The BCIA is creating a new Policy & Advocacy Working Group

With sustainability gaining increasing significance in the built environment, it’s important that building controls are seen as a viable low-carbon alternative. However, while many of us in the industry are acutely aware of the importance of building controls and automation systems, some key policymakers aren’t. So, the Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA) is creating a policy and advocacy working group with the aim of engaging with policymakers and shapers.

The working group will oversee and actively support outreach activity, advocating for building controls to political and non-political influencers and representing the views of BCIA members and the controls industry more broadly.

This is a key focus for the BCIA – our aim is to ensure building controls are more clearly mandated in UK policy for new and existing buildings, with BEMS systems seen as a low carbon solution that will contribute to energy consumption reduction targets, sustainability, and, for the industry, further growth.

As part of its advocacy strategy, the organisation is asking members to consider if you, or your public affairs team where relevant, can support our working group, which will meet up three or four times per year while undertaking advocacy activity throughout the year.

Additionally, the BCIA is asking members to consider the local networks that can have influence on policy. This could be anyone from local MPs and local authorities through to combined authorities and mayors. If you’re keen to support the working group and our advocacy strategy, please write to your MP and request a meeting. A combined and consistent voice will have a much greater impact on influencing policy decisions.

Templates and full support will be provided as part of the BCIA’s commitment to influencing policy. Everything will be made readily available, so members will feel empowered to undertake local advocacy activity and support the BCIA’s strategy.

If you would like to support the working group, either by becoming a participant in the regular meetings or engaging with policymakers in your local region, please contact the BCIA by emailing Catherinew@bcia.co.uk or calling 0118 940 3416.