Course Information
DIPLOMA OF SUSTAINABILITY
The Diploma of Sustainability is designed to assist students to gain a better understanding of how to apply sustainability
concepts to their current stream of studies and/or existing qualifications and/or their work environment.
The Diploma of Sustainability is designed to be delivered as a dual qualification, in conjunction with another Diploma or
higher level qualification. This means that students will be enrolled in the Diploma of Sustainability while undertaking, or
having already completed, another Diploma/ Advanced Diploma/ Degree. To complete the Diploma of Sustainability
students are required to successfully complete the 4 specialised units (outlined below) and the qualification they are
completing in their chosen field of study (or already hold a qualification at diploma level or higher).
This method of delivery of the Diploma ensures that students have the opportunity to contextualise the concepts of
sustainability with their primary course of study or their workplace.
Diploma of Sustainability Specialisation Core Units:
Code
Title
Prerequisites* Hours
VPB435
Apply the concepts of sustainability to a major
challenge
Nil*
60
VPB436
Develop and implement a programme to support
behavioural change and sustainable practices
VPB435
60
VPB437
Develop a business plan for responsive and
sustainable businesses
VPB436
60
VPB438
Analyse the long-term outcomes of sustainable
production and consumption
VPB437
60
* In order to qualify for the Diploma of Sustainability you must complete or have completed another
qualification in any field at Diploma level or higher.
Course Facilitators
Tony Innes, Lecturer (Part Time)
Tony is a qualified Accountant with over 30 year’s commercial experience, particularly in the finance industry. Whilst
holding an executive position at Savings & Loans Credit Union Tony discovered the concept of Triple Bottom Line that
led to the organization establishing a corporate social responsibility strategy that embraced community support and
protection of the environment. As a result of this involvement, in 2007 Tony was selected to participate in the Australian
Conservation Foundation Climate Change Leadership Project. This project included being trained by the former vicepresident of the US and global environmental campaigner Al Gore, to deliver the climate change awareness
presentation featured in the award winning documentary An Inconvenient Truth. Tony has since delivered well over 200
of these presentations in Australia and overseas.
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Tony holds an Economics Degree from Adelaide University and more recently has completed a post graduate certificate
in Sustainable Directions at UniSA. In 2008 he left Savings & Loans to establish Sustainable Directions, a consultancy
that assists organizations and householders to adopt sustainable practices. This has led to involvement in providing
advice and guidance to companies in a wide range of industries from small business owners to large companies with
over 1000 employees.
Tony is a Board member of a social housing association and also an active member of the 2h Project where he annually
travels to Cambodia to lead corporate volunteers provide assistance to marginalized rural communities. Tony is married
with two young adult children and although he is a proud Scotsman by birth, he now calls Adelaide home.”
David Cole, Lecturer (Part Time)
David is an environmental and natural resources lawyer with extensive experience in advising both the public and
private sectors across Australia. David is well known for his expertise in environmental planning (including
environmental impact assessment), pollution response and management including contaminated land, water resources,
and environmental due diligence. David also has extensive experience as a higher education teacher, principally in
environmental law, and as a course designer and presenter for professional training in the area of environmental
compliance.
David is a member of the National Environmental Law Association, the Australian Land and Groundwater Association
and Law Society of South Australia and holds the following qualifications:
 Bachelor of Laws, University of Adelaide
 Master of Environmental Studies, University of Adelaide
 Barrister & Solicitor of the Supreme Court of South Australia
Trisha Driole, Lecturer
Trisha has a background in economics and accounting and a Masters in Environmental Studies. She has worked in
Sustainability and Environmental management since 1993, at both the local and State Government level, managing
policy and projects in environment departments, the EPA and the Department of Premier and Cabinet. In the late 90s,
Trisha wrote and delivered a Sustainability Awareness Program for 11 metropolitan councils as part of a capacity
building program for local government. Since 2003, Trisha was the Sustainability Manager at SA Water, developing and
implementing policy and program changes aimed at moving the organisation towards sustainability. Trisha is committed
to the development of sustainability thinking across government, recognizing the need to integrate the social and
economic factors into the more traditional environmental areas.
Margaret Barron, Principal Lecturer
Margaret is a Principal Lecturer at TAFE SA and has overall responsibility for the online content and instructional design
of the Diploma of Sustainability offered by TAFE SA. She has extensive knowledge and experience in the use of flexible
delivery teaching methodologies. Margaret is the author of Australia’s largest selling basic text book on commercial law
and holds the following qualifications:

Bachelor of Laws, University of Adelaide

Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice, South Australian Institute of Technology,

Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of South Australia

Graduate Diploma in Education (Education and Training of Adults), University of South Australia

