When I first started attending CIBSE events as a graduate, I never imagined I’d one day be behind the scenes, helping to make them happen. Back then, I was just excited to find a space where people genuinely wanted to connect, not just about technical work, but about shared values, career journeys, and where the industry is heading.
Fast-forward a few years, and volunteering has become one of the most meaningful parts of my professional life.
How it all started
My journey with CIBSE volunteering began through curiosity. I had recently joined the industry as a sustainability consultant and was navigating everything that comes with early-career uncertainty amidst COVID lockdowns: trying to build confidence, find my voice, and figure out where I could contribute. The Young Engineers Network (YEN) in the UAE quickly became a place where I felt welcome and offered me space to do things I wanted to do.
I started to get involved by helping out with event logistics; my first event involvement being organising a one-day in-person IES Workshop in collaboration with Manipal University, then gradually took on more responsibility through YEN Global, stepping in as Vice-Liaison between CIBSE YEN and ASHRAE YEA.
Moments that stood out
One of the most recent highlights of my volunteering experience has been co-creating events that balance professional development with connection. YEN Global’s recent virtual event “Let’s Connect” in collaboration with ASHRAE YEA is a stellar example of what could be achieved if we chose to collaborate more often. We wanted to avoid the usual “cameras off, muted mics” format, so we introduced informal breakout rooms, discussion themes, and even time to talk about non-work passions. It turned out to be one of the most engaging sessions we’d hosted and a first-of-its-kind event.
People shared stories about transitioning into the industry, choosing specialisms, and managing imposter syndrome - the kind of conversations you don’t always get in formal settings. Seeing attendees stay online just to keep chatting and to share experiences was a reminder of how powerful these spaces can be.
Another collaborative initiative I oversaw the takeoff of with YEN UAE’s Technical Events team was the CIBSE YEN UAE’s Podcasts, aimed at bridging the gap and helping young engineers in the region understand the transition from academia to the industry a little better.
The latest episode of the podcast can be watched here.
I have also had the chance to contribute to mentoring programmes and student outreach through my alma mater, both areas I care deeply about. It’s incredibly fulfilling to speak to students and early-career engineers who are unsure if they “fit” in the built environment sector and to be able to say, with honesty: Yes, there is space for you here.
Who
Volunteering has never been a solo journey. Every event, every meeting, every idea has come to life because of collaborative energy from people who care. The other volunteers I’ve worked with across CIBSE YEN, ASHRAE YEA, and university groups have inspired me enormously and have always left me feeling more energised to do more and create more.
We bring different perspectives, but we’re united by the desire to make engineering more inclusive, engaging, and forward-thinking. I’ve learned so much from them about leadership, empathy, and how to get things done with limited time but limitless enthusiasm.
Why
I volunteer with CIBSE because I believe in shaping the profession from within. It’s very easy to talk about how we want the industry to evolve, to be more sustainable, diverse, and adaptable, but change requires action. Volunteering is one way I try to turn those values into something tangible.
Whether it’s helping someone figure out opportunities, sharing lessons from my own journey, or planning events that spark new ideas, I see these contributions as part of a larger mission. And I know I’m not alone in that. CIBSE volunteers are playing a quiet but powerful role in shaping the future of building services, not just through technical excellence, but by building community.
What’s next?
Looking ahead, I’m excited to stay involved (hopefully) in more cross-regional and interdisciplinary initiatives that connect sustainability with social impact.
There’s still so much to learn, and so much to give. Volunteering has taught me that growth isn’t just about climbing ladders; it’s about widening the path for others, too.
If you're wondering whether you have something to offer as a volunteer, my answer is: absolutely. You don’t have to be the most experienced person in the room. Sometimes all it takes is showing up, asking questions, or helping someone feel like they belong. That’s how it started for me.
And that’s how we build back a better industry, together.
About the Author
Sundara Gurushev
Product LCA Expert | CIBSE Volunteer | Sustainability Consultant
Sundara is a passionate sustainability consultant specialising in low-impact, high-performance developments. With experience across the Middle East, the UK, and the
Netherlands, she brings a global perspective to local solutions. As an active CIBSE
volunteer, she’s contributed to YEN committees, student outreach, and professional
development initiatives. Sundara is committed to creating inclusive spaces for early-career engineers and advocates for circular, people-centred design. When she’s not working on buildings, she’s probably reading a book about them or planning smaller initiatives to bring different communities together.
Interested in volunteering with CIBSE?
Find out how you can get involved at cibse.org/volunteering