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BCIA Awards 2024 Finalists Announced!

ImageIt is with great delight that the Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA) can announce the finalists for this year’s BCIA Awards. Due to an outstandingly high standard of entries received, there was much deliberation during the judging process. Winners will be announced Thursday 02 May at the BCIA Awards 2024 ceremony and dinner at the Eastside Rooms, Birmingham.

The shortlisted finalists are:

Building Controls and BEMS Installer of the Year
Sponsored by Trend Control Systems

BMSI
Crown House Technologies
Electracom Projects (UK)
Global Associates
Learnd and Complete Energy Controls
Linear Control Systems

Engineer of the Year

Tony Biddlestone, Crown House Technologies
Jack Ciampa, Carbon Numbers
Luke Clarehugh, Schneider Electric
Paul Holland, Global Associates
Gary Smith, Global Associates
Bradley Willmoth, E.ON Control Solutions

Young Engineer of the Year
Sponsored by Schneider Electric

Tom Backhouse, Schneider Electric
Aarushi Bhargava, Crown House Technologies
Rhys Cutler, SSE Energy Solutions
Aidan Driffield, Linear Control Systems
Thierry Garvey, Detail Design Engineering
Sam Haigh, Westminster Controls
James Jackson, E.ON Control Solutions
Finbar Kiefer, Global Associates
Louis Marr, Schneider Electric
Josh Spall, Learnd
Christian Webb, DAE Energy Solutions

Apprentice of the Year
Sponsored by Group Horizon

Nathan Armstrong, E.ON Control Solutions
Ellie Bamfield, Schneider Electric
Roman Hlushko, Schneider Electric
Jake Jarram, Building Controls Specialists
Scott Love, IBT Group
Conal McMahon, Crown House Technologies
Sachin Penukonda, Siemens
Aaron Smith, Learnd
Zach Stanley, Kendra Energy Solutions
Anya Turner, Schneider Electric

Outstanding Contribution Award
Sponsored by BCIA

Announced on the night

Energy Management Award
Sponsored by Priva UK

Econowise Drives & Controls, Savills RISE Portfolio Energy Optimisation
Kendra Energy Solutions, Francis Crick Institute
Learnd and Complete Energy Controls, Perth & Kinross Council BMS Efficiency Project
Mitie Energy and Lloyds Banking Group, Plan Zero
Nordomatic UK, London Fire Brigade Energy Portal
Pilot Group, EMS installation at JA Harrison
Pilot Group, EMS installation at musicMagpie

Best Service and Maintenance Provider
Sponsored by Western Automation

3MSE
Carbon Numbers
E.ON Control Solutions
Global Associates
Kendra Energy Solutions
Westminster Controls

Technical Innovation of the Year – Products
Sponsored by CIBSE

Consyst, 700 Series BACnet & Modbus DALI-2 Gateway
Distech Controls, Resense Move
Global Associates, Smart Compliance – part of the global spaces offering
Nordomatic, NHSPS - Honeywell RBM
Priva, Priva Digital Services
Siemens Building Products, Siemens wireless room solution

Technical Innovation of the Year – Projects

BGES Group collaboration with Savills, Demand-led BACS, metering and EnMS upgrade at 1 Kingsway
Carbon Numbers, Time of Flight Sensors
E.ON Control Solutions, Bunhill Control System Upgrade
Global Associates, PureGym Estate Wide Roll Out
Schneider Electric, 150 Holborn (DAR group)
Schneider Electric, Gateshead District Energy Scheme

Contribution to Training Award

Group Horizon
One Sightsolutions
RCC
Schneider Electric Digital Energy Training Academy
Sontay Academy
SSE Graduate Development Program

BCIA President Stacey Lucas commented: “We would like to thank everyone who entered the 2024 BCIA Awards. The judging process proved difficult due to the exceptionally high standard of entries. I am looking forward to hosting the Awards for the first time as President, celebrating with members of the industry and finding out the winners!”

To find out more about the Awards and book your table, visit: https://bcia.co.uk/bcia-awards/

#BCIAAwards24


BCIA Vice-President helps launch report on technology-agnostic approach to decarbonising buildings

Stacey Lucas, Vice-President of the Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA), was an industry panel guest at the recent parliamentary launch of a new report advocating for a technology-agnostic approach to the decarbonisation of heat and buildings.

ImageThe report by the Sustainable Energy Association (SEA), titled “Policy Barriers and Solutions for a Technology-Agnostic Approach to Heat and Buildings”, explains why government policies should be reformed to deploy the most appropriate and diverse range of technologies for achieving the best outcomes from the transition to Net-Zero. The report has been launched in partnership with the Parliamentary Renewable and Sustainable Energy Group (PRASEG), and the BCIA is an official supporting partner organisation of the report.

The launch event, held in Portcullis House, House of Commons on 25th January, was hosted by PRASEG Chair Alan Brown MP. A panel, consisting of Matthew Aylott (Electrification of Heat Policy Lead, Department for Energy Security and Net Zero), Stacey Lucas (Vice-President, BCIA), Gary Parker (Head of Technical Standards, ECA), Katrina Young (Practice Manager for Heat Policy & Local Energy, Energy Systems Catapult), Matthew Dodds (Director, Commercial Division, Herschel Infrared) and Johan du Plessis (CEO, tepeo), took part in a Q&A session to highlight the importance of using a diverse range of low-carbon technologies and why an outcomes-based approach is favourable in delivering a prosperous Net-Zero future for the UK.

After the event Ben Copson, Policy Advisor at SEA, said: “Smart building controls are undoubtedly an integral solution for creating low-cost, energy-efficient, decarbonised and healthy buildings. We should ensure that all of our heat and buildings policies are valuing the benefits and contributions building controls can make to our Net-Zero journey and providing equal opportunities for their installation. Collaborating with the BCIA has been hugely positive in showcasing the need for these important technologies and enriching the debate to include more appropriate solutions in the transition.

BCIA Vice-President Stacey Lucas commented: “Improving the energy efficiency in buildings will require a collective effort from industry and policymakers to ensure the UK can meet its Net-Zero objectives. It was a privilege to attend the launch event of this hugely important report and put forward the case for building controls to form part of a strategic move towards a sustainable future using low-carbon technologies.


BCIA supports National Apprenticeship Week

The Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA) is supporting National Apprenticeship Week by speaking to people who are undertaking or have completed an apprenticeship in the building controls sector to find out more about their experience.

National Apprenticeship Week runs between 5th-11th February 2024 and presents an ideal opportunity for top employers and organisations to come together and showcase their offerings to thousands of candidates who are actively seeking an apprenticeship.

Gareth Holvey is currently a Junior Estimator at Cura Energy and pursuing a Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS) Controls Engineer Apprenticeship Level 4. Describing his experience he said: “You’re in your workplace learning at the same time and Cura Energy gives me 20% of the time in the week to do bits that I need to do on the apprenticeship, whether it’s an assignment or some additional learning with an engineer.” He added: “I would highly recommend this apprenticeship. It has given me the knowledge and skills that I need in order to achieve great things in this industry.

James Barber completed an apprenticeship in electrical engineering and is currently Deputy Production Manager at Sontay. He said: “During my apprenticeship I got to spend time in all the different departments across Sontay, which gave me a great opportunity to work my way through the company and lend help wherever it was needed.

When Greg Smith, Lead BMS Support/Commissioning Engineer at E.ON Controls, was looking for a new career challenge a friendly recommendation about the Building Management Systems (BMS) industry led him to sign up to a four-year apprenticeship scheme, which has seen him progress to becoming a qualified electrician and BMS controls specialist. Greg said: “I believe everyone has a skill that can be utilised and I really encourage anybody to be thinking about an apprenticeship to consider the BEMS Controls Engineer Apprenticeship Level 4. This will provide an entry level into an expanding field, and I look forward to perhaps working with you in the future.

To further support young people pursuing a career in the building controls industry, the BCIA launched its Young Engineers Network in April 2022. The YEN has been established to provide a forum for young BEMS engineers to share learnings and best practice and to help attract and retain young talent into the BEMS industry.

BCIA Vice-President Stacey Lucas said: “The building controls industry is an exciting sector to be a part of and the next generation of engineers are going to be vital in delivering sustainable buildings that are crucial for our future. Apprenticeships offer a fantastic way to enter an industry and National Apprenticeship Week provides a great chance to find out more about the range of opportunities on offer.


BCIA membership total passes 150 with 12 new members joining in Q2

The Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA) has welcomed 12 new members to the organisation in the second quarter of 2023, taking the total number of members to more than 150 for the first time ever.

The joining companies are Vexo International, Trinity Controls, Westminster Controls, Airthings, Bonney & Jarman, Carbon Numbers, DMS Metering Solutions, Eaton Electric, Sterling Controls, Novus Controls, Metric Services Leicester and Defined Technical.

The BCIA aims to promote the use of building controls as a key factor in the operational efficiency of buildings. Its members span the full range of companies operating in the building controls and Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS) sector, including system integrators and manufacturers. On behalf of its members, the BCIA has built strong relationships with the trade press, other Associations and the Government.

Members have exclusive access to the BCIA Market Information Service (MIS), which provides unique data on the UK controls industry for BCIA members.

Marc Gaunt, Segment Manager, Commercial and Industrial Buildings at Eaton Electric, said: "Eaton’s goal is to improve the quality of life and the environment around us, helping integrators and in turn their clients to expand their knowledge, experience and benefits of energy transition technologies. We are delighted to be joining the BCIA and look forward to working with them to help build a sustainable future."

Paul Hanrahan, Director at VEXO International, commented: “The BCIA shares our goal to assist with the mitigation of global warming by offering long term sustainable design and product solutions. Protecting the environment is at the heart of our company and we look forward to working with our fellow members to achieve this.

BCIA President Graeme Rees said: “I’d like to wish a very warm welcome to our newest members. The make-up of our membership today is roughly 14% large corporation and manufacturers with 70% being Small-Medium Enterprises. We are also seeing growth in very small businesses, of less than four employees who now make up 15% of our membership base.

He added: “To ensure the BCIA appropriately reflects the shape and make up of our industry it is really important that as many of our members as possible contribute to BCIA activities wherever they can.

To view the full list of current BCIA members visit: https://bcia.co.uk/members/


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A Big Congratulations to the BCIA Awards Winners 2023!

Congratulations to all of the BCIA Awards 2023 winners who took home one of the sought after trophies which recognise the quality, talent and innovation which the building controls industry has to offer.

Building Controls and BEMS Installer of the Year Sponsored by Trend Control Systems - Detail Design Engineering
Engineer of the Year Sponsored by BCIA Training - George Smith - 3MSe
Young Engineer of the Year Sponsored by Schneider Electric - Abbie Bewley - InTandem Systems
Apprentice of the Year Sponsored by Group Horizon - Robert Drysdale - InTandem Systems
Energy Management Award Sponsored by Priva UK - Econowise Drives & Controls - Savills Energy Saving Project
Best Service and Maintenance Provider Sponsored by Western Automation - Kendra Energy Solutions
Technical Innovation of the Year - Products Sponsored by BCIA - Connected Power - MK Electric
Technical Innovation of the Year - Projects Sponsored by BCIA Siemens - University of Birmingham
Contribution to Training Award Sponsored by CIBSE - Group Horizon
Outstanding Contribution Award Sponsored by BCIA - Tracey Rushton-Thorpe - Keystone Communications

Charity Success - This year the President's charity was once again Teenage Cancer Trust and together we raised a massive £5,102 on the night thanks to the Higher or Lower game. Don't forget you can still donate to the charity via the online JustGiving page here.

Check out the photo gallery of the evening featured on the BCIA website, and don't forget to share and tag us! #BCIAAwards2023

Read more ...


