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How do we retrofit homes to be sustainable, affordable, and truly comfortable for the people living in them?

In this episode of the Thrive in Construction Podcast, Darren Evans speaks with Mark Allen, Head of Technical Services at Fortem, about the challenges and opportunities in retrofitting social housing and delivering on the UK’s net zero commitments.

With decades of experience in retrofit, asset management, and technical strategy, Mark explores how to move beyond compliance and tick-box exercises to create homes where people thrive. He argues that the real conversation isn’t fabric first vs fabric fifth—but about finding the optimal retrofit strategy that balances energy efficiency, comfort, cost, and long-term asset value.

Key Highlights:
• Fabric First vs Fabric Fifth: Why the debate misses the point—and why optimization is key to healthier, more efficient homes.
• Social Housing & Fuel Poverty: The hidden costs of mould, damp, and poor ventilation—and how better housing design can reduce NHS pressures and asthma rates.
• Data-Driven Retrofit: Using asset management insights to reduce long-term maintenance costs and improve building performance.
• Community & Comfort: How engaging residents creates pride, reduces rent arrears, and improves wellbeing.
• New Build vs Retrofit: Why retrofit is essential for net zero, with 80% of UK housing stock still standing in 2050—and why demolition carries major embodied carbon risks.
• Future of Retrofit: From post-occupancy evaluations to smarter monitoring, how housing providers can deliver better outcomes for tenants and clients.

This conversation is essential for housing associations, construction professionals, architects, sustainability consultants, and policymakers who want to understand how retrofit can drive both social value and climate action.

If you want to see our other insightful podcasts, click here:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOHI_yaqB2U8KWbsfJDPCoYEfOh-TTnip

Find us on:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0dDkxLWZ25nT0krYWaTiIT
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thrive-in-construction-with-darren-evans/id1726973152
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTrzqei7gttB8WB5wM6hUpw
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/thrive-in-construction-podcast/
Our Website: https://darren-evans.co.uk/

Links:
Mark's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-a-7524778/
Fortem Solutions LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fortem-solutions/
Fortem Solutions Website: https://www.fortem.co.uk/

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