Insights from the people shaping social housing today
Welcome to Meet the Experts, a series of interview-style videos that explore the key people, ideas, and innovations driving progress across Fortem and the wider social housing sector.
▶
Retrofit, Data & Community: Mark Allen on Future-Proofing Housing
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.