MEM19030A
Research and design sustainable objects

This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to design products that take into consideration environmental conservation, resources utilisation and sustainable development.

Application

This unit is applied to production using sustainable materials, techniques and practices and incorporating them into contemporary product and/or object manufacture.


Prerequisites

Not applicable.


Elements and Performance Criteria

1

Explain basic concepts relating to environmental conservation, resources utilisation and sustainable design

1.1

Describe the basic principles of environmental conservation

1.2

Identify and analyse a product that makes efficient use of resources

1.3

Describe the basic principles of sustainable design

2

Develop and utilise product design processes that promote positive environmental outcomes

2.1

Develop criteria to select materials and processes that promote environmental conservation

2.2

Document the manufacturing and materials processes used in the production of a simple product

2.3

Identify substitute materials and manufacturing processes that would make more efficient use of resources

2.4

Recommend materials and processes that minimise materials and energy usage

3

Recommend appropriate materials and processes to minimise the impact on the environment

3.1

Define the main benefits of using sustainable materials and processes

3.2

Qualify the main benefits

3.3

Document research sources fully

Required Skills

Required knowledge includes:

environmental conservation

resource utilisation

sustainability

design processes

simple material selection processes

basic product design production processes

creation and utilisation of appropriate criteria for materials and manufacturing process selection

common features of design specifications

commonly used research methodologies

report writing

management of time and resources

effective workplace communication strategies and techniques

workplace occupational health and safety (OHS) principles and processes

Required skills include:

conducting research

communicating research findings

evaluating sustainability credentials of relevant source materials and completing design documentation

planning and organising

interpreting and responding to design criteria

solving problems sufficiently to identify, rank and recommend appropriate solutions

Evidence Required

Overview of assessment

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to conduct research into issues of sustainability for jewellery and object design and analyse findings to inform work decisions.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Assessors must be satisfied that the candidate can competently and consistently:

implement OHS workplace procedures and practices, including the use of risk control measures

apply sustainable design principles and practices

comply with the design brief requirements

create and utilise appropriate criteria

undertake relevant research and document findings and application of sustainability principles.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment may occur on the job or in an appropriately simulated environment. Access is required to real or appropriately simulated situations, including work areas, materials and equipment, and to information on workplace practices and OHS practices.

Where applicable, reasonable adjustment must be made to work environments and training situations to accommodate ethnicity, age, gender, demographics and disability.

Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required. Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.

Method of assessment

Assessment must satisfy the endorsed Assessment Guidelines of the MEM05 Metal and Engineering Training Package.

Assessment methods must confirm consistency and accuracy of performance (over time and in a range of workplace relevant contexts) together with application of underpinning knowledge.

Assessment methods must be by direct observation of tasks and include questioning on underpinning knowledge to ensure its correct interpretation and application.

Assessment may be applied under project-related conditions (real or simulated) and require evidence of process.

Assessment must confirm a reasonable inference that competency is able not only to be satisfied under the particular circumstance, but is able to be transferred to other circumstances.

Assessment may be in conjunction with assessment of other units of competency where required.

Guidance information for assessment

Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate and appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.


Range Statement

Principles of environmental conservation

Principles of environmental conservation may include:

sustainable materials sourcing practices

reducing energy consumption

re-using materials or components

recycling components

compliance with local, national and international legislation

promoting safety in production, use, maintenance and disposal

minimising pollution

carbon neutral production and off-sets

protection of ecosystems

Principles of sustainable design

Principles of sustainable design may include:

life cycle assessment

life cycle energy analysis

recycling products

re-using products or components

utilising renewable resources

minimising damage to ecosystems

reducing loss of biodiversity

substitution of new more efficient technologies

reducing pollution

OHS requirements

OHS requirements may include:

legislation

protective equipment

material safety management systems

hazardous substances and dangerous goods code

local safe operation procedures

awards provisions

Criteria

Criteria may relate to:

research data

ethical design practices

team discussions

negotiation of priorities

weighting of criteria

flow chart

Efficient use of resources

Efficient use of resources may include:

minimising waste

using renewable resources

minimising use of non-renewable resources

reduction in total cost of production

re-use

recycle

redesign

margin of safety

factor of safety

Recommending materials and processes

Recommending materials and processes may involve:

material specifications

manufacturing processes

production costs

quality control

design specification

written notes with rationale or description

health and safety considerations

Defining the main benefits

Defining the main benefits may include:

diagrams

ranking benefits

document empirical evidence

drawings or sketches (manual or computer-aided design (CAD) and drafting

electronic presentations

illustrations

layouts

mock-ups

models

plans

verbal presentations

written notes with rationale or description


Sectors

Jewellery and horological


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Not applicable.