5 Jun 2026
Why Retrofit is Now More Important Than Ever
On Monday 1 June, we explored one of the built environment’s most urgent challenges – retrofit – at the latest East of England Sustainable Building Network event.
The event brought together professionals from across the construction, property and sustainability sectors for a morning of insight, discussion and networking. We were delighted to welcome guest speakers James Evans of Feilden+Mawson and Alex Honey of Mackinnon Construction Ltd, who delivered an engaging and thought-provoking presentation on the growing importance of retrofit in supporting the UK’s journey towards Net Zero Carbon by 2050.
A key message came through clearly throughout the session: successful retrofit is all about process.
Retrofit goes far beyond individual products, technologies or isolated upgrades. It requires a thorough understanding of how buildings perform, a fabric-first approach, careful planning, robust methodology and collaboration between experienced professionals. Getting the process right is essential to achieving long-term, sustainable outcomes and avoiding unintended consequences.
The presentation sparked valuable conversations around building performance, carbon reduction, PAS 2035, ventilation, insulation, quality of delivery and the practical challenges facing the industry. With the UK’s existing housing stock requiring significant improvement to meet future carbon targets, retrofit has a vital role to play in reducing emissions, improving comfort and supporting more sustainable communities.
These events provide an important opportunity for like-minded professionals to come together, share knowledge, discuss the challenges and opportunities facing our sector, and learn from industry experts who are helping shape a more sustainable future for the built environment.
Resources
A copy of the presentation is available to download here:
The East of England Sustainable Building Network forms part of the UK Sustainable Building Network and takes place every two months. Keep an eye on our website and social media for details of future events, updates and resources.
Our next event will take place on Monday 3 August 2026, and we look forward to continuing the conversation.
