As a graduate sustainability consultant, new to the industry, I entered the profession with real enthusiasm but much to learn. I transitioned from an undergraduate in biological sciences, a post-graduate degree in energy generation systems, into building sustainability. Therefore, I did not have the foundation of knowledge that many of my peers had from well renowned Building Engineering courses. My enthusiasm led me to engage with key industry bodies, such as CIBSE, as a core source of learning, enhancing my on-the-job development and monitoring from my colleagues.
I initially joined the CIBSE Special Interest Group (SIG), the Homes for the Future Group (HFG). This has been a wonderful experience, sharing and learning with like-minded professionals who grappled with the same day-to-day design challenges as I did. The SIG gave me a positive sense that we were all in this together, which you can sometime lose sight of when operating in the world of commercial consultancy. Initially, I felt the group provided me with more value than I provided in return; however, over the years, I felt that I could more positively contribute.
The SIGs are brilliant forums to challenge and collaborate with others at similar stages of their professional careers; however, I was also very passionate about sharing knowledge with those early on in their career (as I had so positively benefited) or those unable to be actively involved in the SIGs. This aligned with the overall mission of CIBSE’s Knowledge Generation Panel (KGP).
I had been working for 8 years when I was initially invited to partake in CIBSE’s Knowledge Generation Panel (KGP.) It initially seemed like a daunting task, as the name suggests, where you take on responsibility for producing new industry ideas. Rather it does, in fact, involve identifying gaps in or challenges to accessing industry knowledge. Following identification, the group can recommend how such gaps or barriers could be removed or improved, benefiting from the multiple viewpoints of professionals who rely on CIBSE’s knowledge to enhance their own practices.
I found that volunteers’ contributions can take many different forms, from flagging information gaps within CIBSE’s publications, highlighting information that needs updating, or simply giving feedback on user experience when accessing knowledge. With a diverse range of volunteers, the KGP can positively impact the process by making it clearer and faster to access the right knowledge. Personally, I have found that my contributions have been respectfully considered by my peers and the fantastic team at CIBSE. More recently, discussion around the methods for accessing knowledge have been incredibly interesting and form a hugely significant opportunity for CIBSE.
In a world beginning to embrace AI, the way in which we all search for information is evolving. The sun is setting on the days of signposting key documents via search engines. Considering what this new world might look like for CIBSE knowledge has been a very interesting and one that I have felt is hugely important. Much of the work that our industry does is underpinned by accepted industry practices, which in many cases are sourced from CIBSE guides and TMs. Considering how knowledge is accessed, speed (i.e. industry professionals’ productivity) must not come at the expense of accuracy and robustness, meaning that CISBE and its KGP volunteers must strike the right balance between these.
Balance can only be achieved through a diverse and well-informed network of volunteers supporting CIBSE. My experience of volunteering for the KGP has been overwhelmingly positive and I would highly recommend getting involved. I view my time given to the KGP as a long-term investment. Putting in the effort and getting the approach right today will mean that new generations of professionals will learn fast and grow to support those of us currently in the industry. Armed with a strong foundation in knowledge, professionals will be able to clearly communicate with stakeholders; meaning they too learn, believe in, and promote the best practice our industry needs.
Find out more about Homes for the Future Group
Find out more about the Knowledge Generation Panel