Domestic energy efficiency

Overview

Framework:
RQF
Level:
Level 1
Unit No:
D/650/2267
Credits:
3
Guided learning hours:
30 hours

Assessment Guidance

Portfolio of evidence

Aim

To develop learners’ understanding of domestic energy use and how to improve domestic energy efficiency.

Unit Learning Outcomes

1

Know about domestic energy use. 

Fuel types - gas, electricity, oil, coal.

Ways energy is used – heating, hot water, different types of appliances and devices.

Interpreting energy efficiency labels on appliances.

Ranking of different appliances in terms of energy consumption; heat generation as a key factor.

Commonalities between high energy consumption appliances or devices (heat generation/temperature control).

Assessment Criteria

  • 1.1

    Outline the different types of energy used in people's homes. 

  • 1.2

    Describe the ways in which energy is used in people's homes. 

  • 1.3

    Describe energy consumption of different common household appliances. 

2

Know about energy efficiency. 

Energy efficiency definition: using less energy to perform the same task, eliminating energy waste.

Energy efficiency certificates: energy efficiency of a building rated from A (very efficient) to G (inefficient); likely costs of heating and lighting the property.

Assessment Criteria

  • 2.1

    Define the term 'energy efficiency'. 

  • 2.2

    Identify key information about a property's energy efficiency from an energy performance certificate. 

3

Know the benefits of domestic energy efficiency. 

Domestic energy efficiency and tackling climate change – less use of non-renewable resources and pollutants.

Benefits to householders – lower bills; warmer or more comfortable houses.

Assessment Criteria

  • 3.1

    Describe how domestic energy efficiency can help tackle climate change. 

  • 3.2

    Identify benefits to householders of domestic energy efficiency. 

4

Know how householders can improve domestic energy efficiency. 

Replacing products: lighting, appliances using energy label comparisons.

Changing habits: e.g. not leaving devices on stand-by; not over-filling kettle; closing doors and windows; putting full load into washing machine; drying clothes on a washing line rather than tumble drier.

Key sources of info – websites such as energysavingtrust.org.uk; simpleenergyadvice.org.uk; moneysavingexpert.com; which.co.uk; central and local government info; organisations offering support to help reduce bills through energy efficiency.

Assessment Criteria

  • 4.1

    Describe actions a householder can take to improve energy efficiency, including replacing products and changing behaviours. 

  • 4.2

    Outline sources of information and advice on improving domestic energy efficiency.