Advanced Diploma of Management

Certificate IV in Workplace Training and Assessment, TAFE SA
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Harold Philbey, Lecturer
Harold is our expert in online delivery systems plus he also lectures in Local Government Studies and is a Project
Officer (e-Learning) for the Teaching and Learning Unit at TAFE SA. He has developed the online architecture for the
delivery of the Diploma of Sustainability using TAFE SA’s online learning management system, Moodle. Harold will
provide technical support to the course facilitators.
Harold holds qualifications in adult assessment and training, computer operations, website design, HTML5, CSS3 and
other applications.
Donna Bown, Course Co-ordinator
A Senior Lecturer at TAFE SA, Donna will be the co-ordinating lecturer for the Diploma of Sustainability. She has
extensive teaching experience and a background in TCF. Donna holds a Bachelor of Teaching. Donna will provide
assistance to the specialist course facilitators.
Amanda Costelloe, Course Administration
Amanda is an administrative services officer at TAFE SA who is responsible for enrolments, records and administration
relating to the Diploma of Sustainability.
Contact Us
Environmental Compliance and Sustainability Studies
TAFE SA Adelaide City Campus
Level 2 West Wing
120 Currie St Adelaide 5000
Tel
Fax
82078322
82078263
E
W
sustainability@tafesa.edu.au
www.tafe.sa.edu.au
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Unit Information:
Unit Code
VPB435
Unit Title
Apply the concepts of sustainability to a major challenge
Pre-requisite Units
There are no prerequisite units for this competency
Unit Descriptor
Upon successful completion of this unit, students will have a working
knowledge of the key concepts of sustainability and apply them to
challenges in terms of environmental, economic and social issues at a
global, national and local level.
Nominal Hours
60 hours
Element
Performance Criteria
1 Apply a historical
1.1
context to sustainable 1.2
development and
sustainability
1.3
2 Analyse the
interrelation of
concepts of
sustainability
3 Document options
for a major
sustainability
challenge at a global,
national and/or local
level
The historical development of sustainability is outlined
The areas of convergence and divergence between sustainable
development and sustainability are explained
A detailed timeline of historical events which have shaped
and/or threatened sustainability is developed
1.4
The success of major world events, guidelines, stakeholders
and systems which have influenced the move to more
sustainable practices are evaluated
2.1
A number of sustainability definitions currently in use by
different groups and organisations are summarised
2.2
The interrelation between economic, environmental and social
sustainability are described
2.3
The key features of economic, environmental and social
sustainability are analysed
2.4
The ethical dimensions of sustainability within an historical
context are analysed
3.1
A range of known threats to human sustainability in terms of
environmental, economic and social values and needs are
described
3.2
The key outcomes from case studies outlining solutions for
sustainability are reviewed
3.3
The options for abatement and the current limitations to
engaging resolution are analysed
Mayer Key Competencies
Mayer Key Competencies require people to perform tasks at one of the following three levels depending on the
workplace context:

Level 1: Undertake tasks effectively to meet requirements.

Level 2: Manage tasks (with guidance for complex processes).
4

Level 3: Use concepts for evaluating and reshaping tasks.
The Unit HVPB435 Apply concepts of sustainability to a major challenge mapping to Mayer key competencies:
Collecting/ analysing information
2
Communicating ideas & information
2
Planning & organising activities
3
Working with others & in teams
3
Using math ideas & techniques
2
Solving problems
3
Using technology
2
Using cultural understandings
2
5
Unit Information:
Unit Code:
VPB436
Unit Title:
Develop and implement a programme to support behavioural change
and sustainable practices
Pre-requisite
VPB435 Apply the concepts of sustainability to a major challenge
Unit Descriptor
Upon successful completion of this unit, students will have a working
knowledge of the key issues affecting individual and organisational
behavioural change towards sustainable practices.
Nominal Hours
60 hours
ELEMENT
Performance Criteria
1 Analyse change
processes and the role they
play in sustainability
1.1
Change processes are defined
1.2
The relevance of change management to sustainability is
examined
1.3
The drivers of change for sustainability affecting individual
and organisational behaviour are analysed
2.1
A review of current methods of change management
processes is conducted
2.2
The differences between incremental and transformational
change are examined
2.3
The tools and resources available to facilitate behavioural
change are reviewed
2.4
Models which demonstrate successful implementation of
sustainability are evaluated
3.1
A ‘real-life’ local sustainability challenge is described
3.2
The barriers to sustainable behaviour are identified
3.3
The most appropriate tools for the programme are chosen
3.4
The programme including criteria for a successful outcome is
designed
4.1
Relevant stakeholders are identified
4.2
The project team is set up
4.3
Relevant stakeholders to refine the implementation plan are
consulted
4.4
Feedback to the project brief is incorporated
4.5
The programme is conducted
5.1
A review process to record baseline data is designed
5.2
Outcomes of the programme are measured
5.3
The outcomes of the process are analysed
5.4
A report is developed
2 Review the methods
available to encourage
behavioural change
3 Design a programme
using appropriate tools and
resources
4 Implement a programme
which supports behavioural
change for sustainability
5 Review the programme
6
5.5
The outcomes are presented
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Unit Information:
Unit Code:
VPB437
Unit title:
Develop a business plan for responsive and sustainable
organisations
Unit Descriptor
The purpose of this unit is to develop a plan for responsive and sustainable
business practice with a long-term view to the economic, environmental
and social impacts of the business.
Pre-requisite Units VPB436 Develop and implement a programme to support behavioural
change and sustainable practices
Nominal Hours
60 hours
Elements
Performance Criteria
1. Develop an
effective
stakeholder
engagement
process
1.1
The key stakeholders are profiled
1.2
The methodology for engagement is designed
1.3
Pressures from key stakeholders are identified
1.4
Processes for effective dialogue are established
2. Analyse the
business culture
2.1
The history of stakeholder engagement processes is reviewed
2.2
Business and environmental initiatives and associated costs are
reviewed
2.3
Industry sector environmental best practice is researched
2.4
Barriers and opportunities for improvements are identified
2.5
The opportunities for improvement for the business are analysed
3.1
The benefits of the opportunities for improvement are identified
3.2
The costs associated with implementing the opportunities are
identified
3.3
The business case to incorporate the opportunities is prepared
3.4
The business case is presented
4.1
The work programme is developed
4.2
Project team and links to stakeholders are established
4.3
The key elements of the business plan are identified
4.4
The business plan incorporating TBL reporting criteria is prepared
4.5
The business plan is presented
3. Prepare the
business case
4. Develop the
business plan
Mayer Key Competencies
Mayer Key Competencies require people to perform tasks at one of the following three levels depending on the
workplace context:

