CIBSE supports research activities to advance knowledge in all areas of building services engineering. These range from supporting academic and industry led research as partners or stakeholders, providing a dissemination route for research outputs and funding projects such as doctorate and post doctorate studies, Knowledge Transfer Partnerships and engineering doctorates. Current activities include the following:
Academic and Industry led collaborative projects:
Embodied Carbon of Building Services
January 2021 – Present | Introba
In collaboration with Introba, the methodology for CIBSE TM65 was developed and published in January 2021. This work addresses the challenge of calculating the embodied carbon of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems, particularly when Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) are unavailable. Our partnership with Introba continues, focusing on data collection and engagement with MEP manufacturers to build robust embodied carbon datasets and establish a UK-standard methodology.
The TM65 methodology is rapidly gaining international recognition, with adoption by practitioners, manufacturers, and policymakers. To support its global application, we have published four regional addendums:
- TM65LA – Embodied Carbon in Building Services: Using the TM65 Methodology Outside the UK
- TM65ANZ – Embodied Carbon in Building Services: A Calculation Methodology for Australia and New Zealand
In 2024 two additional regional versions were developed for North America (TM65NA) and the United Arab Emirates (TM65UAE).
We have also released several system-specific supplements to guide practical implementation, including:
· TM65.1 – Residential Heating
· TM65.2 – Lighting
· TM65.3 – Logistics Centres
A fourth supplement, focusing on HVAC systems in office buildings, is currently in development.
Energy Benchmarks
July 2015 – Present | University College London
CIBSE’s Energy Benchmarking Dashboard is an evolving online platform that leverages real-world energy data to deliver accurate, up-to-date benchmarks reflecting current energy use trends across building types. Developed in collaboration with University College London (UCL), the dashboard supports data-driven decision-making in building performance.
A new phase of the project is now underway, focusing on the update and development of new energy benchmarks and a comprehensive redesign of the dashboard interface. In addition, CIBSE and UCL are partnering with Energy Systems Catapult and the NHS to expand the platform’s scope to include benchmarks for NHS buildings, enhancing its relevance and impact across the public sector.
Retrofit Revisit
Studio PDP, with support from Innovate UK and Historic England
The award winning ‘Retrofit Revisit’ brought together a wide network of leading practitioners and academics in the fields of retrofit and building performance. The project investigated the long-term outcomes of deep retrofit measures across ten housing projects, each retrofitted over a decade ago. The project has now concluded, with findings published as a freely available CIBSE Research Insight. In recognition of its innovative approach and impact, Retrofit Revisit was awarded ‘Best Retrofit Innovation or Project’ at the ‘Building Innovation Awards 2024’.
Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP):
Revision of the CIBSE Weather Files
April 2022 – October 2024 | University of Exeter and Innovate UK
CIBSE, in collaboration with the University of Exeter and funding provided by Innovate UK, is leading a major revision of its industry-standard weather files. Dr Hailun Xie was appointed as the KTP Associate for the project, which began in April 2022. The revised datasets incorporate the latest UKCP18 climate projections, and offer enhanced granularity, with the creation of 28 new climate zones to replace the previous 14/16 locations.
The project has already produced significant academic outputs, including two peer-reviewed papers published in Building Services Engineering Research & Technology (BSER&T) and Applied Energy. Papers have also been presented at the 2024 and 2025 CIBSE Technical Symposium.
The final release of the updated weather files is scheduled for late June 2025.
Doctorates and post-doctorates:
Investigation into ventilation and pollution ingress in city-centre offices
2021 – 2027 | University College London, ARUP and Cundall
This ongoing research investigates how ventilation design and operational strategies affect the infiltration of nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and particulate matter (PM) into city centre office buildings. The project has carried out monitoring in UK offices to identify to investigate the causes of ambient air pollution ingress and develop mitigation strategies to control NO2.
This project's guidance will better inform how building operation and ventilation practices influence indoor concentration of NO2 and other pollutants, contributing to healthier indoor environments in urban settings.
Emma Gibbons, the PhD researcher leading this work, also serves as Chair of CIBSE’s Air Quality Working Group. She presented key findings from the project at the IAQmatters Conference by Eurovent in 2025, highlighting the importance of evidence-based approaches to indoor air quality management.
Evaluation of external shading devices to mitigate overheating in naturally ventilated UK dwellings (2025 – 2029, Loughborough University and the British Blind and Shutter Association).
The project intends to carry out testing in two twin domestic houses and utilise modelling tools to better understand and evaluate the impact differing external shading systems have on UK homes and the occupants within them.
PhD researcher Niloo T. Kharman, presented the results of her early investigations at the 2025 CIBSE Technical Symposium. The project aims to inform overheating risk assessments and support the development of practical, occupant-centred design guidance for residential buildings.
Other Research Activities:
- Advisory board member of the Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Energy Resilience and the Built Environment (ERBE).
- Contributor to the NERC Clean Air programme funded network ‘The health and equity impact of climate change mitigation measures on indoor and outdoor air pollution exposure (HELICCAM), led by the University of Edinburgh.