The future of sustainable construction and building performance took centre stage at the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) flagship conference in London yesterday. The Building Performance Reimagined – What’s Next?’ event, held at the Royal Society, brought together leading engineers, architects, innovators, and policymakers to address the evolving demands of the built environment, with a sharp focus on sustainability, efficiency, and occupant wellbeing.
Under the guidance of 2024–25 CIBSE President Fiona Cousins, the conference delivered practical strategies and actionable insights, drawing on the institution’s latest research and reports. The discussions revolved around four critical areas: thermal comfort, energy efficiency, data-driven measurement, and the transformative potential of retrofit projects.
Bridging Research and Real-World Application
The conference stood out for its focus on translating theory into practice, with case studies exploring emerging performance metrics, innovative technological solutions, and successful retrofitting initiatives. These real-world examples not only demonstrated what is possible but also opened doors for industry partners to contribute their own projects and insights, fostering a collaborative approach to future challenges.
Headquartered in London, the CIBSE is a leading authority on building services engineering and a pioneer in responding to the threat of climate change. With a global community of over 23,000 professionals, CIBSE advances best practice, influences policy, and supports excellence in building performance, sustainability, and safety.
Exploring the Pillars of Building Performance
Fabric First: Decarbonisation and Climate Resilience The opening session, chaired by Sasha Krstanovic, Founder and Design Lead at mstep and CIBSE Trustee, examined the pressing need for decarbonisation and climate resilience in modern construction. Speakers Kathryn Dapre from CALA, Tom Smith, and Ola Bialas of Hoare Lea shared their expertise on reducing emissions and mitigating overheating risks, offering attendees clear, actionable best practices for the housebuilding sector.
Research, Policy, and Future Planning Led by Sam Baptist, CIBSE Head of Government Affairs, the second session delved into the role of research and policy in shaping sustainable and resilient buildings. Presenters Becci Taylor from Arup, Lewis Turner, Dipo Lafinhan, and Andrew Wholley discussed the importance of affordability within planetary boundaries, providing forward-looking strategies for delivering homes that are both environmentally responsible and economically viable.
People First: Occupant-Centric Design The final session highlighted the central role of occupants in determining building performance. Speakers Tom Randall, Jon Belfield, and Vic Tink from InTandem Systems presented practical case studies and strategies that place people at the heart of building design, operation, and performance assessment.
Setting a New Standard for Industry Collaboration
‘Building Performance Reimagined – What’s Next?’ served as a catalyst for knowledge-sharing, discussion, and collaboration among thought leaders and practitioners. The conference reinforced CIBSE’s ongoing commitment to advancing building performance and addressing the urgent sustainability, efficiency, and wellbeing challenges facing the industry today.
By showcasing practical examples, highlighting emerging innovations, and facilitating cross-sector dialogue, the event has set a new benchmark for future CIBSE conferences—inspiring action and driving progress across the built environment.