"Damp and Mould Awareness Week is an important reminder that the drive for energy efficiency and decarbonisation goes hand in hand with the fight against poor housing conditions"
- Derek Horrocks - Sustainable Building Services (UK) Ltd
As Damp and Mould Awareness Week begins, Derek Horrocks, owner and chair of principal retrofit contractor Sustainable Building Services (UK) Ltd, has highlighted the importance of maintaining healthy, well-ventilated homes.
“Damp and mould are not just issues of home maintenance - they are issues of health and safety. Every home should be a place that supports wellbeing, but across the UK, too many residents are living in properties where poor ventilation, ineffective insulation and long-term disrepair are putting that at risk,” said Horrocks.
He continued: “Through the work we do at Sustainable Building Services (SBS), we see every day how the right interventions can make a lasting difference. From installing new ventilation upgrades and insulation to repairing leaks and addressing thermal bridging, our work helps ensure homes stay dry and safe throughout the year.
“What is particularly important is taking a whole-house approach. Tackling visible mould growth without addressing the underlying causes, such as poor ventilation or fabric inefficiencies, only offers a short-term fix. Through high-quality retrofit and building fabric improvements, we can address the root causes of damp and mould, which in turn reduces health risks and ensures homes are resilient for the long term.”
Horrocks also highlighted the role of SBS’ sister company, Sustainable Smart Technologies, which uses data-driven technology to monitor mould, damp and air quality in social housing. This approach provides actionable insights to improve resident living conditions and wellbeing.
“This is especially vital as we move towards the goals of the Decent Homes Standard and Awaab’s Law, both of which underline the duty to provide safe and healthy living environments. Preventative action not only protects residents’ health but also helps landlords and local authorities manage their housing stock more effectively, reducing future maintenance costs,” he added.
He concluded: “Damp and Mould Awareness Week is an important reminder that the drive for energy efficiency and decarbonisation goes hand in hand with the fight against poor housing conditions. Every retrofit measure that improves ventilation, insulation or airtightness contributes to healthier, safer homes, and that is what we are proud to deliver every day.”
