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. 4D AGO

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

    Send a text 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 11m

  2. FEB 9

    Ep #55 Melissa Neighbour: Smart Planning & Sustainable Housing Incentives

    Send a text Episode Description Melissa Neighbour, Founder and Principal Director of Sky Planning, takes us inside Australian council planning and residential development. She explains how state policies, council approvals, and incentive-based strategies shape projects, explores the shift from quarter-acre blocks to apartments and low-rise infill, and shares insights on sustainability, community-focused design, and navigating bureaucracy. Episode Covers The evolving Australian dream: apartments, terraces, dual occupanciesState vs council planning and non-discretionary standardsIncentive-based planning: FSR and height bonuses for sustainable, high-quality designAffordable housing integrated into luxury developmentsPlanning complexity and how expert planners help navigate approvalsSustainability, environmental resilience, and community-focused urban designPropinion: knowledge-sharing platform for planning professionalsEpisode Highlights State laws override restrictive council controls, easing approvalsLow-rise mixed-use and dual occupancy developments are increasingly feasibleIncentives encourage sustainable design and higher-quality outcomesAffordable housing bonuses improve supply in high-value areasWell-designed communal spaces and public transport critical for densityGreen facades and Nightingale-style apartments show functional, vibrant communitiesEngaging a planner streamlines approvals and maximizes property potentialPropinion platform enables industry-wide knowledge-sharingMelissa advocates better integration between planning and the NCC, with AI as a future toolPerfect For Builders, developers, and pre-construction consultantsUrban planners and residential designersAnyone interested in sustainable, community-focused housing

    1h 1m

  3. JAN 26

    Ep #54 Building Better Homes: John Bowen on 130 Years of Innovation at Bowens

    Send a text Episode Description John, Managing Director of Bowens, shares the story of a family-owned business founded in 1894 and his leadership journey since becoming Managing Director in 2005. We discuss how Bowens has grown through innovation, automation, and a focus on quality, speed, and ease of doing business. The episode explores timber and building supplies, expansion into claddings and linings, the importance of local manufacturing, supply chain reliability, and Bowens’ commitment to sustainable building and high-performance homes Episode Covers Bowens’ history and family legacyLeadership, innovation, and automationTimber and expanding product rangesLocal manufacturing and supply chainsSustainable building and collaboration Episode Highlights Bowens’ evolution from 1894 to todayInvestment in automation and innovationSupporting sustainable, high-performance homesIndustry challenges and future opportunities Perfect For Builders and construction professionalsSustainable building and timber advocatesIndustry leaders and innovators

    44 min

  4. JAN 12

    Ep #53 The Future of Housing Affordability and Supply with HIA's Simon Croft

    Send a text Episode Description: In this episode, we sit down with Simon Croft, Chief Executive of Industry and Policy at the Housing Industry Association (HIA), to explore the current state of Australia's housing market. Simon shares his extensive experience in construction, policy, and building, delving into the pressing challenges of housing affordability and supply shortages. With the government targeting the construction of 1.2 million homes in the next five years, Simon discusses the obstacles in meeting these ambitious goals, particularly the need for long-term planning and a sustainable workforce. He also highlights the regional housing boom and how millennials are driving the shift away from metropolitan areas in search of more affordable living options. As we dive deeper into the construction industry, Simon explains the impact of escalating construction costs and the industry's need for stabilization. With a focus on government policies, regional housing development, and industry workforce solutions, this episode provides a comprehensive overview of what it will take to meet Australia's housing demands and build a sustainable future for all. Episode Covers: The challenges of building 1.2 million homes over the next five yearsRegional housing growth driven by millennials and remote work trendsThe impact of construction costs and the ongoing need for industry stabilizationThe importance of long-term planning for Australia’s housing strategyDiverse solutions required for varying regional housing needsEpisode Highlights: Insights on Australia's housing shortage and supply chain issuesThe government’s role in addressing construction workforce gapsNavigating policy changes and innovative solutions to meet housing targetsHow regional areas are shaping the future of housing developmentPerfect For: Builders and tradespeoplePolicy makers and industry advocatesAnyone interested in the future of housing and construction in AustraliaThis episode offers a detailed exploration of the challenges facing Australia's housing market and the steps necessary to overcome them. Tune in for a candid conversation about the future of housing affordability, supply, and the workforce, and how these factors intersect with broader policy and sustainability goals.

    1h 22m

  5. 12/15/2025

    Ep #52 Electrifying Australia with Saul Griffith: How Tradespeople and Policy Can Lead the Clean Energy Revolution

    Send a text In this episode: We sit down with Saul Griffith to explore his journey from metallurgy to MIT, Silicon Valley, and now leading work in policy, engineering, and sustainability. Saul shares insights on electrification, zero-emissions infrastructure, and how tradespeople are central to building a clean energy future. We also dive into innovative ideas for long-lasting homes, smarter energy markets, and practical ways Australians can trade and generate electricity. Episode Covers: Electrification and the role of tradespeople in a zero-emissions futureReforming the electricity market to empower householdsImproving the National Construction Code and building “thousand-year homes”Sustainable construction materials: bricks, timber, and hybrid approachesCost savings, public health, and community benefits of clean energyChallenges and opportunities in clean tech supply chains and domestic manufacturingSaul’s productivity rituals and a sneak peek at his upcoming bookEpisode Highlights: Saul criticizes star ratings for homes and proposes energy efficiency measured in kilowatt hours per square meter per personDiscussion on Australians trading solar power peer-to-peerVision for long-lasting, durable, zero-emission homesFun rapid-fire questions: favorite sports teams, snacks, and music preferencesInsights into upcoming book and Substack updatesPerfect for: Sustainability enthusiasts and clean energy advocatesTradespeople and engineers interested in electrificationPolicy makers and innovators in energy and infrastructureAnyone curious about practical solutions for a zero-emission future

