Course Title: Build thermally efficient and sustainable structures

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2021

Course Code: BUIL5994C

Course Title: Build thermally efficient and sustainable structures

School: 174T School of VE Engineering, Health & Science

Campus: City Campus

Program: C5256 - Diploma of Building and Construction (Building)

Course Contact: Thierry Demathieu, Program Manager

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 8359

Course Contact Email: thierry.demathieu@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Janine Strachan
Teacher
Phone: +613 9925 4189
Email: janine.strachan@rmit.edu.au
Appointments by email

Peter Cozyn
Teacher
Phone: +613 9925 4301
Email: peter.cozyn@rmit.edu.au
Appointments by email

Nhu Nguyen
Teacher
Phone:  +61 3 9925 4987
Email:  nhu.nguyen@rmit.edu.au 
Appointments by email

Thierry DemathieuProgram Manager
Ph: +613 9925 8359
Email: thierry.demathieu@rmit.edu.au

Nominal Hours: 40

Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

Nil

Course Description

This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to apply sound principles of thermal efficiency as part of the implementation of sustainable building and construction processes. The range of legislative and council planning requirements are addressed in this unit, in addition to the need to respond to growing consumer demand for sustainable buildings and environmentally friendly developments.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

CPCCBC4020A Build thermally efficient and sustainable structures

Element:

1. Apply legislative and planning requirements for thermal efficiency to the building process.

Performance Criteria:

1.1. Current relevant state, territory and council requirements for building thermally efficient structures  are identified.

1.2. Factors that contribute to the construction of a five-star rated dwelling identified within the Building Code of Australia (BCA) are identified and the impact of regional climate differences  is assessed.

1.3. Client needs and expectations for the design and construction of thermally efficient structures are identified and negotiated.

1.4. Expert design and other advice is gathered as part of the planning and construction process.

1.5. Relevant Australian standards are consulted to identify the implications for the conduct of the building project.

Element:

2. Review design solutions for effectiveness and compliance.

Performance Criteria:

2.1. Impact of radiation, convection, conduction and evaporation on the thermal comfort of residents is identified.

2.2. Orientation of the building, location and size of glazing, and use of thermal mass as design features are evaluated for effectiveness and compliance with planning and other regulatory requirements.

2.3. Effective strategy for insulating the structure is evaluated, costed and communicated to the client.

2.4. Building designs are assessed for their compliance with the energy efficiency requirements of the BCA's five-star rating system.

2.5. Designers and clients are consulted to ensure final construction plans are effective, efficient and compliant.

Element:

3. Manage the building process to ensure an effective outcome.

Performance Criteria:

3.1. Effective communications are established between designers, architects and clients to ensure effective thermal performance is embedded from the design to construction phase.

3.2. Effective quality assurance processes are confirmed as in place to evaluate and implement the building of a five-star dwelling.

3.3. Cost effective strategies to achieve desired level of thermal performance are assessed and communicated to client.

3.4. Life cycle costs of various construction approaches are assessed and negotiated with the client.

Learning Outcomes


Refer to elements.
 


Details of Learning Activities

Students will be involved in the following learning activities to meet requirements for this competency:
• Face to Face classes
• Simulated Workplace Learning
• Online learning via CANVAS
• Other forms of structured teaching and learning
Students will be observed and assessed through their planned activities throughout the duration of the course.


Teaching Schedule

Weeks 1 -2
Introduction to Thermal Efficiency
Climate Change & Renewable Energy

Weeks 3-4

Climate Zones 
Orientation & Zoning

Weeks 5-6

Passive heating and cooling
Glazing

Weeks 7-8

Windows & Shading
Climate Comfort

Weeks 9-10

Building Regulations & Legislation
Insulation

Weeks 11-12

Materials & Life Cycle Assessment

Water use


Weeks 13-14

Clients communication

Role Play


Weeks 15-16

Quality Assurance
Revision for test

Weeks 17-18 
Resubmit



Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources


Students will be able to access course information and learning materials through myRMIT and may be provided with additional materials in class. Lists of relevant reference books, resources in the library and accessible Internet sites will be provided where possible. During the course, you will be directed to websites to enhance your knowledge and understanding of difficult concepts.


