CIBSE Global Young Engineers Network (YEN) has announced the winners of the 30 under 30 Awards 2026, recognising some of the brightest emerging talent across the building services engineering profession.
The annual awards celebrate young engineers who are making a significant contribution to the industry through innovation, leadership, sustainability, technical excellence and project delivery. The 2026 cohort represents 10 regions across the UK, alongside CIBSE regions in the Middle East and North Africa, Hong Kong, and Australia and New Zealand.
Selected by CIBSE Global YEN, the winners demonstrate the breadth of talent, expertise and ambition shaping the future of the built environment.
This year’s awards introduced two new categories, Technical excellence engineer and Project delivery champion, recognising the vital contribution of professionals working across the wider building services sector, including those delivering projects on site and those specialising in disciplines beyond traditional HVAC engineering.
“People have a misconception that CIBSE is only for HVAC engineers, and not other building services branches, such as lighting, sustainability and lifts,” said Aishwarya Chengappa, Chair of CIBSE Global YEN. “By recognising them in the 30 under 30 Class of 2026, we are helping to showcase their extensive skills and knowledge.”
The 2026 awards are supported by headline sponsor Baxi, alongside category sponsors Swegon, the CIBSE Patrons, Ideal Heating – Commercial Products, and Georg Fischer.
Emerging leader
Sponsored by Swegon, this category recognises future leaders in building services who are making an impact through innovation, mentorship, inspiring teams and contributing to the wider industry.
The 2026 Emerging leader winners are:
- Alexis Ciunek, Sustainable Energy
- Alice Jackson, Hoare Lea
- Stan James Elvis Thomas, Sontay
- Aretha Ahunanya, Savills UK
- Elisabeth Eweka, ENGRL and Hoare Lea
- Henry Metcalfe, Etch Associates
- Jordan Clarke, CPW
- Kieran Smart, WSP
- Caryn Yeow, Introba
- Matt Dickenson, Atelier Ten
- Alisha Kalam, Platinum Facilities
Digital and automation innovator
This category celebrates young professionals driving innovation through digital technologies, automation and smarter approaches to building performance.
The 2026 Digital and automation innovators are:
- Muhammad Izzul Hakimi bin Roslan, CAMS Assethub
- Athiya Junaid, WSP
- Banita Basra, Schneider Electric
Technical excellence engineer
Sponsored by the CIBSE Patrons, this category recognises professionals delivering outstanding contributions within specialist building services disciplines, including lighting, public health engineering, data centres, building performance, building controls, vertical transportation and HVAC.
The 2026 Technical excellence engineers are:
- Estella Haynes, Arup
- Bushra Oosman, Red
- Khizar Moti, Arup
- Vino Muthuramalingam, Arup
- George Stephens-Clark, InTandem Systems
- Saanil Joshi, Foster + Partners
- Niamh O’Donovan, WSP
- Mia Richardson, Schneider Electric
Sustainable champion
Sponsored by Ideal Heating – Commercial Products, this category recognises individuals championing sustainability through innovative projects, technical guidance, organisational change and the promotion of sustainable design.
The 2026 Sustainable champions are:
- Yara Machnouk, Introba
- Gabriela Amaya, Arup
- Gareth Samson Jeyapaul, Egis
- Daphne Chan, WSP (Asia)
- Margarita Kobrina, Atelier Ten
- Ismaila Chongan, Cudd Bentley Consulting
- Suvarna Kumar, Buro Happold Middle East (Dubai)
Project delivery champion
Sponsored by Georg Fischer, this new category celebrates young supplier- and contractor-side professionals who demonstrate excellence in delivering high-quality MEP installations, solving complex challenges and supporting successful project outcomes.
The 2026 Project delivery champion is:
- Cameron Nielsen, KNG Building Services
Celebrating the future of building services engineering
The CIBSE 30 under 30 Awards continue to highlight the outstanding contribution of young professionals who are helping to transform the built environment.
From digital innovation and sustainability to technical expertise and project delivery, the 2026 winners demonstrate the diverse skills needed to create safer, healthier and more sustainable buildings.
CIBSE congratulates all winners and celebrates their achievements as the next generation of engineers shaping the future of the profession.