For Australian construction industry professionals facing the challenges of building high-performance, sustainable homes and homeowners looking to create their own sustainable high-performing home.
We're joined by Bec Kempster, Chief Operating Officer of the Sustainable Builders Alliance, to mark the official launch of the SBA new membership program.With a rich background in operations, marketing, and business leadership, Bec has played a pivotal role in aligning the Alliance around its core mission: to give you the confidence to build high-performing, sustainable homes.We unpack the “why” behind the membership, the benefits for builders and industry professionals, and how this growing movement is set to transform the future of residential construction in Australia and beyond.This episode is sponsored by JP Sustainable Homes, Hydrowood as our gold sponsors and Thermobuild as our silver sponsor.
Challenges of sustainability at scale as Australia's biggest home builder & 7 star NatHERS compliance across 6 climate zones & 100's of designs!Adrian Popple is Metricon's National Design Director and has been working with the company since 1988. Adrian has an incredible vantage point being a national leader and having seen the ups downs of the construction industry over nearly 40 years.He explains;What homeowners are looking for in terms of sustainability & wellness in a home?The challenges of custom homes and scaling a building company.We're the industry is at today & what we should expect the next few years.Building single story homes in 60 days!Requirement for sustainability action plans.How an over-stimulated economy nearly ruined the industry.How Australian banks influence the size of Australian homes.This episode is sponsored by Thermotek, Viva Living Homes & WesBeam
Running a carpentry or building company isn't just about swinging a hammer and managing job sites — it's a complex balancing act of business acumen, leadership, and industry know-how. In this episode, we sit down with Jake McArthur, CEO of Carpentry Australia, to unpack what it really takes to thrive in the building industry. From the challenges faced by tradies-turned-business-owners to the systems that separate the good from the great.Jake shares invaluable insights every builder or carpenter needs to hear. Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up your business, this is a conversation you won't want to miss. This episode is bought to you by Future Builder, Rylock Windows & Timber link.
What's the worst thing that can happen to a building company? Causing injury or even death to a worker on site, especially if you aren't carefully following an OH&S procedure!If you're a builder that's needs help with the paperwork for OH&S - This episode is a MUST listen!This episode is bought to you by Ultimate Windows, Webber Insurance and Yarrow Build
Brian & Simon are joined by Builders Coach, Kurt Hegetschweiler to discuss building a business that thrives. This episode is brought to you by Builders Coach, BINQ and FanTech
Brian & Simon are joined by Dr Fiona Gray of Bioliving by Design to discuss how biophilic design and building biology impact a home and it's occupants.This episode is brought to you by Holcim ECOPact concrete, Australian Glass Group & Live Life Build
Brian & Simon are joined by Paul Haar, Architect of over 40 years and a respected voice when it comes to the sustainable management of Australian forests and the timber industry.This episode is supported by Hygge Windows, Yarrow Build & Webber Insurance.
Brian & Simon are joined by the Australian Passive House Association (APHA) CEO, Alexia Lidas.This episode is sponsored by HazardCo as Platinum sponsor, ProClima & Oranik Engineering as Gold sponsors.
Brian & Simon are joined by strawbale guru Sam Vivers of Viva Homes who invented their own prefabricated strawbale wall panel system.This episode is bought to you by Thermotek, Wunderbuild and Eco Wise Homes.To check out Sam's Strawbale course go to https://www.arec.com.au/straw-bale-building-courses/
Brian & Simon are Joined by Robert Shaw of Daley & Shaw Building plus a CV as long as your arm.Rob is also on the National Board of Master Builders Australia and is Chair of the Master Builders National Residential Builders Council and former President of Master Builders Western Australia.This podcast is supported by Yarrow Build, Oranik Engineering, Live Life BuildPLEASE NOTE: This conversation in no way represents the views of Master Builders or any other organization discussed or represented. All views put forward are solely of the individual.
