CPCSUS4002: Use Building Science Principles to Construct Energy Efficient Buildings

Assessment Overview

Assessment event overview
This assessment evaluates your knowledge and performance in applying building science principles to construct energy efficient buildings.

This assessment includes one part:

• Part 1: Decide on a method of construction.

Supported by:

• Submission checklist

• Assessment checklist

• Assessment feedback

• Simulated organisation documents (RBHoldings):

  • North Ryde Drawings Architectural Survey School (PDF)

  • Communication Policy and Procedure (PDF)

  • Template Email (DOTX)

  • Commercial Energy Efficiency Report Part 3 (DOCX)

Note: Some tasks include links to external resources. Long URLs are available in the External Resources Links and URLs section.

Unit Assessment Guide

Refer to the Unit Assessment Guide (UAG) before starting. The UAG outlines assessment requirements and how to achieve satisfactory results.

Submission Instructions

When submitting your assessment:

• Review the checklist at the end to confirm all tasks are complete.

• Keep a copy of all submissions (electronic and hardcopy).

• Complete the Assessment Declaration before submitting.

Task Instructions

The assessor will evaluate your performance against the criteria listed in each task.
This assessment is based on the simulated organisation RBHoldings.

Part 1: Decide on a Method of Construction

Read all instructions and complete each requirement.
Also refer to the assessor’s checklist for performance criteria.

You will complete research and expand the project report by addressing:

• Building position, orientation, thermal energy, and passive heating

• Selected mechanical ventilation systems

• Selected interior and exterior barriers

Finally, you will submit the report via email to the Construction Manager.

Access and Edit the Report

Use the provided template for the North Public School Learning Hub Project:
Commercial Energy Efficiency Report Part 3 (DOCX)

Save the file using this naming format:
StudentName_StudentNumber_CPCSUS4002_NorthPublicSchoolEnergyEfficiencyReport3

When complete:

• Delete all prompt text (grey italics)

• Submit the finished report along with this assessment

You will need access to the National Construction Code (NCC).

Task 1: Passive Design

Purpose

Research and report on passive design, building position, and orientation to maximise energy efficiency.

Required Report Section

(1) Building position, orientation, air-flow, and passive cooling

Resources Needed

• RBHoldings North Ryde Drawings Architectural Survey School (PDF)

• Kingspan KS1000RW trapezoidal roof panel

Steps

Step 1: Research
Investigate passive design principles, building positioning, and orientation.

Step 2: Complete
Address the following in the report:
1.1 Identify climate characteristics of the applicable climate zone.
1.2 Explain R-values and how insulation affects energy efficiency.
1.3 Discuss insulation’s role in reducing building heat load.
1.4 Examine Kingspan KS1000RW panel thermal values (135 mm thickness).
- Assess compliance with NCC 2022 Section J4D4 & AS/NZS 4859.1
1.5 Evaluate the impact of glazing on thermal performance. Explain U-values and SHGC.

Task 2: Thermal Energy and Passive Design

Required Report Section

(2) Thermal energy and passive design

Resources Needed

• RBHoldings North Ryde Drawings Architectural Survey School

• Your Home Thermal Mass website

Steps

Step 1: Research
Investigate thermal energy, thermal mass, and passive design.

Step 2: Complete
Provide responses to:
2.1 Explain passive building design and its effect on energy efficiency, focusing on thermal mass and climate.
2.2 Evaluate how the concrete slab floor and glazing can provide passive winter heating.
Address:
a. Orientation & building envelope
b. Glazing position, size, shading
c. Insulation & thermal mass
d. Provide recommendations to improve passive heating

Task 3: Selected Mechanical Ventilation Systems

Required Report Section

(3) Selected mechanical ventilation systems

Resources Needed

• RBHoldings Drawings

• Australian Standards

• National Construction Code (NCC)

Steps

Step 1: Research
Investigate mechanical exhaust ventilation systems.

Step 2: Complete
Respond to:
3.1 List components required for compliant mechanical ventilation.
3.2 Explain NCC 2022 Deemed-to-Satisfy provisions for local exhaust ventilation.
- Identify factors influencing system sizing
3.3 Identify two NCC methods to minimise unwanted air leakage.

Task 4: Selected Interior and Exterior Barriers

Required Report Section

(4) Selected interior and exterior barriers

Resources Needed

• North Ryde Drawings

• NCC

• Research sources on materials & passive design

Steps

Step 1: Research
Investigate wall system materials.

Step 2: Complete
Evaluate materials based on:

• Thermal lag & heat storage

• Insulation & conductivity

• Embodied energy

• Durability & maintenance

• Suitability for climate and building design

Assess the following materials:

• 4.1 Masonry (brick veneer) existing

• 4.2 Auto-aerated concrete (Hebel)

• 4.3 Solid precast concrete panels

• 4.4 Gypsum plasterboard existing

• 4.5 Timber sheeting alternative

Also:

• Select and justify the preferred exterior wall system

• Select and justify the preferred interior wall system

Task 5: Report Email

Draft an email to Joe Lugarno, Construction Manager, communicating that the report has been completed.

