Elements and Performance Criteria

Energy consumption may include
stationary and non-stationary (transport).

Energy efficiency methods may include
preventing and minimising the production of pollution (e.g. discharges to air, land and water, hazardous waste)
applying energy efficiency systems, action plans, surveys and audits
improving the company's operational energy consumption
improving housekeeping (e.g. using a broom instead of a hose, using old rags for cleaning instead of toxic cleaners or water)
changing processes (e.g. mechanical cleaning, redesign of products/procedures so that materials are used more efficiently).

Environmental and energy efficiency policies and procedures may include
determining company's most appropriate waste treatment including waste to landfill, recycling and wastewater treatment.
initiating and/or maintaining appropriate company procedures for operational energy consumption
initiating and/or maintaining appropriate company policy for energy efficiency and environmental initiatives, for example Environmental Management Systems, action plans, surveys and audits
developing energy use and waste management options/action plan to reduce energy consumption and improve waste management
monitoring energy usage and waste treatment via progress reports on energy use and waste treatment and/or Key Performance Indicators that measure performance (e.g. energy usage or waste minimization achievements)
delivering policies and procedures appropriately, for example: through internal resources, service providers and

Interested parties may include but are not limited to
customers
employees - direct, purchasing, quality, safety, maintenance
industry associations
legislators
machine manufacturers
related businesses
similar businesses
suppliers
technology suppliers
waste and recycling contractors.

Performance of this unit is carried out in accordance with relevant requirements of the following
Australian Standards
environmental regulations
industry standards and best practice examples
legislative requirements
manufacturers' specifications
organisational procedures
relevant state/territory regulations.

Review of alternative options for waste avoidance/reduction may include
changes in product or process
correct application of work procedures
customer standards
employee training and competence
handling and storage practices
housekeeping
machine suitability
material specification - quantity, portion control and quality
product packaging
purchasing practices
quality of materials supplied
quality standards
technology improvements.

Waste drivers may include but are not limited to
corporate standards
customer requirements
employee attitudes and awareness
employee work practices
excess packaging
inappropriate machinery/tooling/work area
industry codes
lack of suitable systems
poorly maintained machinery
quality of raw materials
quality standards
training provided.

Waste streams may include
general waste stream
liquid waste stream
recycling streams
reprocessed (on-site) material stream
re-used product stream.

Workplace may include
business premises, plant/factory, resource recovery facility and any other site where business activities occur.

Critical aspects of competency
Identification of waste stream and materials.
Understanding of impacts and drivers of waste.
Understanding of energy efficiency issues
Understanding of waste flows and organisational processes within work area.
Capacity to develop alternatives based on the waste/resource management hierarchy.

Knowledge needed to achieve the performance criteria
Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this unit in the workplace, to transfer the skills to other contexts, and to deal with unplanned events. The knowledge requirements for this unit are listed below.
Waste streams.
Waste classifications.
Company procedures and practices.
Company standards and requirements.
Product safety and integrity requirements.
Occupational health and safety requirements.
Duty of care in provision of services.
Relevant industry standards and codes.
Relevant legislation.
Relevant environmental regulations.

Specific skills needed to achieve the performance criteria

To achieve the performance criteria, some complementary skills are required. These are:

oral communication skills including questioning, listening, following instructions
negotiation skills
reading and interpreting skills
research skills
written communication skills for documentation and report writing
analytical capability
accuracy and attention to detail
computer skills
investigative abilities
hazard identification
safe and efficient work practices.

Other units of competency that could be assessed with this unit

This unit could be assessed on its own or in combination with other units relevant to the job function for example:

PRMWM05B Identify and segregate waste
PRMCMN201A Participate in workplace safety arrangements.

Resources required to assess this unit

The following resources should be available:

MSDS
client waste history
company procedures manual
information on alternative opportunities.

Gaining evidence to assess this unit
For valid and reliable assessment of this unit, the competency should be demonstrated over a period of time and be observed by the assessor. The competency is to be demonstrated in a range of situations, which may include the logical progression of information gathering, analysis to development and evaluation of waste avoidance/reduction opportunities.
Evidence of competency is best obtained by reviewing identified waste avoidance/reduction opportunities, together with supporting information, to ascertain the validity of the opportunity and its feasibility. Workplace examples could be developed and used to assess process and understanding of key issues.

Consistency in performance
Waste avoidance programs require that strategies meet the waste reduction goals and targets of the business and are feasible. It may be necessary to assess the unit within a variety of waste management environments or different organisational needs to assess competency in the development of waste avoidance opportunities.
Oral questioning or written hypothetical situations (scenarios) may be used to assess underpinning knowledge. (In situations where the candidate is offered a preference between oral and written questioning, questions are to be identical.)
Supplementary evidence may be obtained from relevant authenticated correspondence from existing supervisors, team leaders or specialist training staff.
Note: All practical demonstrations must adhere to the safety, environmental and other regulations e.g. health regulations, relevant to each state or territory.

Communicating ideas and information
Discuss waste avoidance options with interested parties and employees. (3)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Gather, analyse and organise information from a number of sources (including regulatory sources, relevant personnel and company specifications). (1)

Planning and organising activities
Prepare action plan of key priority areas after reviewing waste and other relevant information/data by department/process. (2)

Working with others and in teams
Discuss the process and activities with interested parties. (2)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Conduct cost-benefit analysis of alternatives. (2)

Solving problems
Apply problem-solving skills when reviewing processes or practices that generate waste and identify alternatives. (2)

Using technology
Manage and analyse data and demonstrate understanding of technology and its impacts on the waste stream in terms of achieving organisational goals and targets. (2)