Sustainable Builders Yak

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For Australian construction professionals building high-performing, sustainable homes and homeowners looking to create their own sustainable, high-performing home.

  1. 29 juin

    Ep #65 Solving Construction's Skills Shortage: Apprenticeships & Workforce Development with Ben Bardon

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Ben Bardon, CEO of the National Australian Apprenticeships Association (NAAA), shares his journey from working as a painter and decorator to becoming one of Australia's leading voices on apprenticeships, skills development, and workforce planning. The conversation explores the challenges facing the construction industry, including labour shortages, apprenticeship completion rates, skills pathways, and the growing demand for qualified tradespeople needed to meet Australia's housing and infrastructure targets.  The discussion dives into the realities of the apprenticeship system, examining how young people enter the trades, the role of schools and vocational education, and the barriers preventing more Australians from pursuing construction careers. Ben also unpacks the impact of migration, government incentives, workforce participation, and industry culture, while highlighting practical solutions to improve apprenticeship outcomes, attract more women into the trades, and build a stronger, more sustainable construction workforce for the future. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS  Ben's journey from tradesperson and educator to CEO of the National Australian Apprenticeships Association  The state of apprenticeships and workforce shortages in the Australian construction industry  Why apprenticeship commencements and completions are struggling to keep pace with demand  School pathways, vocational education, and helping young people discover careers in the trades  The role of migration, government incentives, and workforce planning in addressing skills shortages  Supporting apprentices through training, mentoring, and industry pathways  Increasing female participation and creating more inclusive construction workplaces  The future of Australia's construction workforce and the challenge of delivering enough skilled tradespeople LEARN MORE NAAA: https://www.naaa.com.au/about-us Sustainable Builders Alliance (SBA): https://www.thesba.com.au BROUGHT TO YOU BY The Sustainable Builders Alliance

    55 min

  2. 15 juin

    Ep #64 Raising the Standard: Sustainable Design and the Future of Australian Housing with Candice Halliday

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Candice Halliday from CNA Design Studio shares her journey from founding a successful architecture practice to becoming a leading voice for emerging professionals within the Australian architecture industry. As the incoming president of Imagine at the Australian Institute of Architects, Candice discusses the importance of collaboration, sustainable design, and creating healthier, higher-performing buildings that meet the challenges of a changing climate.  The conversation explores the role of Passive House principles, building performance, retrofit design, and the future of sustainable construction in Australia. Candice shares insights from the Thrive Passive House Conference, discusses the need for better building quality and public education, and explains why architects, builders, policymakers, and industry organisations must work together to drive meaningful change. We also dive into adaptive reuse, reducing embodied carbon, improving building standards, and how emerging technologies and AI could help shape the future of architecture and construction. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS  Candice's journey from sole practitioner to founder of a growing architecture practice  Lessons and insights from the Thrive Passive House Conference  Passive House principles and improving building performance in Australia  Building healthier, more energy-efficient homes through better design  Retrofit strategies, adaptive reuse, and reducing embodied carbon  The future of sustainable architecture and the role of the NCC  Why collaboration between architects, builders, and industry bodies matters  AI, innovation, and emerging opportunities for the next generation of architects LEARN MORE CNA Design Studio: https://www.cnadesignstudio.com/ Sustainable Builders Alliance (SBA): https://www.thesba.com.au BROUGHT TO YOU BY The Sustainable Builders Alliance

    1 h

  3. 1 juin

    Ep #63 Bridging the Gap: Overcoming Australia's Home Performance Crisis with Ben Walsham

