Jamie Bonnefin

Jamie Bonnefin

Jamie is the Director of Australia's leading ESD consultancy, Certified Energy. Jamie is a Green Star sustainability leader, NABERS assessor and accredited ABSA and BDAV Assessor. With over 15 years of experience in Sustainable Design in the built environment industry, Jamie is passionate about his work.

Recent posts by Jamie Bonnefin

2 min read

Visualising the Impact of Climate Change on Landscapes

By Jamie Bonnefin on Apr 20, 2023 11:47:03 AM

Viewshed diagrams are a powerful tool for visualising the potential impact of climate change on landscapes and informing adaptation strategies. These diagrams depict the areas visible from a particular vantage point and provide valuable information about the surrounding landscape, including land use, topography, and vegetation cover. They are widely used in landscape planning, environmental impact assessments, and natural resource management.

Topics: ESD Sustainability Energy Climate Green Star Rating viewshed
2 min read

Emerging Technologies of Visual Impact Assessments

By Jamie Bonnefin on Apr 20, 2023 11:46:28 AM

Visual Impact Assessments (VIA) are an essential process used to evaluate the potential environmental impact of proposed projects on the surrounding community. These assessments help identify potential negative effects on the environment, wildlife, and people. 

Topics: ESD Emerging Materials Sustainability Energy Climate visual impact assessment
3 min read

VIAs and Integration with Other Assessments

By Jamie Bonnefin on Apr 20, 2023 11:45:17 AM

Visual Impact Assessments (VIA) are an essential component of environmental assessments and are used to evaluate the potential visual impact of proposed projects on the surrounding environment and community. However, VIAs alone are not enough to fully evaluate the potential environmental impact of a project. That's why the integration of VIAs with other environmental assessments is crucial to ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of a project's potential impact.

Topics: ESD Architecture Climate Alterations & Additions viewshed visual impact assessment
4 min read

The Impact of Wind Turbines on ViewShed Diagrams

By Jamie Bonnefin on Apr 20, 2023 11:43:45 AM

The sustainable energy alternative, Wind Turbines, are often used in areas of wide open space to generate large amounts of electricity. 

Topics: ESD Architecture Sustainability viewshed visual impact assessment wind turbines
2 min read

Should All Commercial Projects Have A WUFI Model Created?

By Jamie Bonnefin on Mar 7, 2023 2:26:36 PM

What is a WUFI Model?

Topics: Architecture Star Rating Sustainability Energy Insulation Materials Residential Commercial
3 min read

How to Manage Rising Building Costs with JV3

By Jamie Bonnefin on Mar 7, 2023 12:57:05 PM

A JV3 Report is an alternative assessment method for non-residential buildings which uses a reference building to compare the overall assumed energy consumption of new buildings with respect to their location and climate. Whereas, alternatively a Section J Report offers a simpler assessment and is more suitable for less complex projects. 

Topics: Section J JV3 Commercial
4 min read

Passive Commercial Projects - A trend for a greener future

By Jamie Bonnefin on Feb 28, 2023 9:35:06 AM

What is a Passive House?

Topics: ESD Architecture Sustainability Passive House Commercial
3 min read

Section J vs. JV3 - When to use Which Compliance Method

By Jamie Bonnefin on Feb 28, 2023 9:32:04 AM

What’s the difference between a Section J and JV3?

Topics: ESD Section J Architecture Sustainability JV3 Commercial
2 min read

How to Manage Rising Building Costs for new builds and renovations

By Jamie Bonnefin on Feb 21, 2023 3:39:43 PM

Why Are Building Costs Rising?

Topics: ESD Glazing Architecture Sustainability Changes Energy Efficiency Insulation Green Star Rating Residential Alterations & Additions
6 min read

Passive House Retrofit

By Jamie Bonnefin on Feb 6, 2023 12:47:37 PM

What is a Passive House Retrofit?

Passive House retrofit is the process of upgrading an existing building to meet the Passive House standard. This typically involves improving the building's insulation, airtightness, and windows, and ensuring that the building has a good thermal envelope. A retrofitted Passive House should consume much less energy for heating and cooling and provide a comfortable indoor environment with good air quality.

Retrofitting an existing building to Passive House standards can be challenging and may require significant work and investment. However, the benefits of a retrofitted Passive House can be substantial, including significant energy savings, reduced carbon emissions, and improved indoor comfort.

Retrofitting a building to Passive House standards usually begins with an energy assessment to identify the building's current energy consumption and areas for improvement. Then, an energy-efficient design is developed, taking into account the specific conditions of the building, such as 

its orientation, size, and existing materials. The retrofit work is then carried out, including adding insulation, sealing air leaks, and upgrading the building's windows. Finally, the retrofitted building is tested to ensure that it meets the Passive House standard.

And in return, when a retrofit achieves Passive House standards, the home is certified as EnerPHit for certified retrofits.

Topics: ESD Architecture Sustainability Passive House Residential passive house australia Retrofit