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. 2d ago

    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

    1h 12m

  2. May 25

    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

  3. May 18

    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

  4. May 11

    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

  5. May 4

    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

  6. 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

  7. 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.

    55 min

  8. 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
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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
    69
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Sustainable Builders Yak
  • Show Website
    Sustainable Builders Yak

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