Sustainable Builders Yak

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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, Ian from Keystone Builders 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:
Ian – Keystone Builders
Company:
Keystone Builders
Company URL:
https://www.keystonebuilders.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.

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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 homes
Clients choosing cheaper builds
Shift from competition to collaboration
Proactive vs reactive builders
Importance of ongoing training
Guest:
Matt – MS Constructions
Company:
MS Constructions
Company URL:
https://www.msconstructions.net.au/
Sustainable Builders Alliance (SBA):
https://www.thesba.com.au

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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" house
ATMA’s global data on air tightness
Surface area vs. volume metrics
The critical role of HRV/mechanical ventilation
Controlling moisture and "drying" potential
The luxury of quiet, fresh-air bedrooms
Guest: 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

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