Leading voices from across the built environment explored the evolving landscape of building performance and operational excellence during CIBSE’s Measuring Performance and Facilities Management Conference.
Held against a backdrop of growing pressure to improve long-term building sustainability and efficiency, the conference tackled topics such as building management systems (BMS), data-driven decision-making, post-occupancy evaluation (POE), and health and wellbeing metrics. The event also reinforced the principles outlined in CIBSE Guide M: Maintenance Engineering and Management, promoting best practices in operational performance.
The conference programme featured four dynamic sessions, each providing practical insights and thought-provoking discussions from experienced industry professionals:
Session 1: Collaboration and Accountability in a Changing Landscape
Chaired by Vince Arnold, CIBSE President, this opening session explored how fostering accountability and cross-disciplinary collaboration can unlock greater value in facilities management. Panellists David Stevens, Robert Nicoll, and Tamsin Tweddell shared their perspectives on driving better outcomes through cooperative approaches.
Session 2: Balancing Performance with Building and Occupant Health
Led by David Stevens, this session featured insights from Dr Philip Webb, Peter Brown, and Saurabh Bhandari, who discussed strategies to align performance optimisation with occupant wellbeing. The session highlighted the importance of designing and managing spaces that are both efficient and human-centric.
Insights and lessons
Session 3: Successful Collaboration and Lessons Learnt – Design vs. Maintenance
Chaired by Joanna Harris, UK&I Head of Technical Services at Sodexo, this panel reflected on real-world projects where long-term maintenance considerations shaped, or at times challenged, initial design decisions. Speakers Bernard Crouch, James Campbell, Joanna Harris, and Sylvain Blanchard shared key lessons from their experiences.
Session 4: Post-Occupancy Evaluation (POE)
The final session, chaired by Volkan Doda, Head of Design Technologies at Atelier Ten, examined how POE can close the feedback loop between design and operation. Insights from Dr Victoria Tink, Ellen Salazar, Tom McNeil, and Volkan Doda showcased how data and occupant feedback can validate design intent and identify opportunities for ongoing improvement.
Reflecting on the importance of the event, Dr Anastasia Mylona, CIBSE Technical Director, said: “As the sector looks to tackle both climate challenges and growing performance expectations, this conference provided a vital platform for knowledge exchange, innovation, and collaboration. Sharing practical approaches and lessons learnt is central to improving outcomes and empowering the professionals who shape the buildings we live and work in.”
The 2025 Measuring Performance and Facilities Management Conference provided delegates with valuable insights, real-world case studies, and networking opportunities. It reinforced CIBSE’s role as a leader in technical excellence, knowledge sharing, and the advancement of sustainable practices within the built environment.
The Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) is the professional body that supports the science, art, and practice of building services engineering. Through knowledge sharing, guidance, and standards, CIBSE empowers professionals to design, build, operate, and maintain safe, efficient, and sustainable buildings that enhance the built environment.
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