CIBSE unveils manifesto for 2024

CIBSE is dedicated to the advancement and promotion of excellence in the building services industry, with a vision of creating better performing buildings for society and the environment.

As the national elections on the 4th July 2024 approach, it urges the new government to recognise the critical role that building services play in addressing some of the most pressing challenges of our time.

CIBSE’s mission is to advance and promote the art, science, and practice of building services engineering, invest in education and research, and support our community of built environment professionals in their pursuit of excellence. Its manifesto outlines key commitments that it believes are essential for creating a sustainable, safe, and resilient built environment.

CIBSE calls on the next government to prioritise these initiatives and work collaboratively with industry professionals to ensure a prosperous and sustainable future for all.

CIBSE’s manifesto:

• Commit to reduce embodied carbon emissions in all building types with a view to mandating the measurement and reporting of whole-life carbon emissions on projects and ultimately introducing legal limits on the upfront embodied carbon emissions of such projects. Reducing embodied carbon emissions is vital for minimising the environmental footprint of construction activities and meeting our net zero target. The government should implement policies that mandate the measurement and reporting of whole-life carbon emissions, setting the stage for future legal limits on embodied carbon to drive industry-wide adoption of sustainable practices.

• Recognise the imperative for developing a collaborative national roadmap with built environment professionals to urgently address climate change and biodiversity decline.
Immediate and coordinated action is required to mitigate and increase resilience to the severe impacts of climate change and biodiversity loss. By collaborating with built environment professionals, the government can develop an effective national roadmap that integrates expertise from various sectors to implement sustainable practices and innovative solutions.

• Start regulating total energy consumption, as opposed to primary energy, across the UK, in time for the introduction of the Future Homes and Building standards.
The focus should shift from merely regulating primary energy use to addressing total energy consumption. This change is essential to align with the Future Homes and Building Standards, promoting more accurate and comprehensive energy management practices that reflect actual environmental impact.

• Work with industry and resource local authorities to lead an ambitious and comprehensive national retrofit programme – underpinned by long-term funding and a robust upskilling plan - to adapt the UK’s homes for decarbonisation and protection against overheating and subsequent impact on energy use and energy poverty.
A national retrofit programme is crucial for upgrading existing housing stock to meet modern energy efficiency standards. This initiative should include long-term financial commitments and training programmes to equip the workforce with necessary skills, ensuring homes are resilient to future climate conditions and contribute to the UK's decarbonisation goals.

• Prioritise and invest in STEM education at primary and secondary levels
This investment is essential to ensure a robust pipeline of skilled professionals who can address the growing challenges and opportunities in the built environment sector.
By fostering a strong foundation in STEM, we can secure the future of our industry and support sustainable, innovative development for generations to come.

Ruth Carter, CIBSE’s CEO, said: “As we approach the national elections on the 4th July 2024, it is crucial for the new government to understand the pivotal role that building services play in addressing the urgent challenges we face today.

“CIBSE is committed to advancing excellence in the building services industry and our manifesto highlights key commitments necessary for creating a sustainable, safe and resilient built environment. We call on the incoming government to prioritise these initiatives and work closely with industry professionals to ensure a prosperous and sustainable future for all.”