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. 23H AGO

    Ep. #50 EV Fires, Battery Life & Aussie Innovations: Inside Electric Vehicle Safety -With Emma Sutcliffe

    Send us 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 9m

  2. NOV 3

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

    Send us 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 8m

  3. OCT 20

    Ep #48 How Builders Can Better Qualify Clients and Win Back Time

    Send us a text How many hours have you wasted quoting jobs that never go ahead? In this episode of The Sustainable Builders Yak, we’re joined by Richard Armstrong, a former Melbourne renovation builder who turned over a decade of hard-earned experience — and frustration — into innovation. After 15 years working on extensions and renovations across inner-city Melbourne, Richard saw firsthand how vague budgets, mismatched expectations, and time-wasting quotes were burning out good builders. So, he built a solution: Procalc — a powerful feasibility tool that helps builders qualify clients early, set realistic budgets, and stop wasting time on projects that were never going to stack up. Procalc now draws on data from over 35,000 real builder projects, delivering 93% cost accuracy even without plans. It’s changing the way builders have that all-important first conversation with clients — bringing more clarity, confidence, and credibility to the table. Whether you’re a builder, designer, or consultant, this episode is packed with real-world insight on how to work smarter, quote less, and win more of the right kind of jobs. 📌 This episode covers: The real cost of vague briefs and unqualified leadsHow Procalc helps builders quote less and win moreUsing data (not guesswork) to manage client expectationsWhy feasibility studies should happen before designBuilding trust with clients, architects, and designersA new approach to sustainable, profitable building🧭 Episode Highlights: Richard’s journey from builder to software creatorThe lessons (and pain) that inspired ProcalcThe surprising accuracy of 35,000+ real project data pointsQualifying clients without needing full plansUsing Procalc’s carbon calculator to guide sustainable choicesBuilder burnout, value management, and better conversationsQuick-fire fun: Geelong Cats, R&B playlists & Anzac biscuits Brought to you by: McCormacks AustraliaJP Sustainable HomesValley Windows

    1h 1m

  4. OCT 6

    Ep #47 – From The Block to Building Better: Jesse Raeburn on Real Estate, Resilience & Sustainable Homes

    Send us a text In this episode, we’re joined by Jesse Raeburn, a former Block contestant, and real estate agent turned builder, who is now creating high-performance, sustainable homes in Melbourne. Jesse shares his journey from starting as a tiler in Queensland to transitioning into real estate, and eventually following his passion for building. He reflects on the valuable lessons he learned along the way — including the importance of building strong relationships with agents, and how choosing the right clients can help avoid unnecessary stress and ensure a smoother build process. We explore key principles of sustainable construction such as airtightness, insulation, and long-term cost savings, and dive into how public perception around energy-efficient homes is slowly changing. Jesse also explains how his background in real estate shaped his understanding of the market, and why education plays a crucial role in shifting both client expectations and industry standards. This conversation offers great insight for builders, designers, and industry professionals looking to better understand the intersection of sustainability, construction, and client engagement. 🎙️ This podcast is proudly sponsored by:  Ultimate Windows & Futurebuilder– Platinum Sponsors  Rylock Windows & Doors– Gold Sponsor Stay sharp and stay sustainable.

    51 min

  5. SEP 15

    Ep #46 How Better Building Wraps Work - and Why They Matter

    Send us a text The Australian construction industry is recognizing the importance of weather resistant and vapour permeable building wraps. A correctly applied building wrap goes a long way to creating a resilient home protecting the building structure from water penetrating into the structure. In this conversation with Jesse Clarke, ProClima's Innovation and Research & Development Manager we dive deep into the science involved for a highly resilient and high-performing building envelope. This podcast is sponsored by Performance Membranes, Eco Homes Group & Efficiency Matrix

    1h 3m

  6. SEP 1

    Ep #45 Jeremy McLeod: From Small Town to Nation-Leading Architect

    Send us a text Jeremy McLeod a ground-breaking Architect the entire built environment community can learn from. We talk all things sustainable architect and sustainable construction. This episode is brough to you by Holcim, Valley Windows & Crafted Hardwood If you're looking for a renewable energy provider try Momentum Energy The Sustainable Builders Yak has no affiliation with Momentum Energy, though we'd love to get in touch.

    1h 2m

  7. AUG 18

    Ep #44 Herald Sun Journalist on Why Sustainability Is a Must-Have for Homeowners

    Send us a text A conversation with Nathan Mawby, Property Journalist from the Herald Sun and Realestate.com where we discuss consumer trends with property sustainability. This episode is brought to you by Weathertex, Wunderbuild & Vapourseal Builders, Designers & Architects; Sign up to be an Sustainable Builders Alliance member via https://www.thesba.com.au/signup

    1h 2m

  8. AUG 4

    Ep #43 - The Truth About High-Performance Construction - Once You See It You Can’t Unsee It!

    Send us a text Meet Dave Hurley - a sharp, detail-driven carpenter who’s raising the bar on what it means to build better.  In this episode, we unpack what separates true high-performance construction from the rest.  We explore the build details most people miss - and why once you see them, you can’t unsee them.  This episode is sponsored by HazardCo, Proclima, Recycle All

    52 min
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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 - 2025
  • Episodes
    52
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Sustainable Builders Yak
  • Show Website
    Sustainable Builders Yak

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