You are working as a Quantity Surveyor at 'QS Services Pty Ltd'. You are assigned to a new project. The Client wants to prepare Concrete, Formwork and Reinforcement Bills of Quantities (BOQ) for the project. Due to increasing focus

Jamez

10 Nov 2025 • 4 min read

Assessment

Description

In a small group of 2-3 member, you will produce Bills of Quantities for two given trades for a given project. Upon completion, you will calculate Embodied Carbon for concrete for the given project and inform the Client via a Business letter. You will receive a detailed marking guide, and feedback will be provided as a group.

Purpose and Relevance

This assessment will develop your ability to read, understand and interpret construction drawings for building projects, apply the knowledge on quantification and measurement and prepare BOQs for building projects and also develop the ability to calculate embodied carbon emissions
You will gain hands on experience using CostX, an industry-standard measurement software widely used in both Australian and International construction industry

Course Learning Outcomes Assessed

CLO2: Interpret architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic drawings to measure quantities for major trades in commercial scale building projects
CL03: Apply technical skills in take-off software to complete in measuring trade in commercial scale building projects
CL04: Apply carbon accounting knowledge together with measurement data to calculate embodied carbon emissions
CL05: Develop Bills of Quantities (BOQ) for major trades in commercial scale building project.

Scenario

You are working as a Quantity Surveyor at 'QS Services Pty Ltd'. You are assigned to a new project. The Client wants to prepare Concrete, Formwork and Reinforcement Bills of Quantities (BOQ) for the project. Due to increasing focus on Embodied Carbon in the industry the Client Mr Almeida from Complex Developers is interested in calculating the embodied carbon for concrete use in the project as well.

Task 1

You are required to choose either option 1 or option 2 from the Table 1 below and prepare Bills of Quantities for the given project according to the Australian and New Zealand Standard Method of Measurement (2022) edition. (For example, if you choose Option 1, you will submit BoQ for Concrete and Formwork sections.)

Task 2

Calculate the Embodied Carbon for concrete using the quantities calculated for Concrete BoQ, Use the Environmental Performance in Construction (EPIC) database to get data on coefficients. construction.

Write a business letter to the Client explaining the method used, providing details of the database you used for calculations and the embodied carbon from Concrete. Attach detailed calculations as an annexure to the letter.

Assessment Summary

This assessment required students to work collaboratively in small groups of 2–3 members to produce Bills of Quantities (BOQs) for two selected trades in a given construction project and subsequently calculate the Embodied Carbon for concrete. The findings and methodology were to be communicated to the client through a formal business letter, accompanied by supporting calculations.

Key Assessment Components

Preparation of Bills of Quantities (BOQ):
- Select either Option 1 or Option 2 from the given project trade list.
- Prepare detailed BOQs following the Australian and New Zealand Standard Method of Measurement (2022).
- Focus on accuracy and presentation of measurements for trades such as Concrete, Formwork, and Reinforcement.
Embodied Carbon Calculation:
- Utilize the Environmental Performance in Construction (EPIC) database to determine carbon coefficients.
- Calculate embodied carbon emissions based on measured concrete quantities.
Business Letter to Client:
- Addressed to the client (Mr. Almeida from Complex Developers).
- Clearly explain the calculation method, data sources, and results.
- Attach detailed embodied carbon calculations as an annexure.

Purpose

The task aimed to build technical and analytical competencies in quantity measurement, cost estimation, and sustainability assessment. Students were also expected to develop professional communication skills through the preparation of the business letter.

Academic Mentor’s Step-by-Step Guidance

The academic mentor guided the student group systematically to ensure technical accuracy, logical structure, and alignment with the marking criteria.

Step 1: Understanding the Project and Standards

The mentor began by helping students interpret the construction drawings and understand the scope of work relevant to the chosen trades. Emphasis was placed on referencing the ANZSMM 2022 standards to ensure proper classification and itemization of quantities. Students were also encouraged to discuss their trade selection within the group to ensure balanced workload distribution.

Step 2: BOQ Preparation in CostX

The mentor provided a detailed demonstration of CostX software, showing how to extract and measure quantities from architectural and structural drawings. Students were guided to:

Set up measurement templates in CostX.
Perform digital take-offs for the selected trades.
Cross-check units, dimensions, and item descriptions for consistency.
The mentor emphasized accuracy, traceability of calculations, and professional formatting of the BOQ document.

Step 3: Embodied Carbon Calculation

After finalizing the concrete quantities, the mentor introduced the concept of Embodied Carbon and guided students on using the EPIC database to extract emission factors. Each group was supported in:

Applying the correct coefficients for concrete mix types.
Structuring the carbon calculation using standard formulas.
Verifying the final results for accuracy and clarity.

Step 4: Drafting the Business Letter

The mentor then assisted the group in crafting a professional business letter addressed to the client. Guidance was provided on:

Structuring the letter with an introduction, methodology, findings, and closing summary.
Maintaining a formal tone suitable for industry communication.
Referencing the annexure containing detailed embodied carbon calculations.

Step 5: Review and Feedback

Once the group completed the BOQ and business letter, the mentor reviewed their submission against the marking guide. Constructive feedback was given on measurement accuracy, presentation, and clarity of explanation. Students were encouraged to make final adjustments before submission.

Final Outcome and Learning Achievements

By the end of the assessment, students successfully produced:

A complete Bills of Quantities (BOQ) for the selected trades.
A calculated embodied carbon report for concrete, supported by verifiable data from the EPIC database.
A professionally written business letter effectively communicating technical results to a non-technical client.

Learning Objectives Covered

CLO2: Interpretation of architectural, structural, and services drawings for accurate measurement.
CLO3: Application of technical skills using CostX measurement software.
CLO4: Integration of carbon accounting principles into construction quantification.
CLO5: Development and presentation of professional Bills of Quantities (BOQ) and client communication.