BCIA President lends voice to important industry discussion

Joining fellow thought leaders in the building controls and automation sector, Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA) President Stacey Lucas recently spoke at the ABB Energy Efficiency Symposium 2025, asking ‘Is human comfort compatible with energy efficiency?’

Held at the National Theatre in London on Tuesday 28th January, the ABB Energy Efficiency Symposium 2025 saw some of the biggest names and decision makers presenting thought-provoking seminars and engaging discussions on the subject of sustainability and decarbonising cities of the future.

The event gave all in attendance the opportunity to discuss the biggest challenges facing the sector and work collaboratively to drive the sector forward and support the crusade for net zero through the decarbonisation of UK buildings.

Stacey Lucas, President of the BCIA, spoke at length about the two competing priorities of human comfort and energy efficiency and whether they can co-exist.

Detailing the importance of utilising smart design, adaptive technologies, and efficient energy management systems, the presentation revealed the ability to achieve both goals and why it’s essential building owners, facility managers, and developers embrace these innovations to stay ahead of the curve.

Other speakers included:

·       Nicolas Perin, Head of Commercial Buildings Decarbonisation at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ)

·       Ian Mann, Director of Decarbonisation Delivery EMEAA Hotel Lifecycle & Growth at IHG Hotels & Resorts

·       Dr Zainab Dangana, Head of Sustainable Technology Services at Wates Group,

·       Daniel Cotton, Lead Motion Manager UK & Northern Europe, and Sekhar Chakraborty, Digital Lead, Electrification at ABB

·       Mike Umiker, Executive Director at Energy Efficiency Movement

Organised by the Energy Efficiency Movement, the five-hour event saw more than 40 attendees engaging in the various discussions and presentations and taking advantage of the numerous networking opportunities provided.

With the industry’s leading voices and decision-makers in attendance, the ABB Energy Efficiency Symposium proved to be an inspirational and fascinating occasion, helping to shine a spotlight on the biggest issues facing the industry and illuminating how close collaboration can lead the sector towards a brighter and greener future.