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From Classroom to Career: How CIBSE Volunteers Are Shaping the Future of Building Services in London
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From Classroom to Career: How CIBSE Volunteers Are Shaping the Future of Building Services in London

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01 Dec 25
Ikechukwu Umeokoli, YEN London Committee Member (STEM Outreach Champion)

As a mechanical engineer, I’ve always been driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact—leveraging my strengths in mathematics and physics to improve lives on a global scale, and the built environment is the perfect avenue to do that. CIBSE empowers professionals to design buildings that are not only functional and safe, but also future-ready and environmentally responsible. My desire to contribute meaningfully to the global challenge of climate change—particularly through the design and analysis of heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems—whilst also empowering the younger generation is what led me to volunteer with CIBSE. 

One of the most compelling reasons I volunteer with CIBSE is its role in fostering future-proof careers. Building services engineers are central to helping the UK meet its target of becoming carbon-neutral by 2050. This mission demands a new generation of engineers who are not only technically proficient but also collaborative, innovative, and sustainability-focused. This is why I believe it is imperative that young people understand the scale of this challenge—and the opportunity it presents. Which is why, through outreach and engagement, I inspire them to join an industry that is not only future-facing but future-defining.

Additionally, volunteering with CIBSE has been a natural extension of my professional and personal values. As the STEM Outreach Champion for the CIBSE Young Engineers Network (YEN) London, I have the privilege of engaging with students and early-career professionals, helping them discover the exciting possibilities within building services engineering. I believe the younger generation holds the key to transforming our industry—not just continuing our work, but elevating it to new heights through fresh perspectives and innovation.

Sharing knowledge is something I deeply enjoy. It allows me to refine my communication skills while inspiring others with the incredible achievements possible in STEM. CIBSE provides a powerful platform for collaboration, learning, and advocacy. It brings together individuals who are united by a common goal: to tackle one of the most urgent challenges of our time—climate change—through engineering excellence and sustainable design.

My involvement with CIBSE has also opened doors to valuable leadership experiences, including the opportunity to lead initiatives, organising events, and contributing to strategic planning. Since joining the CIBSE YEN London committee, I’ve actively worked to raise awareness of building services engineering across London universities—particularly among first- and second-year students. For example, I organised a showcase event—Urban Futures Unveiled—at University College London (UCL). Students were given exclusive access to learn directly from industry professionals through a series of case studies spotlighting how different sectors are decarbonising to help achieve the UK’s 2050 net zero target. 

Reflecting on my journey with CIBSE, I can confidently say that it has been an incredibly rewarding journey. It has provided a platform not only to share my knowledge and insights with the younger generation, but also to learn from seasoned professionals across the industry. In a sector that is rapidly evolving to address climate change and improve the quality of our built environments, continuous learning is mandatory. Through my involvement, I’ve gained exposure to new ideas, technologies, and perspectives that have enriched both my personal and professional development. I am proud to be part of a network that is driving meaningful change—not just within the walls of my office, but on a global scale. CIBSE empowers engineers to make a lasting impact by shaping healthier, more sustainable, and more resilient spaces. I am delighted to contribute to this mission and to play a role in inspiring the next generation of engineers who will carry it forward.

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