CIBSE President, Adrian Catchpole, highlighted the role CIBSE guidance and knowledge play in helping members lead on delivering better building performance at the recent ASHRAE Conference.
Addressing the conference, Catchpole drew on his Presidential Address, Taking a Lead, emphasising the need for a robust route to net zero, which needs to be driven by industry and leadership, which also linked to the conference title ‘Achieving net zero’. Referring to the wildfires across Europe in August, as evidence that immediate action is required.
He referenced the update to Part L of the Building Regulations, committing to carbon emissions reduction of 27-31%, with further amendments promised in 2025, as well as changes to EPC requirements as having a positive change. He also pointed to the new Part O for Overheating, which CIBSE has been calling for, as being encouraging.
‘Building services engineers are finally being recognised for the vital role they play in influencing the shape and form of buildings for the better’.
He highlighted how CIBSE is leading the call for embodied carbon to be addressed in the Building Regulations. To be truly carbon neutral, he said, the carbon created in the manufacturing process of the materials used to construct the buildings must also be considered. For this reason, CIBSE guidance, such as TM65: Embodied carbon in building services, and CIBSE’s role in developing the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard are so important.
Other publications, such as Guide M: Maintenance, Engineering and Management, launching in September, also demonstrate the importance of CIBSE’s role in bringing knowledge and guidance forward, enabling CIBSE members to further lead on delivering better building performance.
Adrian Catchpole attended the ASHRAE Conference in August, together with CIBSE CEO Ruth Carter.