BCIA boosts position as leading association for the building controls industry with seven new members

The Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA) has welcomed seven new members to the organisation in late 2022 and the first quarter of 2023, building on its position as the UK’s leading association for the building controls sector. The joining companies are SysCon Limited, Electrical Concepts, P A Collacott & Co, Demma Group, adi Intelligent Buildings, Drake Controls and Energy Controls Solutions.

The BCIA aims to promote the use of building controls as a key factor in the operational efficiency of buildings. Its members span the full range of companies operating in the building controls and Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS) sector, including system integrators and manufacturers. On behalf of its members, the BCIA has built strong relationships with the trade press, other Associations and the Government.

Members have exclusive access to the BCIA Market Information Service (MIS), which provides unique data on the UK controls industry for BCIA members. Its latest report revealed the sector to be worth more than £835M to the UK economy in 2022, an 8% increase from 2021. BCIA membership also includes free membership of the Federation of Environmental Trades Association (FETA).

Paul Fish, Managing Director at P A Collacott & Co, said: “We are very proud to become a member of the BCIA, an organisation which aligns with our company values of raising industry standards and bridging the skills gap. We look forward to working alongside our fellow members to help grow the building controls sector and create a sustainable built environment for the future.”

John Nicholson, Managing Director of Syscon Ltd, said: “We are delighted to become a member of the BCIA and we hope that we can help to build on the great work the organisation has already achieved. We are a relatively young company that has taken some big steps forward in the last 10 years and I believe our BCIA membership will make us stronger.”

BCIA President Graeme Rees said: “I am delighted to welcome our newest members into the BCIA, which is focused on providing practical support for its members. The BCIA is recognised as an integral voice in the UK’s BEMS sector and membership demonstrates a mark of quality towards clients. The combined knowledge and expertise of our new members will contribute to the continued growth of the BCIA. Together, we can collectively raise the profile of the building controls sector, drive up standards, influence policy and increase the recognition of the BCIA and its members as key contributors in the UK’s mission to decarbonise of the built environment.”

To view the full list of current BCIA members visit: https://bcia.co.uk/members/


BCIA Awards Finalists Announced

It is with great pleasure that the Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA) can announce the finalists for this year’s BCIA Awards.

There was much deliberation during the judging process due to an exceptionally high standard of entries received. Winners of each category will be announced Thursday 04 May at the BCIA Awards 2023 ceremony and dinner at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole.

The shortlisted finalists are:

Building Controls and BEMS Installer of the Year
ABEC
ADI Intelligent Buildings
Crown House Technologies
Detail Design Engineering
E.ON Control Solutions
Learnd
TClarke

Engineer of the Year
George Smith, 3MSe
Josh Froude, 3MSe
Fred Murcutt, AES Control Systems
Sonu Mani, CBRE|ESI - EMEA
Martin French, Crown House Technologies
Gregory Smith, E.ON Control Solutions
Luke Gilbert, Global Associates
Jason Bennett, One Sightsolutions
Maggie Chantrey, Sauter Automation
Georgios Xakopoulos, Sauter Automation
Trevor Wright, SSE Energy Solutions
Mike Hoare, SSE Energy Solutions
Bradley Eyre, TClarke
David Jackson, TClarke

Young Engineer of the Year
Erick Ginesta, ABEC
Filip Ivancic, Crown House Technologies
Ryan Willetts, DAE Energy Solutions
Jason Nichols, Demma
Bradley Willmoth, E.ON Control Solutions
Abbie Bewley, InTandem Systems
Alistair Mitchell, Kendra Energy Solutions
Mikolaj Hacia, Learnd
Harry Wescombe, One Sightsolutions
Saullo Silva, Sauter Automation
Ben Johnson, Sauter Automation
Charlie Aubrey, Schneider Electric
Mia Richardson, Schneider Electric