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Ben Walsham from Arkata shares his journey from studying as an architect to becoming a certified energy assessor, and how witnessing underperforming, single-glazed luxury developments drove him to step away from traditional volume building to tackle Australia's home performance crisis. The conversation explores how a simple shift in mindset, moving away from added R-values and looking at total U-values instead, can completely reframe how architects and homeowners understand heat loss and window budgets. The conversation digs deep into the realities of modern construction, bridging the gap between design theory and actual on-site sequencing. Ben explains how Arkata utilises early-stage thermal modelling and a unique "value engineering for performance" dashboard to eliminate weeks of frustrating coordination, helping clients optimise their designs before town planning approval. We also dive into the future of the industry, unpacking the upcoming 2029 code changes, the rise of AI-powered compliance tools like NatHERS Hero, and why mandatory energy disclosure at the point of sale is the ultimate financial catalyst needed to transform Australia’s housing market. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS Ben’s origin story: from volume builder graduate architect to sustainability consultant The reality gap: how architecture curriculum falls short on contract admin and buildability Reframing metrics: why added R-values mislead the industry and how U-values expose glass as the weakest link Value engineering for performance: using upfront dashboards to balance budgets and hit 8+ star ratings The 2029 code roadmap: AI-powered software, NatHERS Hero, and scaling efficiency to 200,000 homes a year As-built verification: the transition toward airtightness testing and closing the performance gap Mandatory energy disclosure: how banks, ESG ratings, and point-of-sale reporting will drive the retrofit economy Quick-fire round: passive house vs. solar design, SIPS alternative construction, and a surprising love for death metalLEARN MORE Arkata: https://arkata.com/  Sustainable Builders Alliance (SBA): https://www.thesba.com.auBROUGHT TO YOU BY The Sustainable Builders Yak Podcast

    1 h 13 min

  4. 25 mai

    Bonus Episode: Scaling Your Building Business with Kyle & Luke from Future Builder

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Kyle and Luke from Future Builder share how their platform is helping builders scale their businesses through structured systems, training, and community support. They dive into the fundamentals of running a profitable construction business—from accurate pricing and strong sales processes to effective project management. They also introduce Future Builder’s core tools, including Base Camp, The Vault, and Key to the Kingdom, designed to provide builders with practical resources and white-label assets. Kyle, a 32-year-old custom home builder from Tasmania, also shares his journey in the industry and the lessons he’s learned along the way. The conversation explores the future of construction, including the growing impact of AI and robotics in improving productivity and efficiency. Episode Highlights: Understanding pricing and profitability Improving project management systems Building an effective sales process Overview of Base Camp, The Vault, and Key to the Kingdom Role of AI and robotics in construction Insights from a custom home builder’s journeyGuest:  Kyle & Luke – Future Builder Company:  Future Builder Company URL:  https://www.futurebuilder.com.au/ Sustainable Builders Alliance (SBA):  https://www.thesba.com.au

    14 min

  5. 18 mai

    Ep #62 Closing the Loop: Solving Construction's Plastic Waste Problem with RecycleAll

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Damien Collins from RecycleAll and NeverStop Construction shares his journey from plumber to eco entrepreneur, and how building some of Melbourne's most celebrated sustainable projects — including the prototype for the Nightingale Housing model — led him to tackle construction's most overlooked problem: plastic waste. The conversation explores the circular economy opportunity hiding in plain sight on every building site, from cable spools and polystyrene packaging to PVC pipe offcuts. Damien explains how RecycleAll's app-based bin system makes on-site waste separation simple, contaminant-free, and commercially viable — and why it often costs builders less than traditional landfill skips. We dive into the 18 months of groundwork required to build relationships with processing partners, the landmark RMIT study on construction site packaging waste (a world first), and what Extended Producer Responsibility could mean for the industry. The episode also covers the devastating axing of Sustainability Victoria, the future of waste-to-energy, and why mandatory stewardship schemes are the missing piece in Australia's circular economy puzzle. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS RecycleAll's origin story — born from frustration on a city of Yarra job siteHow the bin system works and what it actually costs buildersProcessing partners, contamination-free supply chains, and the end marketThe RMIT global first study on construction site packaging wasteExtended Producer Responsibility and voluntary vs. mandatory stewardshipSustainability Victoria's axing and what it means for recycling infrastructureWaste-to-energy and the future of landfill in AustraliaAdvice for eco entrepreneurs: passion, immersion, and learning by doingLEARN MORE RecycleAll: https://www.recycleall.com.au  NeverStop Construction: https://www.neverstop.com.au/ Sustainable Builders Alliance (SBA): https://www.thesba.com.au BROUGHT TO YOU BY

