2025/2026 CIBSE President Vince Arnold recently joined Matteo Dall’Ombra, Commercial Marketing Manager at DAIKIN, for a wide-ranging conversation on the DAIKIN podcast, exploring key themes shaping the building services sector today.
During the discussion, Vince reflected on his professional journey to becoming CIBSE President, sharing insights into the experiences and influences that have shaped his career. Central to the conversation was his Presidential theme, “Paying it Forward”, highlighting the importance of giving back to the profession through mentoring, volunteering and supporting others.
The podcast also explored the vital role of volunteering within engineering, and how individuals at all stages of their careers can contribute to building a stronger, more supportive professional community. Vince emphasised the importance of mentoring and supporting apprentices, underlining the need to nurture and inspire the next generation of talent entering the industry.
A key focus of the discussion was the impact of building services engineering on everyday life, from delivering comfort and safety in buildings to ensuring high performance and efficiency. Vince also addressed the growing challenges posed by climate change, and the need for the industry to respond through resilient, low-carbon design and a greater focus on whole-life building performance.
The conversation highlighted the importance of collaboration across the built environment, with Vince noting that meaningful progress towards net zero requires coordinated efforts between disciplines, organisations, and stakeholders. Retrofit and carbon reduction were also key themes, reinforcing the need to improve the performance of existing buildings alongside new developments.
Vince further discussed the value of continuing professional development (CPD), curiosity, and lifelong learning in an evolving industry, encouraging engineers to remain engaged, adaptable, and proactive in their professional growth. He also shared practical advice on how individuals can get involved with CIBSE, from joining regional activities to contributing to technical work and volunteering opportunities.
This engaging and insightful conversation offers valuable perspectives on leadership, collaboration, and the future of building services engineering.
Watch the full interview below: