Sustainable Builders Yak

Builders Declare
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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. 3D AGO

    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.

    54 min

  2. APR 27

    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

  3. APR 20

    Ep #60 Building Science & The Air We Breathe: A Deep Dive with Sean Maxwell

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Sean Maxwell from ATMA (Air Tightness Testing and Measurement Association) breaks down the essential intersection of building science, air tightness, and occupant health. He dismantles the industry myth that "houses need to breathe," explaining why modern buildings must be airtight to stay durable while the people inside receive controlled, filtered air. Sean shares insights on the global growth of testing data, the shift in air tightness metrics, and why a well-ventilated, airtight home is the ultimate secret to a restorative night’s sleep. Episode Highlights: The myth of the "breathing" houseATMA’s global data on air tightnessSurface area vs. volume metricsThe critical role of HRV/mechanical ventilationControlling moisture and "drying" potentialThe luxury of quiet, fresh-air bedroomsGuest: Sean Maxwell – ATMA / Scheme Manager Company: ATMA (Air Tightness Testing and Measurement Association) Company URL: https://www.atma.com.au/ 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.

    56 min

  4. APR 13

    Bonus Episode: What’s Broken in the Building Industry? With Matt from Pache Construction

    Send us Fan Mail What’s really holding the building industry back? In this Rethink bonus episode, Matt from Pache Construction shares an honest, on-the-ground perspective—from rising training costs and limited access to education, to the ongoing challenge of apprentice retention. With 17 years of experience, Matt breaks down the gaps he sees across the industry and why improving education, increasing inspections, and embracing sustainable building practices are critical for long-term change. He also shares his journey from carpenter to registered builder, his work in renovations and extensions, and his mission to move toward passive house construction. If you’re a builder, tradesperson, or simply interested in the future of construction, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss. Follow the podcast for more industry insights, share this episode with a builder or tradie in your network, and leave a review to support the show. Episode Highlights: Matt’s 17-year journey in the building industryThe real cost of education and why it’s a barrierApprentice retention challengesWhy sustainability and passive house building matterThe need for better inspections and industry standardsNotes: Guest: Matt — Pacha Construction Pacha Construction: https://pachebuilt.com/ Sustainable Builders Alliance (SBA): https://sustainablebuildersalliance.com.au/

    15 min

  5. APR 6

    Ep #59 How to Build a Profitable Construction Business | Alex Campbell

    Send us Fan Mail Episode Description Alex Campbell, director of Tallwood Custom Built Homes shares his journey from a two-way radio room to becoming one of Western Australia’s most awarded builders. In this episode, he unpacks the realities of building a profitable construction business—covering growth, client selection, insurance challenges, and long-term sustainability. Episode Covers  Building a successful construction business without a trade background  The importance of profit, systems, and smart client selection  Navigating home indemnity insurance and growth limits  Scaling teams, managing downturns, and industry challenges  Planning succession and creating a business that lasts Episode Highlights  From two-way radio room to award-winning builder  Why not being a tradie can be an advantage  Scaling from 3 to 42 staff—and back again  Lessons from COVID and industry shifts  Why profit is essential, not optional  Winning projects and building a strong reputation  Creating a clear exit and succession plan Perfect For  Builders growing or starting a business  Tradies transitioning into business ownership  Construction leaders and developers  Anyone interested in building a sustainable, profitable business Learn more: Sustainable Builders Alliance Tallwood Constructions

    1h 6m

  6. MAR 23

    Ep #58 Sustainable Timber Cladding with Andrew Smith (Weathertex)

