DUBAI, UAE, 31 August 2022: The Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE), a global network of building services professionals, outlined its objectives in the Middle East as it celebrated 125 years of being one of the highest authorities in the domain. Making the announcement through a Press release, CIBSE said sustainable transformation, within the context of buildings’ efficiency and ecological footprint, will be the cornerstone of its efforts and endeavour in the Middle East.

CIBSE said that since its inception, in 1897, it has advanced best scientific practices in building services engineering, by investing in education and research, fostering a community of like-minded individuals and through providing networking opportunities for effective knowledge flows on a global scale. In recent years, CIBSE said, it has firmly positioned itself at the intersection of the built environment, technology and sustainability, to reconcile the industry with emerging priorities.

Kevin Mitchell

“CIBSE members represent the creme de la creme of the global building services engineering,” said Farah Naz, Chair, CIBSE’s UAE Chapter. “The long-serving professional association has remained a beacon of excellence throughout the building services industry’s vicissitudes. In the Middle East, where the need for best-in-class services and engineering practices has been pronounced in the last couple of decades, CIBSE’s region-specific roadmap for sustainable transformation will be consequential.”  

CIBSE said that following its official launch in Dubai, in 2016, it has emphasised community-building initiatives through its esteemed sub-committees, such as the Society of Public Health Engineers (SoPHE), the Society of Light and Lighting (SLL), Young Engineers’ Network (YEN), and Women in Building Services Engineering (WiBSE). In 2021, CIBSE said, it released two reports outlining the minimum design guidelines for mechanical and electrical services in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

According to CIBSE, the reports particularly touched upon design considerations, practices and technologies that can increase efficiencies in building services; optimise energy usage; and empower engineers to pursue net-zero goals. CIBSE said its emphasis on sustainability and net-zero emissions stems from a well-substantiated argument that buildings account for almost 50% of global GHG emissions. In response, association members have undertaken redressal actions in their respective markets worldwide, CIBSE said.

CIBSE celebrating its 125^th anniversary coincides with the organisation’s UAE chapter hosting its Annual Awards ceremony, on September 8 at the Armani Hotel, in Dubai’s iconic Burj Khalifa. Speaking on the occasion of the anniversary and the Awards ceremony, Kevin Mitchell, President, CIBSE, said: “CIBSE is essentially mobilizing building services stakeholders and aligning them on a path leading to a future where built environments will characterize sustainability, green energy, data-driven operations, and high liveability. CIBSE, with its industry pedigree and global reputation, is well positioned to orchestrate the magnitude of multi-stakeholder participation, required to achieve this feat. The upcoming CIBSE UAE Annual Awards is a perfect avenue to recognize exemplary professionals and encourage greater participation.”

After pandemic-related disruptions last year, the CIBSE UAE Awards is returning as an in-person event, CIBSE said. A consultancy, a graduate, a young engineer, and a manufacturer from the MEP discipline will be felicitated with CIBSE UAE Awards, it said. The event’s Deluxe Sponsors include Polypipe, THERMOBREAK, Leminar, CVS, and KAN-Therm, it said. De Montfort University and Hisense HVAC are the Gold sponsors, it added.

With the CIBSE Awards 2022 coinciding with the Association’s 125th anniversary, Mitchell and Ruth Carter, CEO, CIBSE, will be in attendance, in a first in the region, CIBSE said. The Awards are part of CIBSE’s motto of promoting careers in building services by rewarding exemplary performances, it said. The association’s knowledge/resource portal empowers high achievers and prospects by facilitating a route to full membership, it added.

At a time of great dynamism in building services, CIBSE said, its impact in enabling collaborations and trans-national knowledge flows, recognising and rewarding high achievers, and mobilising global stakeholders for sustainable transformation, has been profound. In the Middle East, where new buildings are being constructed in great numbers and existing stock is yearning for technology-led optimisation, it said, CIBSE UAE’s ambitious regional road map is a cause for celebration.