CANVAS

CANVAS is an on-line resource with the lesson plans for each unit. Within CANVAS are the session lessons plans, assessments, resources and other materials required for completion of each unit of competency. CANVAS Collaborate is an on-line delivery system within CANVAS that may be utilised as a virtual classroom that may be a part of the overall lesson delivery plan.

 

NCC Volume 2

ICANZ Handbook

Your Home guide 

SV 

   

In class activities

Library

Internet


Overview of Assessment

Assessment will incorporate a variety of methods including written, oral, practical tasks and activities. You will be asked to personally demonstrate to your teacher/assessor the practical skills gained during this course to the relevant industry standards. Assessment activities will occur throughout this course and feedback will be provided at regular intervals.

Assessment Tasks

Students must pass each of the following assessment tasks to demonstrate competent.

Assessment 1 Project (Passive Solar Design)

Assessment 2 Project based assessment (Material Use)  

Assessment 3 Online Test


Assessment Tasks

Assessment 1 Project (Passive Solar Design)               
Assessment 2 Project based assessment (Material Use)                            
Assessment 3 Online Test                               

Assessment 1 – Passive Solar Design Principles and Sustainable Materials

This assessment is a project based assessment task using existing plans to incorporate general principles of solar passive design, orientation, windows & shading and thermal mass. This assignment is made up of 3 parts.  This assessment is due in Week 9

There are three parts to this assessment:

  1. Update the site plans
  2. Update the floor plans and elevations
  3. Make window selections                       

 

Assessment 2 – Sustainable Materials, Quality Assurance and Communication
This assessment is a project based assessment task researching information on efficient window selection, insulation products, sustainable material selection, quality assurance and communication to clients.This assessment is due in Week 15

There are five key steps for this task:

  1. Source insulation products
  2. Undertake a life cycle assessment for materials choice
  3. Produce a quality assurance checklist to assess materials and practices that contribute to you achieving your goal of an energy efficient home.
  4. Undertake client consultation
  5. Collate your findings into a recommendations report                       

. 

Assessment 3 – Online Test
Online Test will be a combination of multiple choice, multiple answer and short answer questions and conducted in a supervised environment. The assessment will be a closed book test covering a range of topics covered throughout the course. This Assessment is held during Week 16 tutorial. 


To be deemed competent you must demonstrate an understanding of all aspects required of the competency. Assessment methods have been designed to measure your achievement of each competency in a flexible manner over multiple tasks.

 

 


Assessment Matrix

COMPETENCY ASSESSMENT MAP


Element 

Performance criteria 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessment 

Task 1: Title 

Assessment 

Task 2: Title 

Assessment 

Task 3: Title 

1. Apply legislative and planning requirements for thermal efficiency to the building process. 

1.1. Current relevant state, territory and council requirements for building thermally efficient structures are identified.  

1a -g 

5 

 

1.2. Factors that contribute to the construction of a five-star rated dwelling identified within the Building Code of Australia (BCA) are identified and the impact of regional climate differences is assessed.  

1a -g 

 

Part A: 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 

1.3. Client needs and expectations for the design and construction of thermally efficient structures are identified and negotiated. 

1a -g 

5 

 

1.4. Expert design and other advice is gathered as part of the planning and construction process. 

 

4 

 

1.5. Relevant Australian standards are consulted to identify the implications for the conduct of the building project. 

1a-g, 2a – j, 3 

3, 5 

 

2. Review design solutions for effectiveness and compliance. 

2.1. Impact of radiation, convection, conduction and evaporation on the thermal comfort of residents is identified. 

 

5 

 

2.2. Orientation of the building, location and size of glazing, and use of thermal mass as design features are evaluated for effectiveness and compliance with planning and other regulatory requirements. 

1a,1c, 3 

5 

 

2.3. Effective strategy for insulating the structure is evaluated, costed and communicated to the client. 

 

1, 4, 5 

 

2.4. Building designs are assessed for their compliance with the energy efficiency requirements of the BCA's five-star rating system. 