    59 min

  6. 12/01/2025

    Ep #51 Bamboo for a Sustainable Future: Building, Growing, and Innovating -With Jennifer Snyders

    Send a text In this episode, Jennifer Snyders, President of the Bamboo Society of Australia, shares her journey from indifference to advocacy for bamboo in sustainable construction, environmental restoration, and carbon reduction. Born into a bamboo legacy—her father founded House of Bamboo in 1972—Jennifer explains how this fast-growing, renewable material can transform Australia’s building landscape. Simon Clark highlights bamboo as a potential solution to construction supply challenges, noting its impressive CO₂ sequestration, rapid growth, and soil remediation. Jennifer also explores the development of structural bamboo in Australia, showing how engineered bamboo (CLB/LVB) could be a faster, sustainable, termite-resistant alternative to traditional timber. Growing and Using Bamboo in Australia: Bamboo seeds rarely (once every 100–150 years); propagation is usually through cuttings.Species thrive in diverse climates—from snow to temperate cities like Melbourne.Clumping bamboo prevents uncontrolled spreading.Bamboo is ideal for screens, landscaping, carbon offset, and building materials.The Bamboo Society (bamboo.org.au) lists growers and suppliers nationwide.Barriers to Adoption: Outdated perceptions, regulatory gaps, and misconceptions about bamboo as “non-structural” are slowing its uptake. Jennifer emphasizes engineered bamboo, performance-based standards, and carbon reduction targets to drive mainstream adoption. Episode Highlights:  From bamboo newbie to advocate for sustainable buildingCarbon storage, oxygen boost, and soil/water remediation benefitsFast-growing, termite-resistant structural bamboo for constructionWorks with timber machinery and plantations—collaboration potentialTackling perception, scaling, and regulatory hurdlesBamboo is a fast-growing, sustainable solution for construction, landscaping, and environmental restoration. Jennifer’s insights reveal its untapped potential and how performance-based engineering could make bamboo a mainstream building material in Australia. Brought to you by: Thermotek (Platinum sponsor), Binq and Live Life Build (Gold sponsors)

    49 min

  7. 11/17/2025

    Ep. #50 EV Fires: Is Your Electric Vehicle A Fire Risk? - With Emma Sutcliffe

    Send a text In this episode, Simon Clark and Brian Guinan chat with Emma Sutcliffe, Director of EV Firesafe, about the realities of electric vehicle (EV) fire safety. Emma shares how losing her plug-in hybrid in a 2018 bushfire inspired her mission to protect emergency responders, educate the public, and advance EV safety research in Australia. Dive behind the scenes of EV fire testing, from controlled burns in Perth to large-scale experiments with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) in the U.S. Emma explains EV battery longevity, recycling, and repurposing, and reveals insights from a Tesla Model Y crash investigation. She also highlights the need for more Australian-based EV battery recycling facilities. The episode also explores Defence electrification projects, including the world-first electric Bushmaster armored vehicle, and wraps up with a fun rapid-fire round where Emma shares her favorite home design tips, music, and Tim Tam hacks. Episode Covers: Expert insights into EV fire safety and battery testingBehind-the-scenes look at EV battery recycling and repurposingTesla Model Y crash investigation and lessons learnedElectrification of the Bushmaster armored vehicle in AustraliaEpisode Highlights: How a bushfire inspired Emma’s mission for EV fire safetyControlled burns in Perth and full-scale EV tests in the U.S.Challenges of end-of-life EV batteries and recycling solutionsWorld-first electric Bushmaster and Defence innovationRapid-fire fun: passive solar homes, Celtic music, and Tim TamsPerfect for EV owners, first responders, sustainability advocates, and Australian innovation enthusiasts, this episode covers everything you need to know about EV safety, battery management, and future-proofing our electric mobility. Brought you by: Weathertex (Platinum Sponsor), Evitat and Hydrowood ( Gold Sponsors)

    1h 8m

  8. 11/03/2025

    Ep #49 Ventilation, Air Quality & Energy Efficiency in High-Performance Homes – With Joel Seagren

    Send a text In Episode 49 of The Sustainable Builders Yak, we’re joined by Joel Seagren, National Mechanical Ventilation Engineer at Fantech, to unpack the critical (and often overlooked) role of ventilation in high-performance homes. With a background in mechanical engineering, renewable energy, and a Master’s in building sustainability, Joel brings decades of experience to this conversation — from consulting on daylight modeling in the early 2000s to becoming a NatHERS assessor and championing heat recovery ventilation (HRV) in Australian homes. This episode covers: The science of air tightness, energy efficiency, and healthy indoor airWhy 6 air changes per hour is a benchmark for installing HRVsThe difference between NatHERS and Passive House modelingThe limitations of relying on window ventilation in Australia’s energy codeThe evolving National Construction Code (NCC) requirements around mechanical ventilationThe need for a standardized testing method in high-performance constructionNew Zealand modeling data showing the energy-saving benefits of HRVsWhether you're a builder, architect, or energy consultant, this is a must-listen if you're working on airtight, efficient, and healthy homes in the Australian climate. 🧭 Episode Highlights: Joel’s engineering background and sustainability journeyThe evolution of ventilation standards in AustraliaHRVs, airtightness, and indoor air quality explainedComparing NatHERS vs Passive House modeling systemsIndustry push for testing standards and updated building codesMoisture control, filtration, and the future of ventilation🎙️ Brought to you by: Hygge WindowsWebber InsuranceNeXTimber

    1h 7m
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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
    58
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Sustainable Builders Yak
  • Show Website
    Sustainable Builders Yak

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