Mindful Builder

Concrete is responsible for 8% of global carbon emissions.  That's a staggering number when you consider how much concrete surrounds us every day. So when Daniel from Curvecrete told us his technology could reduce concrete emissions by 70%, we had to understand how. What we learned might change how you think about one of construction's most fundamental materials. Low-carbon concrete is a practical technology addressing real industry challenges. As sustainability requirements tighten and carbon costs increase, innovations like Curvecrete become competitive advantages rather than nice-to-haves. For builders considering future projects, understanding these emerging technologies positions you ahead of regulatory changes and client demands. The question isn't whether sustainable concrete will become mainstream - it's whether you'll be ready when it does. LINKS: Curvecrete [https://curvecrete.com/] Connect with us on Instagram:   @themindfulbuilderpod [https://www.instagram.com/themindfulbuilderpod/] Connect with Hamish: Instagram:  @sanctumhomes [https://www.instagram.com/sanctumhomes/] Website:    [https://www.yoursanctum.com.au/]www.yoursanctum.com.au/ [http://www.yoursanctum.com.au/] Connect with Matt:  Instagram: @carlandconstructions [https://www.instagram.com/carlandconstructions/] Website:   [https://www.carlandconstructions.com/]www.carlandconstructions.com/ [http://www.carlandconstructions.com/]

"I'm fine." How many times have you heard that response when you knew it wasn't true?  We've all been there - sensing something's off with a mate, colleague, or family member, but hesitating to dig deeper. What if we’re making things awkward? What if we don't know what to say? RUOK Day [https://www.ruok.org.au/] exists to break through exactly this hesitation and give you the perfect excuse to ask your mates how they’re really doing. We sat down with Alistair Schuback, RUOK Day Ambassador and Safety Culture Specialist, who's witnessed firsthand how mental health plays out in workplaces and communities. His insights combine practical advice with personal experience, focusing on creating environments where people feel safe to speak up. RUOK Day happens once a year, but its message applies every day. Making mental health check-ins a regular habit, especially in high-stress industries like construction, could prevent tragedies and improve workplace culture. The question isn't whether you're qualified to ask, it's whether you care enough to try. Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is simply show up and listen. So, are you OK? And more importantly, who will you ask today? LINKS: RUOK Day [https://www.ruok.org.au/] Connect with us on Instagram:   @themindfulbuilderpod [https://www.instagram.com/themindfulbuilderpod/] Connect with Hamish: Instagram:  @sanctumhomes [https://www.instagram.com/sanctumhomes/] Website:    [https://www.yoursanctum.com.au/]www.yoursanctum.com.au/ [http://www.yoursanctum.com.au/] Connect with Matt:  Instagram: @carlandconstructions [https://www.instagram.com/carlandconstructions/] Website:   [https://www.carlandconstructions.com/]www.carlandconstructions.com/ [http://www.carlandconstructions.com/]

"Why is my building surveyor being so difficult?"  Almost every builder has asked this question at some point, usually when facing another compliance issue or documentation request. But what if we've been looking at this relationship all wrong? We sat down with Dave from Permit Approvals Plus [https://www.permitapprovalsplus.com.au/] to understand why building surveyors might actually be builders' best allies, not obstacles. In an industry where regulations constantly evolve, trusted building surveyors aren't just helpful - they're essential. They bring knowledge that ensures builds meet stringent industry standards, creating construction that performs well long-term. For builders planning projects, engaging surveyors early isn't a setback - it's a strategy. This partnership provides tools for construction excellence while protecting against compliance issues that could surface later. LINKS: Permit Approvals Plus [https://www.permitapprovalsplus.com.au/] Connect with us on Instagram:   @themindfulbuilderpod [https://www.instagram.com/themindfulbuilderpod/] Connect with Hamish: Instagram:  @sanctumhomes [https://www.instagram.com/sanctumhomes/] Website:    [https://www.yoursanctum.com.au/]www.yoursanctum.com.au/ [http://www.yoursanctum.com.au/] Connect with Matt:  Instagram: @carlandconstructions [https://www.instagram.com/carlandconstructions/] Website:   [https://www.carlandconstructions.com/]www.carlandconstructions.com/ [http://www.carlandconstructions.com/]

"We're training apprentices the same way we did 30 years ago."  That stark observation from Trent McCarthy, Director of Clean Economy at Melbourne Polytechnic [https://www.melbournepolytechnic.edu.au/], captures a fundamental problem in Australian construction. While technology transforms how we build, our training methods remain stuck in the past. We sat down with Trent to understand why the building industry's education system desperately needs an overhaul. For the building industry to attract and retain the next generation, training must evolve to match how we actually work today. The question isn't whether change is needed, it's whether we'll act quickly enough to remain competitive. LINKS: Melbourne Polytechnic: [https://www.melbournepolytechnic.edu.au/] Connect with us on Instagram:   @themindfulbuilderpod [https://www.instagram.com/themindfulbuilderpod/] Connect with Hamish: Instagram:  @sanctumhomes [https://www.instagram.com/sanctumhomes/] Website:    [https://www.yoursanctum.com.au/]www.yoursanctum.com.au/ [http://www.yoursanctum.com.au/] Connect with Matt:  Instagram: @carlandconstructions [https://www.instagram.com/carlandconstructions/] Website:   [https://www.carlandconstructions.com/]www.carlandconstructions.com/ [http://www.carlandconstructions.com/]

One back injury changed everything for Jake.  After years perfecting his carpentry skills, a seemingly minor workplace injury ended his on-site career. What happened next challenges everything we think we know about career transitions in the trades. We sat down with Jake from Notorious Tools [https://notorioustools.com.au/] to understand how he rebuilt his professional life when his body couldn't handle the physical demands anymore. Jake's journey demonstrates that career-ending injuries don't have to mean industry-ending relationships. Sometimes forced transitions open opportunities you never considered. The challenge is recognising that your industry knowledge and professional relationships remain valuable assets, even when your physical capabilities change. LINKS: Notorious Tools: https://notorioustools.com.au/ Connect with us on Instagram:   @themindfulbuilderpod [https://www.instagram.com/themindfulbuilderpod/] Connect with Hamish: Instagram:  @sanctumhomes [https://www.instagram.com/sanctumhomes/] Website:    [https://www.yoursanctum.com.au/]www.yoursanctum.com.au/ [http://www.yoursanctum.com.au/] Connect with Matt:  Instagram: @carlandconstructions [https://www.instagram.com/carlandconstructions/] Website:   [https://www.carlandconstructions.com/]www.carlandconstructions.com/ [http://www.carlandconstructions.com/]