1b, 1c, 1e 

3 

 

2.5. Designers and clients are consulted to ensure final construction plans are effective, efficient and compliant. 

 

4 

 

3. Manage the building process to ensure an effective outcome. 

3.1. Effective communications are established between designers, architects and clients to ensure effective thermal performance is embedded from the design to construction phase. 

 

4 

 

3.2. Effective quality assurance processes are confirmed as in place to evaluate and implement the building of a five-star dwelling. 

 

3 

 

3.3. Cost effective strategies to achieve desired level of thermal performance are assessed and communicated to client. 

3 

1, 2, 4, 5 

 

3.4. Life cycle costs of various construction approaches are assessed and negotiated with the client. 

 

2, 4, 5 

 

 


Range Statement   

 

Assessment 

Task 1: Title 

Assessment 

Task 2: Title 

Assessment 

Task 3: Title 

Requirements for building thermally efficient structures include: 

 

 

 

  • appropriate use of thermal mass (noting impact of climatic conditions) 

2f 

2 

 

  • glazing size and orientation 

3a-c 

 

Part A: 16, 33, 34 

  • insulation 

 

1 

Part A: 17, 18, 19, 37 

  • orientation of building 

1a, 1c, 2a, 2b 

 

Part A: 30 

  • use of relevant construction methods. 

 

3 

Part A: 36 

Regional climate differences and the impact on effective design solutions include areas with: 

 

 

Part A: 4, 6, 7, 8 

  • cooling climates 

 

 

Part A: 9, 11, 13 

  • hot arid climates 

 

 

Part A: 10, 14 

  • hot humid climates 

 

 

Part A: 10 

  • mixed climates. 

 

 

Part A: 10, 12 

 

 


Required Skills   

 

Assessment 

Task 1: Title 

Assessment 

Task 2: Title 

Assessment 

Task 3: Title 

application of Australian standards and manufacturer specifications 

3 

 

 

application of BCA Part 3.12 

1, 2, 3 

 

Part A: 18, 19, 27 

communication skills to: 

 

 

 

  • communicate information to client 

 

4, 5 

 

  • consult designers 

 

4 

 

  • enable clear and direct communication, using questioning to identify and confirm requirements, share information, listen and understand 

 

4 

 

  • identify and negotiate client requirements 

1, 2, 3 

1, 2, 4, 5 

 

  • read and interpret legislative and planning requirements 

 

1, 2, 3 

Part A: 1, 2, 5, 20, 28, 38 

  • seek advice 

 

4 

 

  • use and interpret non-verbal communication 

 

5 

 

  • use language and concepts appropriate to cultural differences 

 

4 

 

evaluation of the thermal efficiency of building design solutions 

1c 

3 

Part A: 36, 39 

apply numeracy skills to workplace requirements. 

1, 2, 3 

1, 2, 3, 5 

 

 


Required Knowledge   

 

Assessment 

Task 1: Title 

Assessment 

Task 2: Title 

Assessment 

Task 3: Title 

  • building and construction industry processes for building sustainability 

 

 

Part A: 3, 36 

Part B: 1 

  • relevant state or territory building and construction codes, standards and government regulations 

 

 

Part A: 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 38 

Part B: 2 

  • underlying mathematics related to the calculation of thermal efficiency 

 

 

Part A: 21 

Part B: 3 

  • workplace safety requirements. 

 

 

Part B: 4 

 

 


Critical Aspects of Evidence 

Describe how assessments meet the critical aspects of evidence 

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to provide evidence of the ability to: 

 

  • source and analyse legislative and planning requirements for thermal efficiency in the building process 

AT2 and AT3 require students to identify requirements and apply them to recommendations.  

  • calculate costs and savings of implementing alternative thermally efficient systems 

AT3 requires students to calculate the costs and savings of recommendations.  

  • apply principles of thermal efficiency to planning of a building project 

AT2 and AT3 require students to apply the principles of thermal efficiency. In AT3 students undertake quality assurance of their own work.  