Steps

Step 1: Research
Use the RBHoldings:

• Communication Policy and Procedure

• Email Template

Step 2: Complete
Email must:

• Be addressed to Joe Lugarno

• Confirm completion of the report

• Briefly describe the report

• Attach the completed report

• Follow the approved email template

• Comply with communication policies

Brief of Assessment Requirements

The assessment focuses on evaluating the student’s knowledge and practical application of building science principles to construct energy-efficient buildings. The assessment comprises one part, which requires the student to decide on a method of construction for a simulated project at North Public School Learning Hub, using a set of provided resources from RBHoldings.

Key requirements of the assessment include:

1. Passive Design: Research and report on building position, orientation, air-flow, and passive cooling strategies.

2. Thermal Energy and Passive Design: Evaluate thermal mass, insulation, glazing, and the role of passive heating/cooling in energy efficiency.

3. Selected Mechanical Ventilation Systems: Identify components of compliant mechanical ventilation systems, NCC provisions, and methods to reduce air leakage.

4. Selected Interior and Exterior Barriers: Assess materials for insulation, thermal lag, durability, and suitability for the climate and building design; justify selected wall systems.

5. Report Email: Draft a professional email to the Construction Manager communicating completion of the report, summarising content, and attaching the report.

The assessment also requires adherence to submission guidelines, including using the provided report template, following naming conventions, deleting prompt text, and referencing the National Construction Code (NCC 2022) and Australian standards.

Assessment Approach by Academic Mentor

The Academic Mentor guided the student through a structured, step-by-step process, ensuring each assessment requirement was addressed thoroughly.

Step 1: Understanding the Assessment and Planning

• The mentor reviewed the Unit Assessment Guide (UAG) with the student to clarify performance criteria and submission expectations.

• A checklist was created to track each task: passive design, thermal energy, mechanical ventilation, barriers, and email communication.

• The student was encouraged to familiarize themselves with all provided RBHoldings resources, including drawings, policies, and template files.

Step 2: Passive Design Research and Report Section

• The student researched climate characteristics, building orientation, and passive cooling strategies using the North Ryde Drawings and Kingspan roof panel specifications.

• The mentor guided the student to:

  • Explain R-values and insulation’s effect on energy efficiency.

  • Evaluate thermal performance of the Kingspan KS1000RW panel and its compliance with NCC 2022.

  • Discuss glazing performance, including U-values and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC).

• The student drafted this section using the provided report template, ensuring clarity and technical accuracy.

Step 3: Thermal Energy and Passive Design Section

• Using the “Your Home Thermal Mass” website, the mentor helped the student:

  • Understand thermal mass concepts, passive winter heating, and the impact of concrete slab floors.

  • Evaluate orientation, window placement, insulation, and shading.

  • Provide recommendations for improving passive heating efficiency.

• The mentor emphasized linking theoretical principles with practical design strategies.

Step 4: Mechanical Ventilation Systems Section

• The student was guided to identify mechanical exhaust components and review NCC 2022 requirements for ventilation.

• The mentor explained how to:

  • Determine system sizing and factors affecting airflow.

  • Identify air leakage minimization strategies from NCC provisions.

• The student incorporated references to NCC guidelines to demonstrate compliance.

Step 5: Interior and Exterior Barrier Evaluation

• The mentor supported the student in researching wall materials, considering thermal lag, insulation, conductivity, embodied energy, durability, and climate suitability.

• Materials evaluated included: masonry (brick veneer), autoclaved aerated concrete (Hebel), solid precast concrete panels, gypsum plasterboard, and timber sheeting.

• The student was guided to justify preferred interior and exterior wall systems, linking material properties to energy efficiency outcomes.

Step 6: Drafting the Report Email

• Using the RBHoldings Communication Policy and email template, the mentor guided the student to:

  • Address the email to the Construction Manager, Joe Lugarno.

  • Confirm completion and summarize the report.

  • Attach the completed report and maintain professional tone and formatting.

Step 7: Review and Submission

• The mentor assisted in final proofreading, checking that all sections aligned with the assessor checklist.

• The student ensured that all prompt text was deleted, the file was correctly named, and all submission instructions were followed.

Outcome Achieved

Through this structured approach, the student successfully completed the assessment by:

• Delivering a comprehensive Commercial Energy Efficiency Report Part 3, addressing passive design, thermal energy, mechanical ventilation, and barrier materials.

• Demonstrating practical application of building science principles in energy-efficient construction.

• Submitting a professional email to the Construction Manager as per organisational communication standards.

Learning Objectives Covered

The assessment enabled the student to:

1. Apply building science principles to improve energy efficiency in construction projects.

2. Evaluate passive design strategies, including orientation, ventilation, insulation, and thermal mass.

3. Assess and select mechanical ventilation systems according to NCC and Australian standards.

4. Investigate and justify interior and exterior building materials based on energy performance and durability.

5. Demonstrate professional communication skills through drafting formal project emails.

6. Integrate research, simulation, and practical design solutions to meet organisational and regulatory requirements.

The structured guidance from the Academic Mentor ensured the student not only completed the assessment but also achieved a deeper understanding of energy-efficient building practices and compliance with professional standards.

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