BCIA to host panel discussion at Smart Buildings Show

BCIA President Graeme Rees will be chairing a panel discussion at Smart Buildings Show 2023 on Thursday 19th October, titled “Building Controls – powering a zero carbon built environment”.

The session will take place in the Controls & Networks Theatre at 3.10pm and will debate whether current policy landscape enables or hinders the Building Controls industry.

Joining Graeme on the panel are Fay Holland, Senior Policy Advisor at Energy Systems Catapult, Signe Norberg, Head of Public Affairs and Communications for Aldersgate Group, Ilias Vazaois, Director of Low Carbon at Gemserv, and Dan Hopkins, Technical Manager at ebm-papst UK Ltd (a BCIA member company).

The construction industry is transitioning through its biggest policy changes in decades. With updates to Part L, and the upcoming Future Buildings Standard, strengthening the energy efficiency standards of buildings, building automation and controls systems will undoubtedly play a key role in meeting this regulation by enhancing buildings’ efficiency and saving energy. The panel will discuss whether the current commercial building energy efficiency models are fit for purpose or need to change and will question whether decarbonisation and energy consumption benefits are enough to change the hearts and minds of developers and landlords.

Graeme Rees commented: “It is a real honour to be hosting what promises to be a lively and engaging discussion. We will be asking whether the benefits of building controls and automation are sufficiently understood and whether policy changes, or other interventions, are needed to help building owners and occupiers take control of the contribution they make to a cleaner, more sustainable environment. We look forward to seeing you there.”