Brian & Simon are joined by Mike Ward, National Marketing and Business Development Manager for the Australian Glass Group.Thanks to our sponsors of this episode Sustainability Victoria, Keystone Constructions & Buildrite Projects
In this special 30th episode, Brian and Simon are joined by Joe Mercieca of Blue Eco Homes who has been an active in the construction industry since the late 1970's. This episode is the first Sustainable Builders Yak recorded in person, and was recorded at Castaway Studios in Melbourne.This episode it sponsored by CSR Bradford and Carbon Warrior
In this episode Brian & Simon are joined by Rosa Hollows and Emma Whitfield both women making there way in the Australian construction industry.This episode was sponsored by Stiebel Eltron, Oranik Engineering & 360 Building SolutionsIn this episode we discuss the importance of presenting the Trades as an option to young women early in their life, and how the organization Supporting And Linking Tradeswomen is helping to do that across Australia.
Brian & Simon are joined by John Dalla Via, National Business Development Manager & Alexsandra Guinan, Area Manager – Specification of Forest One.We discuss Forest One's many brands and true commitment to sustainability, and most importantly BEER! The wonder product, that may aid in the move away from silica based engineered stone and discussed in this episode is https://www.meganite.com.au/gallery/
Brian & Simon are joined by David Singh, State Manager of Surefoot Footings.This episode is sponsored by Rylock Windows as our Founding Sponsor and Performance Membranes and Purcell Homes as our gold sponsorsAlso check out Surefoot case studies discussed in this podcast.https://surefootfootings.com.au/case-studies/
Brian & Simon are joined by Alejo De Achaval of Peter Stutchbury Architects to discuss the Future House by Dimensions X.This widely acclaimed CLT prefabricated home has picked up a string of awards and media attention.Discussed in this video and recommended are the following links.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=be5WLNDZN38
Brian & Simon are joined by Craig Harris of Low Impact Development (LID) Consulting check out his website for numerous resources.This episode of the Sustainable Builders Yak is sponsored by Provans Timber & Hardware as a founding sponsor, Blaise Building Services and Backman Builders
Brian and Simon talk with Amelia Lee and Duayne Pearce of Live Life BuildThis episode is supported by Live Life Build, Ultimate Windows and Passive House design and ConstructAmelia Lee also has her own podcast Undercover ArchitectDuayne Pearce also has his own podcast Level Up with Duayne Pearce
Brian and Simon talk with Amelia Lee and Duayne Pearce of Live Life BuildThis episode is supported by Live Life Build, Ultimate Windows and Passive House design and ConstructAmelia Lee also has her own podcast Undercover ArchitectDuayne Pearce also has his own podcast Level Up with Duayne Pearce
In this episode Brian & Simon talk with Passive House guru Burkhard Hansen from Carbonlite, a Passive House certified premanufactured building panel.This episode it brought to you by Sustainability Victoria, Proclima Australia, Fantech & BINQFor more information check out https://www.thesba.com.au/
Brian and Simon talk with Dylan Viviers, National Specification Manager of Holcim who has played a pivotal role in the development of Holcim ECOPact.Concrete is the most utilized and versatile building material in the world and has been key to human civilization for thousands of years. Concrete emits 8% of the world's carbon emissions (nearly a quarter of all construction carbon) as of 2023.FACT; Rome's famed Pantheon, which has the world's largest unreinforced concrete dome and was dedicated in 128 C.E., is still intact, and some ancient Roman aqueducts still deliver water to Rome today.This episode of the Sustainable Builders Yak is sponsored by Holcim Australia, Steibel Eltron Australia and Xon Construction
Brian & Simon are joined by Yashar Nikpayam from Oranik Consulting EngineersThis episode is bought to you by CSR Bradford as a founding Platinum sponsor of the Sustainable Builders Alliance launching September 2023.
