Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to recommend methods to reduce water usage as part of a strategy to improve the sustainability of operations within an organisation.
It applies to individuals who are responsible for sustainability, either as their primary duty or as a part of a work role.
No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Establish sources and uses of water | 1.1 Identify all water sources 1.2 Identify how water is used 1.3 Determine whether water efficient practices are being used by comparing water source with usage |
2. Assess water usage | 2.1 Establish water usage over a specified time period 2.2 Establish reasons for unaccounted water 2.3 Estimate projected water usage for the same time period 2.4 Calculate difference between projected and actual usage 2.5 Establish reasons for difference between projected and actual usage |
3. Identify water efficient practices | 3.1 Consult with key stakeholders to determine areas where potable water could be replaced by alternative sources 3.2 Research alternative sources of potable water 3.3 Complete a cost-benefit analysis on using alternative sources of water 3.4 Research technology to reduce water consumption 3.5 Complete a cost-benefit analysis on implementing new technology to reduce water consumption |
4. Recommend water efficient practices | 4.1 Rank water efficiencies based on cost-benefit analyses results 4.2 Identify regulatory or organisational requirements in relation to water usage 4.3 Present final recommendations to key stakeholders |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
conduct an investigation of current water usage practices for an organisation, including:
water sources
how water is used
actual and projected water usage
research and analyse cost benefits of potential improvements to current practices
report on final recommendations for water efficient practices.
Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided at least once.
Evidence of Knowledge
To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must:
identify the available water sources
explain how water quality affects what it can be used for
outline legislative and organisational requirements regarding the access and use of water
outline new technology for water efficient practices
outline alternative sources for obtaining potable water
explain the principles of conducting a cost-benefit analysis.
Assessment Conditions
Assessment must be conducted in a safe environment where evidence gathered demonstrates consistent performance of typical activities experienced in the sustainability field of work and include access to:
relevant information about legislative requirements
relevant workplace documentation
case studies or, where possible, real situations.
Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational education and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards.
Foundation Skills
This section describes language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills incorporated in the performance criteria that are required for competent performance.
Skill | Performance Criteria | Description |
Reading | 1.1-1.3, 2.1, 2.4, 3.2, 3.4, 4.2 | Reviews reported information to identify and evaluate existing processes Researches alternative strategies in line with organisational goals |
Writing | 3.2-3.5, 4.3 | Researches, plans and prepares documentation using format and language appropriate to context, organisational requirements and audience |
Oral Communication | 2.5, 3.1, 3.2, 3.4, 4.3 | Participates in discussions using listening and questioning to elicit the views of others and to clarify or confirm understanding Presents information and seeks advice using language appropriate to audience |
Numeracy | 1.3, 2.1, 2.4, 3.3, 3.5, 4.1 | Analyses numerical information to assess usage and quantities, ratios, time and costs using appropriate tools Uses calculations to compare and rank alternative processes |
Navigate the world of work | 4.2 | Develops, monitors and modifies organisational policies and procedures in accordance with legislative requirements and organisation goals |
Interact with others | 2.5, 3.1, 3.2, 3.4, 4.3 | Selects and uses appropriate conventions and protocols when communicating with internal and external stakeholders to seek or share information Plays a lead role in consulting and presenting positive outcomes with a range of stakeholders |
Get the work done | 1.1-1.3, 2.1-2.5, 3.1-3.5, 4.1, 4.2 | Plans, organises and implements own work activities Evaluates outcomes of existing processes to identify opportunities for improvement Uses systematic, analytical processes in relatively complex situations, setting goals, gathering relevant information, and identifying and evaluating options against organisational goals |
Sectors
Sustainability