This unit applies to those responsible for implementing change who use analytical skills to implement identified energy-efficiency options.
Not applicable.
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 |
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 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. |
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. |
Small Business
This unit contains employability skills.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.