Fortify tool launched to cut cost and carbon

A new UK construction start-up, Re-Structured, has launched a tender-package review system designed to cut unnecessary material use in building structures.

The tool, called Fortify, reviews tender-stage designs to identify overspecification in areas such as steelwork and foundations, where material use can often be reduced by up to 50%. Unlike traditional “value engineering”, which can risk compromising quality, Fortify uses automation, data analysis and engineering expertise to deliver savings without undermining compliance or design intent.

In one London scheme, Fortify uncovered major overspecification, recommending targeted investigation and a leaner redesign. The revised scheme removed 4,200 kg of steel and 10,000 kg of concrete, saving an estimated £20,000 and cutting 8,700 kg of CO₂ emissions.

To coincide with the launch, Re-Structured has published The Real Cost of Over-Design, a report analysing 50 recent tender-package reviews. It found that 85% of schemes contained opportunities for cost and carbon reduction. Steelwork offered the largest potential savings, with average reductions of 20%, while reinforced concrete was often found to be outside optimal ranges.

James Nevin, co-founder of Re-Structured, said:
“By embedding Fortify into workflows, contractors and consultants can protect architectural intent while improving commercial margins and environmental performance. Our latest report shows the scale of the problem but also the scale of the opportunity.”

Initial reviews are offered free of charge, with further work delivered on a no-win, no-fee basis. Re-Structured is now working with contractors, consultants and developers to integrate Fortify into procurement processes, aiming for it to become a standard step in the next two years.