What does it mean to be a Fellow of CIBSE?

	The CIBSE Fellows Network is a uniquely powerful community, rich in expertise, experience, and leadership. We have an extraordinary opportunity—and responsibility—to channel this collective strength to elevate our industry, support early career professionals, and champion the vital role of building services engineering in shaping a sustainable future. To truly make an impact, we must expand our reach—growing the network across regions and deepening our engagement with societies, groups, and communities. This is a call to action for those with passion, purpose, and the drive to lead. With the right people, united by a shared commitment to excellence and collaboration, we can build a stronger, more inclusive profession—one that inspires, empowers, and delivers lasting change."   Mike Burton , Chair CIBSE Fellows Network
" To be a Fellow of CIBSE is to be recognised as a leader, a mentor, and a champion of excellence in building services engineering. It is the highest professional grade, awarded not just for technical achievement, but for sustained impact, visionary leadership, and a deep commitment to advancing the profession. Fellowship is a call to serve—to share knowledge, support emerging talent, and shape the future of our industry. It means using your experience to inspire others, influence positive change, and uphold the values of innovation, integrity, and sustainability. It is both an honour and a responsibility—to lead by example, to give back generously, and to help ensure that building services engineering continues to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

... a little more about Mike ...

Mike is a Senior Director at AECOM, where he leads multidisciplinary teams across heritage, refurbishment, new build, commercial, education, government, and arts and culture sectors. His portfolio includes some of the UK’s most iconic and transformative projects, such as the BBC Broadcasting House, King’s Cross Regeneration, the Old Bailey Refurbishment, and the Royal Academy of Music.

A passionate advocate for the next generation of engineers, Mike founded the AECOM Young Engineers Network, fostering early career development through pastoral support, soft skills training, and continuous learning opportunities.

Two years ago, Mike co-founded the Fellows Network alongside Geoff Prudence, creating a dynamic platform for collaboration, mentorship, and thought leadership. As an active committee member, he plays a pivotal role in supporting professional societies, engaging with Fellows, coordinating with Patrons, and championing the Young Engineers Network. His leadership has been instrumental in delivering impactful mentoring events and the highly regarded Fellows Masterclasses, featuring industry luminaries such as Patrick Bellew, Fiona Cousins, Dave Cheshire, and Despina Katsikakis—with more inspiring speakers to come.

Mike also serves as a CIBSE Trustee and Vice President, and is a dedicated mentor, former Council member, and active contributor to the CIBSE Patrons committee. His commitment to excellence and inclusion has earned him prestigious accolades, including the CIBSE Engineer of the Year award for his leadership in building performance, and the Women in Construction and Engineering Awards’ Mentor of the Year for his support of women in leadership.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions to architecture and engineering, Mike has been named an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). He also shares his expertise as a Visiting Professor at both the University of Leeds and the University of Nottingham.