BESA and CIBSE agree strategic alliance to help transform the built environment
Two of the UK's leading building services engineering organisations, BESA and CIBSE, have agreed to collaborate more closely to advance key initiatives, including achieving net zero in the built environment and delivery of the Building Safety Act.
BESA, representing contractors, and CIBSE, the professional institution for individual engineers, have outlined joint projects to promote the art, science, and practice of building services engineering. With a history of collaboration, both organisations recognise the need for a more integrated approach to address the increasing urgency of transforming the built environment to meet decarbonisation and healthcare goals.
They plan to align supply chains and various professions to deliver higher levels of digital sophistication and integrated design, addressing growing client demand and legislative scrutiny. The collaboration includes deeper support for each other’s key events, such as national conferences and seminars, whilst continuing to work together on technical guidance.
The focus will be on the Building Safety Act, indoor air quality improvements, retrofitting existing buildings for decarbonisation, and expanding heat networks. Additionally, they aim to explore the implications of artificial intelligence to enhance productivity in the industry.
David Frise, BESA’s chief executive officer, emphasised the increasing awareness of the building services profession’s role in addressing societal challenges, making it an opportune time for joint initiatives. He also highlighted the need for a coordinated approach to tackle the technical, legislative, and recruitment challenges facing the sector.
BESA and CIBSE’s relationship dates back to BESA’s founding in 1904 by engineers who were also members of the Institution of Heating and Ventilating Engineers, which became CIBSE in 1976. Historically, BESA represented engineering contractors, while CIBSE focused on individual engineers.
Both organisations have active indoor air quality groups with shared members and have produced guides to improve building ventilation standards. This collaboration has also led to enhanced training requirements and strengthened links with the healthcare sector to address the impact of poor air quality on respiratory and cardiovascular health.
