Staying ahead in a fast-changing buildings sector

As Vice President of the BCIA and after many years working within BEMS, I’ve seen first-hand how technology can transform building performance. Today, however, the pace of change is faster than ever, making continuous learning a business necessity rather than simply good professional practice. As clients increasingly demand smarter, more connected solutions, engineers need to find effective ways to remain ahead of the curve.

Continuous professional development helps BEMS professionals maintain technical competence, follow best practice and respond to changing operational, energy and sustainability requirements.

Why continuous learning matters

Training has always been an important part of an engineer’s career, whether that means entering the sector through an apprenticeship, completing formal qualifications or taking part in activities that contribute towards CPD.

BEMS has a strong record of investing in the training and development of its people. That investment is becoming even more important as the role of the engineer continues to evolve. Today’s professionals may need to understand not only heating, ventilation and air conditioning controls, but also connectivity, data, analytics, energy flexibility, cybersecurity and decarbonisation. For example, engineers working on modern projects may be expected to integrate cloud-based analytics, support demand-side flexibility programmes or advise on cybersecurity considerations alongside traditional control strategies.

Formal training remains a valuable way to develop this knowledge. Whether delivered online or in person, structured courses provide an opportunity to refresh existing skills, explore new technologies and apply learning to real-world projects.

The BCIA offers a range of technical courses designed to support professionals at different stages of their careers. These include Introduction to Building Controls and HVAC, as well as more specialised subjects such as the control of cooling systems, heating plant and ventilation and air-conditioning plant.

The courses help engineers build on existing knowledge, apply best practice and develop the skills needed to progress in the sector.

Online sessions offer flexibility for busy engineers, while in-person courses provide valuable opportunities to learn alongside peers, share practical experience and build professional relationships.

Both approaches have an important role to play. The most effective development often combines formal training with practical experience, mentoring and regular conversations with others working across the sector.

Organisations that invest in training are also better positioned to attract talent, adapt to market changes and deliver projects more efficiently, creating a competitive advantage in an increasingly complex marketplace.

Learning through collaboration

Knowledge does not only come from training courses. Some of the most useful insights are gained through conversations with colleagues, clients, consultants, contractors and facilities management professionals.

Building relationships is central to the BEMS sector. Strong professional networks help us understand challenges, share solutions and learn from experiences beyond our own organisations.

Industry events provide an ideal environment for this exchange. They bring together people from across the supply chain, creating opportunities to strengthen existing relationships while developing new ones.

The Smart Buildings Show, taking place at ExCeL London on 14–15 October 2026, is a valuable opportunity to explore the latest developments in smart buildings.

I always find it remarkable how many existing clients I can catch up with at the show, as well as the number of new conversations that begin there.

Turning insight into action

The Smart Buildings Show is much more than a networking opportunity. Its conference programme provides learning opportunities for professionals who want to understand the latest information, technologies and approaches influencing the sector.

This year, I am proud that the BCIA will once again take to the stage. I will be chairing a panel exploring the fundamental question: Why Buildings Underperform and How Intelligent Controls Can Fix It? On day two, our Young Engineers Network will tackle another important issue: Who Will Engineer the Smart Buildings of Tomorrow?

These are questions that often arise in strategy meetings and long-term planning discussions. Yet how often do we have the opportunity to explore them in detail, with contributions from people working across the industry and at different stages of their careers?

The event will also see the BCIA host its first roundtable adjacent to the conference, Unlocking the Smart Transition – Enabling Consumer-Led Flexibility in Non-Domestic Buildings. This reflects the growing role BEMS can play in helping buildings manage energy intelligently and respond to wider sustainability objectives.

The value of these sessions lies not only in the information shared from the stage. It is also in the questions they prompt: What does this mean for our projects? Which skills will our teams need? How can we ensure that new technology is being adopted for the right reasons and delivering measurable value?

Reaching the wider built environment

For the full potential of building controls to be realised, more people across the construction and facilities management sectors need to feel comfortable embracing the technology and understanding what it can achieve.

The conversation must extend beyond the traditional BEMS community, giving building owners, developers, consultants, contractors and facilities managers practical information that connects technology with their priorities.

This is why the BCIA is also pleased to be contributing to London Build and elementalLONDON in November. Taking place at ExCeL London on 25–26 November 2026, elementalLONDON will run alongside London Build and bring together professionals from across the built environment, with a strong focus on sustainability and innovation.

BCIA Management Committee members Graeme Rees and Oli Barker will take part in panel discussions on Optimising Connected Buildings and Decarbonising Commercial Buildings.

These sessions provide an opportunity to explain how BEMS can support wider goals, including energy efficiency, decarbonisation, operational performance and occupant comfort.

The importance of open discussion

In October, I will also be attending Facilities & Estates Management Live, where I will join a panel exploring how the built environment can accelerate the adoption of energy management solutions. The event is taking place in London on 20–21 October 2026.

The topic is particularly timely. There is widespread recognition that buildings need to use energy more efficiently, reduce emissions and operate more intelligently. The challenge is turning that recognition into practical action.

Technology is part of the answer, but technology alone is not enough. We also need people who understand how to specify, install, commission, operate and optimise these systems. We need clients who know the right questions to ask, project teams that collaborate effectively and facilities professionals who have the confidence to use the information their buildings generate.

That requires a culture of continuous learning across the entire sector.

Preparing for what comes next

Keeping current does not mean trying to know everything. No individual can keep pace with every development in technology, regulation and best practice. It means remaining curious, identifying the knowledge gaps that matter most and making time to address them.

For an engineer, this might mean completing a specialist course or attending a technical session. For a facilities manager, it could involve developing a better understanding of data, controls or energy flexibility. For a client or developer, it may mean engaging earlier with specialists and asking how a proposed solution will perform throughout the building’s life.

The smart buildings sector will continue to evolve. The organisations and professionals best placed to benefit will be those that invest in their knowledge, share what they learn and remain open to new ideas.

Continuous development is not separate from the future of BEMS. It will help shape the skills, innovation and collaboration needed to deliver the smart, efficient buildings that society increasingly expects. The question is not whether we can afford to keep learning, but whether we can afford not to.