Brian & Simon are joined by Nathan Peart of Bushfire Smart.Bushfire Smart are the proud supporters of this episode https://bushfiresmart.com.au/
**SPECIAL EDITION**Brian & Simon sit down with the missing director from part 1, Hamish White from Sanctum Homes.Brian & Simon also give their insight as to the challenges and journey of a sustainable builder.You'll get an insight into the life of a builder, the trials and tribulations, and why we do what we do.Build companies of each director of Builders Declare are; https://michaellimbbuilders.com.au/https://www.positivefootprints.com.au/https://gluxbuilders.com.au/https://www.alignedbuilding.com/https://www.yoursanctum.com.au/https://ismart-bg.com.au/https://sustainablehomesmelbourne.com.au/Please find some references from the episode below;Michael Mobbs, Sustainable House book https://www.sustainablehouse.com.au/Passive House in 90 seconds https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7iXXm4yskk
**SPECIAL EDITION**Brian & Simon sit down with all Directors of Builders Declare (except one) to talk about why we do what we do.You'll get an insight into the life of a builder, the trials and tribulations, and why we do what we do.Build companies of each director of Builders Declare are; https://michaellimbbuilders.com.au/https://www.positivefootprints.com.au/https://gluxbuilders.com.au/https://www.alignedbuilding.com/https://www.yoursanctum.com.au/https://ismart-bg.com.au/https://sustainablehomesmelbourne.com.au/Please find some references from the episode below;Michael Mobbs, Sustainable House book https://www.sustainablehouse.com.au/Passive House in 90 seconds https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7iXXm4yskk
Brian and Simon chat with Dr Martin Anda environmental engineer and expert in urban water efficiency, solid waste recycling and energy efficiency in buildings at Murdoch University.We recommend checking out Collie concrete which could be the low carbon concrete of the future.https://colliecrete.com.au/
Brian and Simon are joined by Marcus Strang (1 of 4 passive house certifiers in Australia) from HIP V. HYPE and discuss the challenges of executing a certified passive house.This podcast is supported by HIP V. HYPEResources we discuss in this episode are;https://passipedia.org/https://www.passivhausassociation.com.au/
Brian and Simon are joined by Finn Peacock who's website Solar Quotes has helped thousands of Aussies find the right solar system and installer for their home.This episode is sponsored by Solar Quotes.
Brian and Simon are joined by Tom Stephenson the National Sales Manager of Renewable Technologies for Stiebel Eltron Australia.This episode dives into the depths of renewable solutions for residential construction.This episode is sponsored by Stiebel Eltron Australia, to find out more visit https://www.stiebel-eltron.com.au/
Brian and Simon are joined by Jesse Clarke the technical lead of Innovation and Research & Development for Pro Clima in Australia & New Zealand.Jesse is also a co-author of the Pro Clima Australia Study, worth checking out via this link https://proclima.com.au/This episode of the Sustainable Builders Yak is bought to you by Pro Clima
Brian and Simon are joined by Robin Campbell of e-Tool and dive deep into how e-Tool use Life Cycle Assessment to understand and work to decrease the carbon in our built environment.e-Tool was founded in Perth, Western Australia in 2010 and is one of the global leaders in Life Cycle Assessment and are supporters of the Sustainable Builders Yak podcast.
On this episode Brian & Simon speak with Andrew Wisbey of Hybrid Green.Andrew knows insulation like few people in Australia with over 13 years as Specification Manager for Kingspan.Andrew is now Director of Hybrid Green a proud sponsor of the Sustainable Builder Yak podcast.info@hybridgreen.com
Brian & Simon speak with Neil Gray State Manager of Master Builders Insurance Brokers (MBIB).Neil has spent 40 years in Construction insurance and knows the game like few others.https://www.mbib.com.au/advice/industry-expertise/your-local-mbib-team/
Brian and Simon talk with Johan Tjissen an industry pioneer in the integration of Hemp into the building Industry and director of Hempcrete Australia and Hemp Block Australia.Japanese hempcrete house built in 1698 http://www.japanhemp.org/en/miasahouse.htm
Brian & Simon are joined by Steffen Welsch of Architects Declare Australia and discuss the global 'Declare' movement and how Builders can win more work with top shelf Architect firms.