Apprentice of the Year
Jordan Orchard, AES Controls
Alex Sherrington, Demma
William Robson, Impact Control Systems
Robert Drysdale, InTandem Systems
Matthew Appleyard, Integrated BMS
Jamie Nguyen, Johnson Controls
Isabel Lamb, Learnd UK
Siku Junior Chiororo, Mitie
Archie Small, Retail Energy Solutions
Alfie Simester, Sauter Automation
Ethan O'Neill, Siemsatec

Energy Management Award
Carbon Numbers, Daiwa Capital Markets Smart Building
Chartwell Controls, DLG - BEMS Energy Optimisation Strategy Upgrade
Econowise, Savills Energy Saving Project
Global Associates, Speedy Hire - Estate wide move to carbon negative
Kendra Energy Solutions, Hitting ambitious energy targets at the Francis Crick
Mitie Energy and Lloyds Banking Group, Connected branches pilot

Best Service and Maintenance Provider
3MSe
ABEC
Demma Services
E.ON Control Solutions (Amersham)
Global Associates
Kendra Energy Solutions
Schneider Electric

Technical Innovation of the Year – Products
Indoor Air Quality Sensor, Monitor and Software, Airthings
Clarence - Remote Water Monitoring Box, Angel Guard
Hydrosonic-M1 Ultrasonic Smart Meter, B Meters
Bubll Smart Matrix, Bubll Automation
Intesis Multi Protocol AC Gateways, Consyst
SERIES IEF Insertion Electromagnetic Flow Transmitter, Dwyer Instruments
FIN Stack, J2 Innovations
Connected Power, MK Electric
QNA IAQ Multi Sensor, Siemens
Connect Box, Siemens
SORA Wireless Sensing, Sontay

Technical Innovation of the Year – Projects
ABEC, Enabling NatWest Group to work smarter with ABEC Smart View
E.ON Control Solutions, Spie PFI Scottish Schools Contract
Optimised, Hilton London Wembley Optimisation
Siemens, University of Birmingham - Creating the world's smartest campus
Specialist Controls Installations, London College of Fashion (University of Arts London)
TClarke, 5 Bank Street European Bank for Reconstruction & Development

Contribution to Training Award
ABEC
Fantom Factory eLearning
Group Horizon
Learnd Academy Management Training Programme
RCC
SSE Graduate Project Sales Engineer Development Programme

BCIA President Graeme Rees commented: “We would like to thank everyone who took the time to enter and gave the judges plenty to think about once again such was the quality of entries this year. To see the examples of innovation and talented people leading the way in building controls gives me great pride to be a part of this sector and I look forward to joining many of my industry colleagues at the ceremony in May and finding out who the winners are.”

To find out more about the Awards and book your table visit: https://bcia.co.uk/bcia-awards/


Read more ...


Changes announced to BCIA Management Committee

The Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA) has announced changes to its Management Committee, with the addition of new members Jen Vickers, Ron Purcell and Jason Harper, while thanking Richard Meacham and Simon Ward who have both left the Committee after serving their three-year tenure. The BCIA has also welcomed back Rob Wood as Chair of the Skills Working Group and would like to thank Wendy Belfield for covering the role on an interim basis for the past few months.

Read more ...


BCIA announces changes to Working Groups personnel

The Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA) has announced changes to two of its Working Groups, with Keith Burnett replacing Karl Walker as Chair of the Marketing Working Group, and Wendy Belfield taking over from Rob Wood as the Chair of the Skills Working Group on a temporary basis.

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2022 BCIA Awards Winners Named

The winners of the 2022 Building Controls Industry Association awards have been announced.

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Graeme Rees announced as new President of BCIA

The Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA) has announced Graeme Rees as its new President. Graeme takes over from Terry Sharp who has held the role for the past two years, while Paul Wetherfield will take Graeme’s place as Vice-President.

Read more ...


Invest in your future and meet demand

With energy prices on the rise, utilising effective building controls remains at the heart of energy-efficient buildings. This is a growing priority for many business owners and thus creates further demand for highly skilled engineers and managers to provide optimum solutions to ensure environmentally-friendly workplaces.

