A thoroughly engaging and informative Members’ Conference

As many of you will have experienced earlier this month, the BCIA Members’ Conference was a superb event, full of important discussion, vital networking opportunities, and policy updates.

One of the key highlights of the day was the opening address from Lord Callanan, the Minister for Energy Efficiency and Green Finance Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. During his keynote speech, Lord Callanan revealed the Government’s current position on the decarbonisation, energy efficiency and demand reduction of commercial buildings and acknowledged the important role that building controls can play in these areas.

We were also pleased to hear that the government will look to assist the building controls sector moving forward by working closely with the BCIA and the industry as a whole.

With sustainability and decarbonisation a key focus of the built environment, it’s imperative the government and anyone working in the construction industry utilises any opportunities available to them. As such, it’s important that building controls are better mandated in UK policy and highlighted as an effective low-carbon option.

Heat pumps may often be suggested by the government as the primary low-carbon solution, but building controls have an incredibly vital role to play in the decarbonisation of buildings and will usually deliver better returns on investment, too. Indeed, the utilisation of building automation systems could enable building owners and end users to reduce their energy consumption and, as a result, cut down their energy bills.

The BCIA is starting its journey to position building controls at the heart of policy discussions and decisions, so having a minister address the conference means we are starting to reach key policymakers and shapers. While it’s very early days and there is a long way to go before all stakeholders truly acknowledge the opportunities that building controls present, it is not an option to do nothing. Together, our voice is stronger.

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President’s Blog - How can the Building Controls sector make the profession more appealing to young professionals?