Level 1: Undertake tasks effectively to meet requirements.

Level 2: Manage tasks (with guidance for complex processes).
8

Level 3: Use concepts for evaluating and reshaping tasks.
9
The Unit HVPB437 Develop a business plan for responsive and sustainable business mapping to Mayer key
competencies:
Collecting/ analysing information
3
Communicating ideas & information
3
Planning & organising activities
3
Working with others & in teams
3
Using math ideas & techniques
2
Solving problems
3
Using technology
2
Using cultural understandings
3
10
Unit Information:
Unit Code:
VPB438
Unit title:
Analyse the long-term outcomes of sustainable productions and
consumption
Unit Descriptor
This unit explores and analyses the long-term effects and outcomes of
sustainable production and consumption for business, the community and
government
Pre-requisite Units VPB435 Apply the concepts of sustainability to a major challenge
VPB436 Develop and implement a programme to support behavioural
change and sustainable practices
VPB437 Develop a business plan for responsive and sustainable business
Nominal Hours
60 hours
Elements
Performance Criteria
1. Analyse the
economic,
environmental and
social effects of
production and
consumption
1.1
2. Document the
benefits of
sustainable
production and
consumption
3. Evaluate the
concepts of ecodesign and LCA
4. Analyse the
long-term
outcomes of
sustainable
production and
consumption
1.2
1.3
1.4
The role of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Eco-design are
investigated
Environmentally preferred business practices are defined
The key environmental impacts of production and consumption are
identified
The key social effects of production and consumption are identified
1.5
The economic, environmental and social impacts of the interrelation
of production and consumption are analysed
2.1
The key characteristics of sustainable production are identified
2.2
The key characteristics of sustainable consumption are identified
2.3
The advantages of environmentally preferred production and
consumption are described
2.4
The barriers to achieving environmentally preferred production and
consumption are identified
3.1
The key characteristics of LCA are identified
3.2
The concepts for eco-design are defined
3.3
Examples of effective eco-design are researched
3.4
The concepts of eco-design or LCA of a product or service are
evaluated
4.1
A range of intergenerational factors which will influence the
development of a sustainable society are identified
4.2
The long-term benefits of sustainable production and consumption
are defined
4.3
Future models for sustainable production and consumption in society
are investigated
4.4
The future models and their likelihood of success are analysed
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4.5
An environmentally preferred model of production and consumption
is presented
Mayer Key Competencies
Mayer Key Competencies require people to perform tasks at one of the following three levels depending on the
workplace context:

Level 1: Undertake tasks effectively to meet requirements.

Level 2: Manage tasks (with guidance for complex processes).

Level 3: Use concepts for evaluating and reshaping tasks.
The Unit HVPB438 Analyse the long-term outcomes of sustainable production and consumption mapping to Mayer key
competencies:
Collecting/ analysing information
3
Communicating ideas & information
3
Planning & organising activities
3
Working with others & in teams
3
Using math ideas & techniques
2
Solving problems
3
Using technology
2
Using cultural understandings
3
Environmental Compliance and Sustainability Studies
TAFE SA
Tel: 82078322
E:
sustainability@tafesa.edu.au
W:
www.tafe.sa.edu.au
12
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