After completing a BSc in Building Surveying at Salford in 1997 and years working in asset investment and strategic asset management, Mike decided to take a step towards weaving sustainability further through his career. He decided to join the MSc Sustainable Buildings course to learn how to get ahead of the curve and focus on retrofitting buildings for the future. Read what he has to say about the course, and how he got here.

Exterior image of the new science, engineering and environment building

Hi, Mike! It’s great to see you. Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your career that has led you to studying MSc Sustainable Buildings?

I achieved a 2:1 in Building Surveying back in 1997 from Salford. After graduating, I spent a short spell in private practice, then I moved into social housing where I carried out a number of roles in asset investment and strategic asset management. I have been with my current employer, Torus, since 2018, where I have been Group Head of Asset Management, and now Group Head of Asset Investment and Commercial.

Torus is the largest regional housing association in the North West with around 40,000 homes. In around 2021/22, we started to focus on retrofit and the journey to EPC by 2030 and net carbon zero by 2050. I had my project managers undertake training to become retrofit coordinators under PAS 2035, but that wasn’t appropriate for my role. I therefore looked for something that was wider in scope and more suitable to my position.

I was aware of Energy House 2 and this was a big part in me choosing to come to Salford – as well as the fact I did my undergraduate degree there!)

What made you want to study Sustainable Buildings?

I liked the mix of modules, in particular retrofitting, and wanted to study at an institution that was leading the way in research relating to energy efficiency in buildings with facilities like Salford’s Energy House 2.

The course has definitely improved my wider knowledge of building sustainably and will help to improve my understanding and effect policy, planning and decisions in my role.

How important do you think this course is, in the world we live today?

It’s very important. There is so much to do to meet net carbon zero and at the moment, the pace is too slow. The more I can do to educate others and spread my knowledge, the better for Torus tenants and, ultimately, the wider world. This course is helping me to do that.

If you could describe your course in 3 words, what would they be?

I’d say eye-opening, inspiring and interesting. Almost 30 years into my career, I feel I have a lot of experience, however this course is improving my knowledge in retrofitting and how to better meet sustainability requirements. The tutors are also fantastic – they are approachable and I have had a great level of support from them.

Photo of a person working inside the Energy house

If you’re interested in learning more about what we do at Salford to reach for a more sustainable future in building, you can read more about our Energy House facilities and the research we conduct on our Energy House page.