This unit applies to individuals who use analytical and problem-solving skills and take responsibility for adopting and promoting approaches that will improve energy efficiency.
Not applicable.
1. Determine ways to measure energy use | 1.1 Determine and rank in order of importance the key drivers for improving energy efficiency in the business 1.2 Identify types of energy that are used in the business and what the energy is used for 1.3 Decide what will be measured and how it will be measured 1.4 Source and use tools such as checklists and spreadsheets to collate the energy use measurements 1.5 Source and seek the advice of specialist advisors if required to assist with measuring and analysing energy use |
2. Measure and analyse energy use | 2.1 Measure and record the use of the different types of energy used in the business 2.2 Estimate the use of energy where direct measurement is not possible 2.3 Analyse energy use for trends, and compare with industry standards where appropriate 2.4 Interpret data and advice provided by specialist advisors if used |
3. Determine ways to improve energy efficiency | 3.1 Propose methods to improve energy efficiency based on analysis of energy use and related information 3.2 Undertake a cost-benefit analysis of the proposed methods to determine the business case for making changes |
4. Develop an energy efficiency plan | 4.1 Identify energy-efficiency improvements that can be implemented immediately, and those which require further consideration or are longer-term goals 4.2 Prioritise energy-efficiency improvements considering business opportunities and risks relating to managing energy use 4.3 Develop a plan to show what will be done, and how and when, and document it following organisational requirements |
5. Implement the energy efficiency plan | 5.1 Communicate the energy efficiency plan and requirements to staff to engage them in implementing the energy-efficiency improvements 5.2 Seek suggestions and feedback from staff 5.3 Implement the changes to improve energy efficiency 5.4 Monitor implementation; make adjustments to practices, resources and training as required; and measure improvements |
Required skills
analytical skills to identify energy use and assess its impact on products and services
communication skills to:
request information from diverse sources
convey information on energy efficiency to internal and external colleagues
literacy skills to:
interpret technical information relating to energy and business documents, such as invoices and quotes
develop a an implementation plan or business case for energy efficiency
numeracy skills to calculate, analyse and compare usage data, including associated costs
research skills to source and analyse 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 and options specific to the business
key components of an implementation plan or business case for energy efficiency.
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: measure energy use, using at least two different tools propose improvements and document a plan for energy efficiency based on the analysis of data and information use outcomes from a cost-benefit analysis to prioritise energy-efficiency improvements implement the energy efficiency plan and make improvements monitor and review improvements. |
Context of and specific resources for assessment | Assessment must ensure: access to relevant documentation candidate’s individual business need is 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 prioritised information relating to energy-efficiency options relevant to the business oral or written questioning to assess: knowledge of energy-efficiency options relevant to the candidate’s business cost-benefit analysis business case and implementation plan. |
Guidance information for assessment | Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example: BSBSMB404A Undertake small business planning BSBSMB405B Monitor and manage small business operations BSBSMB411A Manage specialist external advisory services. |
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.
Key drivers may include: | anticipated carbon price, carbon tax or carbon trading scheme financial: reduce energy and business operating costs non-regulatory need, such as customer or supply chain requirements regulatory or compliance need, including head office or franchise requirements social, economic and environmental concerns: triple bottom line corporate social responsibility (CSR). |
Types 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. |
What and how it will be measured may include: | energy units: electrical units – watts, amperes (amps), voltage (volts) gas units – joules (kilojoule, megajoule, gigajoule) financial indicators of performance, such as customer feedback quantity measurements: fuel units – litres, cubic metre, and barrel time measurement estimations. |
Cost-benefit analysis may include: | analysis of opportunities and risks, considering: cost savings customer satisfaction marketing opportunities new business opportunities payback period profit margins short and long-term benefits comparison of current costs with potential costs. |
Business case may include: | discussion with decision makers documented proposal summary of financial information whiteboard or visual management board analysis. |
Energy-efficient improvements may include: | adopting energy-efficient equipment and technologies, such as: LED lighting variable speed electric motors conducting a formal energy audit or assessment energy trading exploring energy efficiency schemes, subsidies, rebates and discounts fuel conversions and fuel switching implementing cogeneration or tri-generation energy solutions installing energy monitoring devices or 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 revising business practices and operational procedures using renewable energy. |
Opportunities and risks may include: | opportunities: improved triple bottom line marketing new business reduced costs risks: increasing costs loss of opportunities outdated equipment. |
Energy efficiency plan may include: | budget document business case or plan checklists team or section plan visual management tools and items. |
Small Business
This unit contains employability skills.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.