Australia’s construction industry is at a crossroads. As climate change accelerates and minimum energy performance standards tighten, the materials we build with are under the microscope.
And for good reason.
From the slabs we pour to the cladding on our walls, the products we choose can make or break a building’s sustainability. That’s where all-natural and low-impact materials come into play, not just as a trend, but as the new benchmark.
We were given a grand tour of Weathertex’s all-natural cladding manufacturing process in Episode 2 of Energy Matters. Let’s take a look at how sustainable materials, like all-natural cladding, are helping to reshape the construction industry.
Why construction needs a cleaner conscience
Buildings account for nearly a quarter of Australia’s emissions. Much of that stems from energy use, but the materials we use matter just as much. Embodied carbon, the emissions generated in manufacturing and transporting materials, is becoming a bigger slice of the emissions pie.
That’s why the shift to sustainable construction products isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s a must-do.
Add to that the push for more energy-efficient homes under the National Construction Code (NCC), including the updated 7-star NatHERS rating, and there’s a strong incentive to rethink the standard toolbox.
Smarter materials, stronger ratings
Using sustainable, high-performance materials can help builders and homeowners meet NatHERS targets without breaking the bank. Products with strong insulating properties, minimal thermal bridging, and low embodied energy are the golden trio.
Timber-based materials, for instance, store carbon throughout their lifecycle. When locally sourced and naturally processed, they deliver big wins in energy ratings and emissions reduction.
Even better? Many of these materials are now cost-competitive, easy to install, and compatible with off-site construction methods, helping projects hit sustainability targets while staying on schedule.
Weathertex: a quiet achiever in Aussie innovation
Tucked away in Heatherbrae, NSW, Weathertex is quietly revolutionising cladding. The company’s products are made from 97% natural hardwood timber and 3% wax—no glues, resins, or formaldehyde in sight.
That’s it. Two ingredients.
As Weathertex Managing Director Jason O’Hagan put it in Episode 61 of the Road to ZERO podcast:
“We’re a real sustainable option for the cladding and building industry in Australia and around the world… at no extra cost.”
Their entire range is Australian-made, recyclable, and certified through third-party programs like Global GreenTag and the Declare label. Weathertex was also the first manufacturer globally to receive Platinum certification for its natural cladding products.
These credentials aren’t just badges. They prove the material’s environmental integrity and help builders easily meet green building benchmarks.
From large-scale prefab to DIY renovations, Weathertex’s simple installation process and durability make it a favourite among architects, tradies, and home renovators alike.
Want to see it in action? Check out the behind-the-scenes tour featured in Episode 2 of Energy Matters on 9Now, where James Treble explores the entire production process. Spoiler alert: it smells amazing.
