Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 7:26 AM AWST
22/07/2026 7:26 AM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Design sustainable landscapes
Design sustainable landscapes
Unit of competency
National Code
AHCDES508
AHCDES508
State Code
ODU28
ODU28
TGA Status
Current
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Approved
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
31/05/2022
Field of Education
040105 - Landscape Architecture
Original Release Date
31/05/2022
Nominal Hours
80
Description
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to design sustainable landscapes, including assessing requirements for sustainable land use, preparing an integrated design, planning implementation into design, and auditing implementation for improvement of long-term ecological sustainability of landscapes.The unit applies to individuals who apply specialist skills and knowledge to design sustainable landscapes, take personal responsibility and exercise autonomy in undertaking complex work. They analyse and synthesise information, and analyse, design and communicate solutions to sometimes complex problems.All work is carried out to comply with workplace procedures, health and safety in the workplace requirements, legislative and regulatory requirements, and sustainability and biosecurity practices.No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Assess requirements for sustainable land use
- 1.1 Consult with client to discuss purpose and requirements of design and create brief establishing specific sustainability requirements for design
- 1.2 Research and identify legislative and regulatory requirements and document in improvement plan
- 1.3 Identify specific requirements for sustainability from business plan or documentation
- 1.4 Assess land area for biophysical factors, biodiversity, historical, heritage and cultural attributes, services, site modifications and threats to sustainability
- 1.5 Identify environmental implications of range of landscape works and research, identify and report to relevant personnel with recommendations
2. Prepare an integrated design to improve land use
- 2.1 Develop concept plan for improvement that reflects client preferences and requirements, heritage issues, site factors and any identified environmental requirements
- 2.2 Present concept plan to client or landowner for discussion and approval
- 2.3 Research, report and reference specific technical documents or reports regarding energy efficiency and use, current and developing technologies and legislative and workplace requirements
- 2.4 Consider design of products, materials and finishes that are efficient, low risk and cyclic and confirm availability from local source
- 2.5 Evaluate impact of resources, materials, equipment and machinery required for works on sustainable use of site
- 2.6 Select plants and soils or soil ameliorant techniques for their integrated roles for designed outcomes in specific site conditions, system of irrigation and environmental parameters
- 2.7 Review environmental conditions for functional analysis of site and planned design
- 2.8 Prepare detailed plan or design
- 2.9 Present plan or design to client or landowner for acceptance
3. Plan the implementation into the design
- 3.1 Outline staged implementation and development including site access
- 3.2 Incorporate timelines for development according to implementation plan and principles of sustainability
- 3.3 Determine schedules for planting and post-planting care according to requirements of plant species, site conditions and planning requirements
- 3.4 Integrate protection of water resources, riparian zones or storm water drainage systems (SUDS), specified trees and existing vegetation into design plan
- 3.5 Review chemical, non-chemical, ameliorant application and waste disposal procedures and processes to select designs of minimal environmental consequence and potential contamination of soils and ground water
- 3.6 Review implementation outline for integration of approach to land and water management
4. Audit the implementation of sustainable practices
- 4.1 Monitor use of work materials, waste and debris from site works for low risk energy sustainable methods
- 4.2 Sample and test soil and ground water quality where applicable to site and implement recommendations
- 4.3 Confirm soil conservation measures and erosion sediment controls during construction and project life according to Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) legislation
- 4.4 Verify protection measures for specified trees, protected flora and fauna and areas and objects of cultural significance
- 4.5 Maintain or improve biodiversity, heritage, cultural and historical attributes, soil and water quality
- 4.6 Present report to client according to design brief and contractual requirements
No information
No information
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| BAP53 | AHCDES501 | Design sustainable landscapes | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| BDD0 | AHC50416 | Diploma of Horticulture | Qualification |
| BJA0 | AHC50422 | Diploma of Horticulture Management | Qualification |
| BHN1 | AHC50621 | Diploma of Landscape Design | Qualification |