  • produce work plans that reflect effective thermal efficiency. 

AT3 requires students to include their plans into a cohesive recommendations report to clients. 

 

 

 


Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Describe how assessments meet the context of and specific resources for assessment 

This competency is to be assessed using standard and authorised work practices, safety requirements and environmental constraints. 

Students will have access to simulated assessments to apply work practices, safety requirements and environmental considerations. 

Assessment of essential underpinning knowledge will usually be conducted in an off-site context. 

AT3 requires students to demonstrate underpinning knowledge.  

Assessment is to comply with relevant regulatory or Australian standards' requirements. 

AT1 and AT2 require students to research and apply requirements.  

Resource implications for assessment include: 

 

  • Documentation that should normally be available in either a building or construction office 

AT1 and AT2 make available workplace documentation for analysing thermal efficiency.  

  • Relevant codes, standards and government regulations 

AT1 and AT2 require students to source the codes, standard and government regulations in keeping with the unit requirements.  

  • Office equipment, including calculators, photocopiers and telephone systems 

AT1 and AT2 require students to use computers to carry out research and work.   

  • Computers with appropriate software to view 2-D CAD drawings, run costing programs and print copies 

AT1 requires students to use computers  to access and amend plans and use a costing program.  

  • A technical reference library with current publications on measurement, design, building construction and manufacturers' product literature 

AT1 and AT2 require access to a technical reference library to support research and recommendation processes.  

  • A suitable work area appropriate to the construction process. 

AT1 and AT2 require students to use RMIT facilities, including computer labs, to carry out administrative processes. 

Reasonable adjustments for people with disabilities must be made to assessment processes where required. This could include access to modified equipment and other physical resources, and the provision of appropriate assessment support. 

Please refer to RMIT guidelines on reasonable adjustment.  

 

Other Information

Credit Transfer and/or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
You may be eligible for credit towards courses in your program if you have already met the learning/competency outcomes through previous learning and/or industry experience. To be eligible for credit towards a course, you must demonstrate that you have already completed learning and/or gained industry experience that is:

  • Relevant
  • Current
  • Satisfies the learning/competency outcomes of the course

Please refer to http://www.rmit.edu.au/students/enrolment/credit to find more information about credit transfer and RPL.
 

Study and learning Support: 

Study and Learning Centre (SLC) provides free learning and academic development advice to you. 
Services offered by SLC to support your numeracy and literacy skills are: 

assignment writing, thesis writing and study skills advice 
maths and science developmental support and advice 
English language development 

Please Refer http://www.rmit.edu.au/studyandlearningcentre to find more information about Study and learning Support 

Equitable Learning Services (ELS):

If you are suffering from long-term medical condition or disability, you should contact Equitable Learning Services (ELS) to seek advice and support to complete your studies.
Please refer to https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/support-and-facilities/student-support/equitable-learning-services to find more information about services offered by Equitable Learning Services (ELS).

Late submission: 

If you require an Extension of Submittable Work (assignments, reports or project work etc.) for 7 calendar days or less (from the original due date) and have valid reasons, you must complete and lodge an Application for Extension of Submittable Work (7 Calendar Days or less) form and lodge it with the Senior Educator/ Program Manager. 
The application must be lodged no later than one working day before the official due date. You will be notified within no more than 2 working days of the date of lodgment as to whether the extension has been granted. 
If you seek an Extension of Submittable Work for more than 7 calendar days (from the original due date) must lodge an Application for Special Consideration form under the provisions of the Special Consideration Policy, preferably prior to, but no later than 2 working days after the official due date. 

Submittable Work (assignments, reports or project work etc.) submitted late without approval of an extension will not be accepted or marked. 


Special consideration: 

Please Refer http://www.rmit.edu.au/students/specialconsideration to find more information about special consideration 

Plagiarism: 

Plagiarism is a form of cheating and it is very serious academic offence that may lead to expulsion from the University. 

Please Refer: www.rmit.edu.au/academicintegrity to find more information about plagiarism. 

Other Information: 

All email communications will be sent to your RMIT email address and you must regularly check your RMIT emails.

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