Olivia Terziovski of Boutique Lawyers breaks down the do's & don'ts of Australian building contracts.This episode isn't specifically about sustainable construction, but how Australian builders can ensure there business is safeguarded against price rises and getting your Building contracts right.This episode is sponsored by Boutique Lawyers who are also giving away 10 X Hardcopies of 'How to Prosper as a Property Developer' Email Olivia at mail@boutiquelawyers.com.au for your copy
Brian & Simon talk with Jessica Allen, former ESD Consultant and Business Manager at SUHO, and currently the Technical Manager at Climasure based out of Adelaide .This is episode it bought to you by Climasure for more information check out their website.References;https://www.nathers.gov.au/nathers-accredited-software
Brian & Simon talk with Kate Nason, Sustainability Advisor and Chairperson of the Australian Passive House Association.This is episode it bought to you by Kellet Design Group for more information check out their website.
Brian Guinan & Simon Clark are joined by Hamish White of Sanctum Homes to discuss the pros & cons of Panel construction.Hear builders with a wealth of experience working with all types of panel and prefabricated construction.Useful links;https://www.prefabaus.org.au/https://www.offsite.net.au/https://www.sipsindustries.com.au/http://www.crosslamaustralia.com.au/https://www.colli.com.au/truss-and-frame/https://builtoffsite.com.au/emag/issue-01/prefab-australian-building-sector/https://designbuildexpo.com.au/building-construction/the-prefabrication-debate/
One of Builders Declare's founding members Jesse Glascott of G-Lux Builders has just finished building what will be a certified Passive House for himself and his family.Listen as we review the incredible products, materials and techniques Jesse used to build his home, and wait till you hear how incredibly low Jesse got his ACH... IMPRESSIVE!A huge thanks to our sponsors BINQ High-performing Windows & Doors & ASC Tanks
Brian & Simon are joined by Mick Limb from Michael Limb Builders and we explore Construction Waste.How can we reuse the 20 Million tonnes of waste the Australian construction industry produces.We work through the demolition of an existing home, and breakdown what can and can't be Recycled or Upcycled.How large manufacturers can help reduce waste.Some heroes making construction waste into beautiful products such as;https://www.fivemileradius.org/https://lohasau.com/bricks/recycledhttps://www.vinyl.org.au/sustainability/recyclinghttps://www.gyprock.com.au/about-us/plasterboard-recyclingServices you can use to help prevent construction waste;http://mobiusmr.com.au/https://jumbocorp.com.au/https://www.paintback.com.au/https://www.glavel.com/Grab your FREE TICKET to the upcoming Webinar on CARBON NEUTRAL CONCRETE presented by Holicim
Brian & Simon are joined by Michael Murphy from Aligned Building to discuss changes proposed to the National Construction Code coming into affect in 2022, and (most importantly) how they help Builders and Tradies create a sustainable industry.For those that want to know more;NCC Explainer Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5gFnPKCREOkOverview of Proposed Changes - https://consultation.abcb.gov.au/engagement/ncc-2022-public-comment-draft-stage-2/supporting_documents/Infographic%20%20Overview%20of%20proposed%20changes.PDFNatHERS Whole of Home - https://www.nathers.gov.au/resources/whole-of-home-overviewCodeMark, How it Works - https://www.abcb.gov.au/about-codemark/how-it-worksThis podcast episode is bought to you by Builders Declare Australiahttps://au.buildersdeclare.com/
Three of the founders of Builders Declare Australia sit down to discuss the challenges Australian builders are facing with Australia's (and the world's) timber shortage.Local shortages of timber Australia wideHow the use of timber captures carbon in our homesThe potential of 'green' steelImpacts of the timber shortage around the worldHow timber is replenished every 12secondsHierarchy of timberRecycled timberBamboo timberJeremy's wood sculpting