Sustainable Builders Yak

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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 metal
LEARN MORE
Arkata: https://arkata.com/  
Sustainable Builders Alliance (SBA): https://www.thesba.com.au
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The Sustainable Builders Yak Podcast

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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 journey
Guest:
 Kyle & Luke – Future Builder
Company:
 Future Builder
Company URL:
 https://www.futurebuilder.com.au/

Sustainable Builders Alliance (SBA):
 https://www.thesba.com.au

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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 site
How the bin system works and what it actually costs builders
Processing partners, contamination-free supply chains, and the end market
The RMIT global first study on construction site packaging waste
Extended Producer Responsibility and voluntary vs. mandatory stewardship
Sustainability Victoria's axing and what it means for recycling infrastructure
Waste-to-energy and the future of landfill in Australia
Advice for eco entrepreneurs: passion, immersion, and learning by doing
LEARN MORE
RecycleAll: https://www.recycleall.com.au 
NeverStop Construction: https://www.neverstop.com.au/
Sustainable Builders Alliance (SBA): https://www.thesba.com.au
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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 building
Value of SBA badges for credibility and clients
Need for better collaboration across the industry
Educating clients on sustainable building
Innovative hemp house project in Geelong
Guest:
Iain – Keystone Construction
Company:
Keystone Construction
Company URL:
www.keystoneconstruction.com.au
Sustainable Builders Alliance (SBA):
https://www.thesba.com.au

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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

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This episode is proudly brought to you by Craftwood Hardwood, Wunderbuild, and Powerhaus.