There has never been a better time to build an exciting and dynamic career path within the building controls industry. In a fiercely competitive sector, it is vital to move with the times and not get left behind. One of the best ways to achieve this is by being adaptable, upskilling and putting yourself into the driving seat to work across new markets.

The Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA) can help you fulfil those aspirations via its full suite of training courses which are tailored to those wishing to upskill or begin their journey as a Building Controls Engineer.

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Young voices at COP26 are an inspiration for engineers of tomorrow, says BCIA

The UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) that took place in Glasgow at the start of November demonstrated the passion and determination of the younger generation to make a real difference in ensuring the future health of the planet, according to the Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA).

Read more ...


Then and Now: two engineers of different generations share their experiences since the BCIA’s formation 30 years ago

As part of its 30th anniversary celebrations, the Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA) has interviewed two of its members who are both at different stages of their career.

Roger Woodward is a founder member of the Building Controls Group (BCG), which later became the BCIA and has held roles at Johnson Controls and Tridium during a career spanning more than 40 years. He currently works as an Independent Strategy Consultant and was awarded the BCIA’s Outstanding Contribution of the Year award in 2012. George Belfield won the BCIA award for Young Engineer of the Year in 2017 and is currently a Building Controls Engineer for InTandem Systems.

The full interview can be read here.


About Us


The BCIA is a single voice, representing a growing and dynamic building controls and BEMS sector in the UK.

The overall aim of the BCIA is to promote better understanding, application and use of building controls. In order to achieve this the BCIA works with organisations and institutions such as BESA, ECA, CIBSE, BIFM, FETA and others to share knowledge and improve the performance of building automation. The Association is also committed to promote higher standards among membership through discounts on the BCIA’s suite of training courses and through the development of the approved BEMS Trailblazer Apprenticeship Standard for our sector.

ImageThe BCIA also seeks to influence legislation such as Part L of the Building Regulations to ensure that the crucial role that controls play in energy efficient buildings is recognised at all levels; and increase market awareness among specifiers and end-users about the importance of good specification, design, installation and post-occupancy support.

The BCIA is run by its members under strong governance and appointment to the Management Committee is by election only. Members are encouraged to participate in the Marketing, Technical and Skills Working Groups which enable the BCIA to tackle particular issues and projects in a focused way. These groups are well supported and critical in delivering the strategy for change.

 

 

Aims & Objectives
 

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The overall aim of the BCIA its to promote better understanding, application and use of building controls. In order to achieve this the BCIA works with other organisations and institutions such as BESA, ECA, CIBSE, BIFM, FETA and others to promote the interests of our members. The Association is also committed to promote higher standards among membership through discounts on the BCIA’s suite of six training courses and through the development of the Apprenticeship Standard for our sector.

The BCIA also aims to influence legislation such as Part L of the Building Regulations to ensure that the crucial role that controls play in energy efficient buildings is recognised at all levels; and increase market awareness among specifiers and end-users about the importance of good specification, design and installation.


History


The BCIA was formed in 2004, from a merger of two earlier long-standing groups. The Association is now part of the Federation of Environmental Trade Associations (FETA) so that it has access to lobbying at European level, and the ability to discuss key issues with other parts of the construction sector.

The BCIA is run by its members, for its members and appointment to the Management Committee is by election. Members are however encouraged to participate in the Marketing, Technical and Skills Working Groups which enable the BCIA to tackle particular issues and projects in a focused way.


People
 

Rob Wood, Chair, BCIA, Skills Working Group
Graeme Rees, President, BCIA, Schneider Electric
Terry Sharp, Immediate Past President, BCIA, NDA Consulting
Stacey Lucas, Vice President, BCIA, Sontay
Catherine Walker, Executive Officer, BCIA
Richard Bush, Chair of the Technical Working Group, Priva UK
Keith Burnett, Chair of the Marketing Working Group, Schneider Electric
Wendy Belfield, Chair of the Skills Working Group, InTandem Systems
Jen Vickers, Document Engineer, Crown House Technologies
Ron PurcellJason Harper


Visit BCIA Wesbite


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