical information and business documents, such as invoices and quotes

numeracy skills to calculate, analyse and compare usage data, including associated costs

research skills to source and review information about energy efficiency.

Required knowledge

key energy efficiency terms and concepts

amount and type of energy used in the business

sources of information about energy efficiency for micro or small business, and options specific to a particular business.

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.

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Identify the types and sources of energy, and where energy is used in the business 
Review business documents to determine which energy uses are a significant expense for the business 
Collect information from a range of sources about energy-saving options to identify areas where improvements could be made 
Prepare a list of energy-saving options that apply to the business 
Determine the costs and benefits for the business that apply to each option 
Rank the options according to the costs and value of benefits to the business 
Decide which options will be implemented in the short term, and those which may be implemented in the future 
Set specifications and parameters for the preferred options to assist in determining if improvements have been made 
Plan how the preferred options will be implemented 
Engage staff, and external specialist services where required, in implementing the preferred options 
Check that the options have been introduced to specifications 
Monitor costs to check whether savings have been made 
Gather information on other benefits to the micro or small business 
Determine if outcomes have been met and that the savings are ongoing 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

BSBSMB308A - Improve energy efficiency in micro or small business operations
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Assessment Record Sheet

BSBSMB308A - Improve energy efficiency in micro or small business operations

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: