CIBSE Conference Explores Future of Building Performance
London, 4 December 2025 – The recent conference hosted by the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE), titled ‘Building Performance Reimagined – What’s Next?’, brought together key players in the industry to discuss the evolving challenges and opportunities within building performance. The event, held at the prestigious Royal Society in London, was aligned with CIBSE President Fiona Cousins’ theme for 2024-25 and focused on practical strategies to enhance sustainability, efficiency and occupant wellbeing across the built environment.
The conference, attended by senior engineers, architects, innovators and policymakers, was divided into three sessions that examined different dimensions of building performance. The overarching theme of the event was to explore real-world applications and showcase successful projects and strategies that address the pressing challenges facing the industry.
The first session, chaired by Sasha Krstanovic, Founder and Design Lead at mstep and CIBSE Trustee, focused on the importance of decarbonisation and climate resilience. Speakers Kathryn Dapre (CALA), Tom Smith, and Ola Bialas (Hoare Lea) discussed the challenges of reducing emissions and mitigating overheating risks, providing attendees with practical examples of best practices in the housebuilding sector.
The second session, led by Sam Baptist, CIBSE Head of Government Affairs, delved into the role of research and policy in informing sustainable and resilient buildings. Presenters Becci Taylor (Arup), Lewis Turner, Dipo Lafinhan, and Andrew Wholley addressed topics such as affordability within planetary boundaries, offering valuable insights into delivering environmentally responsible and economically viable homes.
The final session focused on the central role of occupants in determining building performance. Speakers Tom Randall, Jon Belfield, and Vic Tink (InTandem Systems) presented practical case studies and strategies that put people at the heart of building design, operation, and performance assessment.
The conference emphasized the need for practical solutions and actionable examples to drive progress across the built environment. By facilitating cross-sector dialogue and showcasing emerging innovations, the event has set a benchmark for future CIBSE conferences. Through such initiatives, CIBSE remains committed to advancing high-quality building performance and addressing the urgent sustainability, efficiency and wellbeing challenges facing the industry.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.