13 August 2025
|
Sometimes referred to as London’s smartest building, 150 Holborn was the setting for the Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA)’s Young Engineers Network (YEN)’s latest event.
Featuring the latest smart building technology, the Sidara headquarters includes a fully integrated workplace management system, computer aided facility management and a mobile application tool to enable occupants to effectively engage with the building’s systems and infrastructure.
With more than four hours of networking, panel discussions, group activities, demonstrations of software and hardware platforms, and a building tour, more than 30 young engineers had the chance to experience some of the most innovative and sustainable solutions available, including:
- Knowledge of future sustainability initiatives – attendees got a glimpse of the strategies and schemes in place to cut emissions
- Hands-on smart building technology experience – innovative smart building technology, including BEMS hardware and software, was demonstrated
- Appreciation for new approaches – inspired by the building and the company, attendees had the opportunity to explore different ideas and think outside the box
- Connections and relationships – attendees took part in group activities and presentations, sharing ideas and working collaboratively with fellow professionals.
Lucy Gale, Customer Success Specialist at Schneider Electric, arranged the event and was delighted with how it had been received. She said: “It was a fantastic day and it was a pleasure to see the young engineers sharing ideas and working collaboratively to enhance an already incredibly smart building. Events like this are so important in inspiring the next generation of building services professionals.
"The energy, curiosity and creativity on display were truly impressive. It was also a great example of how collaboration across the industry can drive innovation and promote more sustainable practices in building controls. We’d also like to say a huge thank you to Sidara, Schneider Electric and BCIA for the support they provided.”
Josh Steel, Chair of the YEN, added: “I’ve been blown away by the design of this building and it’s very insightful to see the level of planning and detail that goes into it. What an unbelievable day we had. It was superb and it’s important to acknowledge these days are all put on for young engineers.”
The YEN also recently co-hosted the Together We Engineer event – a discussion on empowering women and the next generation.
Organised by the YEN and the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) Women in Building Services Engineering (WIBSE), the evening of panel debates and discussions in Manchester brought together panellists from leading building services professional bodies and associations, such as BCIA Young Engineer of the Year and YEN member Zoe Dickson and BCIA Vice President Jen Vickers, to talk about how they are inspiring female professionals and the next generation.
Vickers sat on both panels and highlighted the importance of events focusing on increasing female representation in the industry. She said: “It’s important for women already in the industry to be visible in order to make it accessible for those who may not otherwise consider it as a career option – to quote the tennis player Billie Jean King, ‘You have to see it to be it.’
“There needs to be more visibility in schools and colleges, through delivering presentations and offering work placements to demonstrate to young women that it is a viable career path for them. Diversity of thought, from a wider range of presentations, leads to better problem-solving and more creative solutions.”
Kate O’Donnell, Business Development Manager, E-ON Controls and YEN regional lead for the North, added: “Events like this spark inspiration, showing that women in BEMS aren’t just part of the future, they’re shaping it right now! This event matters because it’s all about real voices, real stories, and building a BEMS community where women thrive. It was brilliant to do this event alongside WIBSE, and YEN hope to do further collaborations with CIBSE that benefit both communities.”
Rachael Gilbert, WIBSE representative for CIBSE North West, co-organised the event and was delighted with the positive atmosphere created. She said: “The atmosphere was electric. The room was full of brilliant women and allies uplifting each other, sharing stories, and connecting through their experiences.
“The key takeaway was the importance, and potential, of connecting classrooms and companies. We left feeling energised to strengthen those links, making sure education and industry are working hand-in-hand to champion building services, future skills, and sustainable design. We’re now developing an event that opens up our world to teachers and asks how we can support them, their students and the curriculum.”
Find out more about the Young Engineers Network.