    51 min

  6. 11 mai

    Bonus Episode: Iain from Keystone Construction on Better Clients & Smarter Builds

    Send us Fan Mail In this Rethink bonus episode, Iain from Keystone Construction shares his unique journey into building—from a background in biology and environmental engineering to delivering innovative, sustainable homes. He discusses the challenges of entering the industry, the value of SBA badges in attracting better clients, and why stronger collaboration between designers, architects, and builders is key to improving outcomes. Ian also shares insights into a current hemp house project, highlighting his commitment to pushing boundaries in sustainable construction. Episode Highlights: Transition from environmental science to buildingValue of SBA badges for credibility and clientsNeed for better collaboration across the industryEducating clients on sustainable buildingInnovative hemp house project in GeelongGuest: Iain – Keystone Construction Company: Keystone Construction Company URL: www.keystoneconstruction.com.au Sustainable Builders Alliance (SBA): https://www.thesba.com.au

    12 min

  7. 4 mai

    Ep #61 Building Better: Matt Carland on Sustainability, Mindset & Industry Change

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Matt Carland from Carland Construction shares his journey from aspiring surgeon to builder, and how it led him to focus on sustainable, high-performance homes. The conversation explores key challenges in the construction industry, including skills shortages, licensing, and the influence of social media. Matt also highlights the importance of mental health and mindfulness for long-term success. We dive into Passive House principles—airtightness, insulation, and thermal bridging—and how they are shaping better building practices in Australia. The episode also covers motivation and reward systems for apprentices, financial literacy for builders, and the realities of managing workload, setting boundaries, and avoiding overcommitment. Matt shares practical insights on planning, client communication, and making smarter financial decisions to grow a sustainable business. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS   Sustainable and high-performance building focus  Mental health and mindfulness in construction  Passive House principles and building standards  Skills shortages and licensed trades  Financial literacy and scaling a building business  Work-life balance and avoiding overbooking  Planning and client communication LEARN MORE Carland Construction: https://www.carlandconstructions.com/ Sustainable Builders Alliance (SBA): https://www.thesba.com.au BROUGHT TO YOU BY This episode is proudly brought to you by Craftwood Hardwood, Wunderbuild, and Powerhaus.

    55 min

  8. 27 avr.

    Bonus Episode: A Passion to Learn with Matt from MS Constructions

    Send us Fan Mail In this Rethink bonus episode, Matt from MS Constructions shares a real, on-the-ground perspective—from financing challenges and valuation gaps to the growing divide in builder knowledge. He explores the frustration of delivering high-performance homes in a system that doesn’t yet value them, and why some clients still walk away—even after years of education. Matt also highlights the shift from competition to collaboration, and the difference between proactive and reactive builders. A candid look at the challenges—and opportunities—shaping the future of building better homes. Episode Highlights: Bank valuation vs high-performance homesClients choosing cheaper buildsShift from competition to collaborationProactive vs reactive buildersImportance of ongoing trainingGuest: Matt – MS Constructions Company: MS Constructions Company URL: https://www.msconstructions.net.au/ Sustainable Builders Alliance (SBA): https://www.thesba.com.au

    15 min
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For Australian construction professionals building high-performing, sustainable homes and homeowners looking to create their own sustainable, high-performing home.

Informations

  • Création
    Builders Declare
  • Années d’activité
    2021 - 2026
  • Épisodes
    71
  • Classification
    Contenu explicite
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Sustainable Builders Yak
  • Site web de l’émission
    Sustainable Builders Yak

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