Have you ever wondered what the industry's influential figures have on their desk? From prehistoric stuffed toys to planet saving paperwork, you can tell a lot about a person by their desk. This is why Voltimum's roving reporter, Frankie Snobel, scoped out the desk of CIBSE Chief Executive, Stephen Matthews.
From commanding Chieftain tanks in the British Army to reducing the carbon footprint on our fragile planet, Stephen Matthews is living a life far from ordinary.
Stephen was born and raised in Staffordshire, Walsall. His journey into the military began at the tender age of 16, where he attended Welbeck College, a top UK defence sixth form college. From here, Stephen moved on to join the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, eventually travelling the world as a young engineering officer.
After his role as troop leader (and having command of three Chieftain tanks!), Stephen attended the Royal Military College of Science in Shrivenham, where he studied Mechanical Engineering. And despite not being a fan of parachuting, he took on the exciting role of Airportable Brigade Platoon Commander, “heavy dropping” artillery, land rovers, and communication equipment.
Stephen’s life took a big and meaningful turn in 1982, when he was a young captain commanding over 160 people to keep the construction plant operational in the Falkland Islands. “I had been to war and now had to recreate peace,” said Stephen. This is where he encountered scientists involved with the Antarctic Survey measuring ozone depletion. “They were doing something that was arguably more important.” Aged 37, Stephen was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and taught at the Army Staff College “shaping bright people for the future.”
In 1995 he deployed to Bosnia, taking over responsibility from the UN and was heavily involved in the planning and operation to find a peace solution for the Former Yugoslavia. As a Brigadier he found himself responsible for technical training and some 5,500 students within a “PFI” arrangement.
At the age of 49, Stephen left the Ministry of Defence and worked as the Director of Training for Raytheon Systems Ltd., building aircraft radar and cruise-missiles. From here Stephen took on, saved, and sold business Smith Security. Then at 52, Stephen started a consultant business in strategic development, but longed for more. “There was no team and I wasn’t putting anything back into society,” said Stephen.
In July of 2006, Stephen found a career that would fill this longing, becoming CEO of The Chartered Institute of Building Services (CIBSE). Backed by a fantastic team of staff and volunteers, Stephen is emphasizing the importance of sustainability in the building service industry. “It goes back to those guys in funny woolly hats measuring ozone depletion in the Falklands,” said Stephen, whose recent carbon footprint decreasing initiatives as part of a number of CIBSE projects are making an impact in the industry. “There aren’t enough hours in the day.”
1. CIBSE Website: The Chartered Institute of Building Service Engineering is a professional body that “supports the Science, Art and Practice of building service engineering” through offering information, education services and professional enhancement for qualified members. They are also a major player in responding to the threat of climate change. Their website, www.cibse.org is where you can find plenty of helpful information on training, industry news, membership, a directory of experts, and a young engineers’ network.
2. Photograph of Stephen's Wife: Stephen’s lovely wife of eighteen years, Rebecca, is starting her PhD in Medical Science at University College in London. “She keeps me in order,” said Stephen.
3. Desk Lamp: Stephen is a strong supporter of combating climate change. He avoids using artificial lighting in the day, and if need be, he’ll use his desk lamp for a more conservative source of direct light.
4. Photograph of Stephen's Son: Like father like son- Stephen’s fifteen year old, Harry, is also incredibly ambitious and academically inclined. He is currently studying at Eton and enjoys playing the bagpipes when he has a chance.
5. Triceratops Stuffed Toy: This cuddly prehistoric toy was given to Stephen after he paralleled the future pathway of the engineering institution to the demise of the dinosaurs in a BSJ published article. “CIBSE needs to be agile, energetic, and adaptable- we need to embrace change,” said Stephen.
6a. Coffee Mug: Stephen drinks coffee from his branded mug in the morning.
6b. Tea Mug: Stephen drinks tea from his branded mug in the afternoon.
7a. Ocean Themed Paperweight: This glass ball knick-knack has tiny figurine dolphins encased within. It was given to Stephen as a gift by his PA, Janet Wigglesworth, who picked them up while she was holidaying in the Maldives. “She is CIBSE,” said Stephen about his highly regarded PA.
7b. Ocean Themed Mousepad: Part two of Janet’s thoughtful gifts from the Maldives.
8. Paperwork on Benchmarks for Non-Dwelling Buildings: Stephen and his team are in the midst of determining important benchmarks for Energy Performance Certificates issued to non-dwelling buildings.
9. Brochure and Registration Form for CIBSE/ASHRAE National Conference 2008: “Sustainability- niche to norm” is the theme for 2008’s National Conference, being held April 29th – 30th at the Newcastle Gateshead Hilton. This is a must-attend event for those involved in the building service industry, as it will be focusing on sustainability and new legislation and technology.
10. Develop Yourself- CIBSE Professional Learning Information: This newly released “series of exciting courses” is for anyone interested in developing their building service engineering skills. An array of technical courses along with energy management courses are on offer.
11. 100 Days of Carbon Cleanup Brochures: These brochures offer guidance to help save carbon in buildings. The campaign “100 Days of Carbon Clean Up”, run in 2006 and 2007, encouraged carbon savings within organizations through altering consumption of lighting, stationary, office equipment, small power devices, and heating, cooling and ventilation.
| Source: Francoise Snobel - Voltimum |
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