Homes That Support Health
05/01/2026
Why listening to residents and prioritising ventilation, comfort and dignity must shape the way we maintain and upgrade homes.
Novus’ Head of Sustain, Rebecca Hart, joins our Andy Cameron-Smith on Making Housing Better, to explore how we shift from reactive repairs to interventions that actively support residents’ health. Rebecca’s lived experience as a social housing tenant, combined with two decades across engineering, asset management and retrofit, brings a grounded and human perspective to the conversation.
She discusses why many residents do not yet see the link between their home environment and their health, and how sensitive, respectful conversations can open the door to change. The episode also lifts the lid on the realities of retrofit delivery, the central importance of ventilation, and the growing expectation that retrofit becomes business as usual rather than a specialist project.
Key insights include
• How small prompts in conversation help residents recognise the health impacts of cold surfaces, poor ventilation and damp.
• Why empathy, dignity and resident voice must sit at the heart of every technical process.
• The untapped potential of whole house ventilation systems and well executed assessments to deliver healthier indoor environments.
• The widening gap between data ambition and data accuracy, and why quality onsite assessments matter more than dashboards.
• How proactive planning and joined up maintenance can future proof homes and reduce resident disruption.
Practical steps for housing providers
Reframe resident conversations through health, not just efficiency or carbon. Build trust by starting with what life feels like inside the home.
Invest in high quality ventilation assessments and ensure airflow is measured, not assumed.
Adopt a future proofing mindset, coordinating repairs and retrofit so homes receive a “full MOT” rather than fragmented works.
Strengthen data at the point of entry — verify, do not assume, and make onsite condition surveys the cornerstone of design.
Use resident stories and case studies to build organisational buy-in and shift culture towards health centred maintenance.
What Are the Benefits of Being a Member of the Healthy Homes Hub?
Industry Recognition and Networking:
Connect with a thriving network of over 350 housing organisations, including decision-makers, innovators, and leaders. Build partnerships that enhance your professional growth and create lasting business opportunities.
Showcase Your Expertise:
Demonstrate your impact by participating in exclusive case studies, webinars, and events. Highlight your contributions to creating healthier, sustainable homes, reaching a broad audience across the sector.
Influence Policy and Advocacy:
Be part of shaping housing policy through direct engagement with policymakers and advocacy efforts. Stay at the forefront of discussions driving meaningful change in the housing sector.
Access to Market Insights:
Gain access to Healthy Homes Hub’s regular newsletters, expert analysis, and resources. Stay informed about trends, regulations, and innovative practices that affect housing professionals.
Specialised Events and Workshops:
Take part in events like the Immersive Study Tours, offering hands-on learning and networking opportunities. Visit groundbreaking projects and facilities to explore real-world solutions for healthier and more sustainable homes.
Exclusive Tools and Resources:
Only members can upgrade to Housing Sage, a cutting-edge AI assistant tailored to social housing professionals. Benefit from personalised insights, regulatory guidance, and innovative ideas to enhance your operations.
Collaboration Opportunities:
Contribute to Healthy Homes Hub’s mission by sharing best practices, participating in action learning programmes like the Retrofit Society, or co-developing solutions with academic and industry leaders.