    Send us Fan Mail Episode Description Simon Clark and Brian Guinan sit down with Andrew Smith from Weathertex to explore carbon-negative timber cladding and sustainable manufacturing. From their unique fibre-processing method to innovative product ranges like Weather Groove, Prime Board, and Natural Boards, this episode unpacks how low-carbon materials are shaping the future of construction. Episode Covers  Weathertex’s manufacturing process and Mason gun technology  How fibre processing improves durability and termite resistance  Overview of Weather Groove, Prime Board, and Natural Boards  Carbon-negative certification and Global GreenTag recognition  Water recycling and sustainable production practices  The role of education in promoting circular construction Episode Highlights  Weathertex’s unique timber fibre process  Prime Board’s 25-year warranty  Natural Board’s raw, untreated finish  Recycling over 1 million litres of water daily  Driving innovation in low-carbon building materials Perfect For  Builders and construction professionals  Architects and designers  Sustainability-focused industry leaders  Anyone interested in low-carbon and circular building Learn more: Sustainable Builders Alliance Weathertex

    36 min

  7. MAR 9

    Ep #57 Real Construction Insights with Build Insite & the Sustainable Builders Alliance

    Send us Fan Mail Episode Description What happens when experienced builders speak openly about the industry?  In this episode Brian & Simon sit down with Dean Backman and Luke Callery of Build Insite bringing real insight from real people on a pursuit to build better homes. With decades of hands-on experience, they share honest insights on the National Construction Code, labour shortages, sustainable building, and how collaboration and social media are reshaping the construction industry. Episode Covers • How Building Site started and why builders are sharing knowledge instead of competing  • The challenge of working with the National Construction Code in real projects  • The reality behind the labour and apprenticeship shortage  • Why sustainability and client education matter more than ever  • How social media is helping builders connect and improve the industry Episode Highlights 05:20 – The idea behind Build Insite 12:45 – Changing the industry’s negative reputation 22:10 – Apprenticeships and attracting new talent 35:15 – Different building regulations across states 48:00 – Final thoughts and what’s next Perfect For • Builders and tradies wanting practical industry insights • Apprentices entering the construction industry • Homeowners curious about how building really works • Industry professionals interested in collaboration and innovation To learn more about the Sustainable Builders Alliance head to our website: https://www.thesba.com.au/

    51 min

  8. FEB 23

    Ep #56 Cathy Inglis on the Future of Brick, Blocks & Masonry in Australian Construction

    Send us Fan Mail Episode Description Cathy Inglis, industry expert in masonry and brickwork, joins Brian Guinan and Simon Clark from SBA to explore the future of brick, block, and masonry in Australian construction. She discusses innovative construction materials, bespoke and architectural brick options, labor challenges, robotics in bricklaying, and strategies to support apprentices and small bricklaying businesses. Cathy also shares her views on the volatility of brick pricing, the complexity of the NCC, and practical solutions to make construction more efficient and sustainable. Episode Covers Innovative brick and block systems for speed and design flexibilityBespoke and architectural bricks, breeze blocks, and custom manufacturingLabor challenges and support for small bricklaying businesses and apprenticesRobotics and automation in brick and block laying for commercial buildsManaging bricklaying costs and industry price volatilityNational Construction Code simplification and practical interpretationSustainability and resilience in masonry applicationsPersonal insights: preferred materials, design approaches, and cultural influencesEpisode Highlights Alternative brick systems allow interior work while exteriors progress, reducing project timelinesDouble-story inset projects explore structural efficiencies using advanced materialsBespoke bricks and breeze blocks enable unique architectural features while meeting structural and safety standardsMost bricks in Australia are extruded; dry press manufacturing is limitedBrickies Network and ABBTF provide training, education, and support for apprentices and small business operatorsRobotics like the FBR Fast Brick Robot show potential for repetitive commercial builds but still require human inputBrick pricing reflects labor supply and demand; larger companies stabilize costs by employing bricklayers directlyNCC simplification would reduce misinterpretation, with clearer performance requirements preferredCathy shares personal insights: traditional brick, passive solar design, Wallabies supporter, and classic rock music fanPerfect For Builders, developers, and pre-construction consultantsMasonry contractors and bricklayersArchitects and designers exploring innovative brick and block solutionsUrban planners and residential construction professionalsAnyone interested in construction efficiency, sustainable materials, and industry trends

    1h 12m
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About

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

Information

  • Creator
    Builders Declare
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    65
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Sustainable Builders Yak
  • Show Website
    Sustainable Builders Yak

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