Elements and Performance Criteria

Materials
Materials include:
both materials directly used and also materials which comprise components which are used
materials/resources which may be consumed to make a physical product
materials which may be consumed in delivering a service (e.g. fuel, energy and other consumables)
Design brief
Design brief includes the aims and objectives of the original product design, including:
regulatory environment
material specifications
production process
estimated and actual material and energy consumption
budget
timelines
product use and disposal assumptions
market assumptions, including target groups, product image and cost
Sustainability impact
The sustainability impact of a product and process may include:
carbon footprint of product and process
current and future availability of raw materials
current and future availability of energy
waste generation and disposal
efficiency of process
the extent to which the production process and product affects the environment, including effects on:
climate
quality of local air and water
ecology
noise
relationship with the local and broader community, (e.g. effect of operations on aesthetic appearance, preservation of heritage, and proximity to schools and religious facilities)
extent of regulatory oversight and cost of compliance
Product life cycle
Product life cycle includes:
the entire life cycle of a product through design, manufacture, service and disposal
Final use or disposal at end of life
Final use or disposal at end of life covers decisions and actions on:
reuse for modified or different purpose
recycling of components
disposal

Overview of assessment
A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to identify determine the life cycle of a product, including resources and materials used in production, and be able to recommend improvements in product life cycle.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Assessors must be satisfied that the candidate can competently and consistently apply the skills covered in this unit of competency in new and different situations and contexts. Critical aspects of assessment and evidence include:
identifying materials and their source in the value chain
identifying current and alternative steps in the production process and their sustainability impact
assessing sustainability impact to end of life
suggesting sustainability improvements at each stage of life cycle
analysing re-use and recycling options.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
This unit of competency is to be assessed in the workplace or a simulated workplace environment.
Assessment should emphasise a workplace context and procedures found in the candidate’s workplace.
This unit of competency may be assessed with other relevant units addressing sustainability at the enterprise level or other units requiring the exercise of the skills and knowledge covered by this unit.
The competencies covered by this unit would be demonstrated by an individual working alone or as part of a team.
Method of assessment
In all cases, practical assessment should be supported by questions to assess underpinning knowledge and those aspects of competency which are difficult to assess directly.
Where applicable, reasonable adjustment must be made to work environments and training situations to accommodate ethnicity, age, gender, demographics and disability.
The language, literacy and numeracy demands of assessment should not be greater than those required to undertake the unit of competency in a work-like environment.
Guidance information for assessment