BCIA signs MOU with CIBSE FM Group

The Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) Facilities Management Group has announced plans to co-operate with the The Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA).

The collaboration began at the end of May 2015, with the signing of a Memorandum of Association between BCIA president Steve Harrison and Geoff Prudence who is chairman of the CIBSE FM Group.

This step will see the organisations working together over the next two years to promote best practise in the Facilities Management industry, as well as supporting joint initiatives and holding joint events.

Steve Harrison, BCIA President, said: “The BCIA is very pleased to sign this Memorandum of Understanding with CIBSE. Geoff Prudence has been a great supporter of our Association recognising the benefits of collaboration, by working closely with CIBSE we can raise awareness of how building controls and BEMS make buildings perform better. I look forward to working with the CIBSE FM Group, and to building on our successes so far.”

In its work with the BCIA, CIBSE Facilities Management Group will work to raise awareness of how building controls can ensure buildings perform better. The BCIA will use this as an opportunity to ensure that those responsible for managing buildings understand all the benefits they can gain from good use of controls and BEMS.

“Our technologies are sometimes viewed as complex by those outside our sector,” says Steve Harrison. “And closer working with FM experts opens the door to greater understanding on both sides.”

Geoff Prudence, Chair of CIBSE Facilities Management Group, said: “CIBSE has long recognised the benefits of collaborating with other organisations, and championed the virtues of pooling knowledge and talent. Collaboration with a leading industry organisation will increase the power of both parties to shout about what they do, and to shape the future of Facilities Management.”

He adds: “There is rapid change underway in all areas of the built environment, and working together with other organisations will ensure we are prepared to meet those challenges. Sharing this knowledge will also allow the organisations to serve their members better, and add value to the services they provide.”