CIBSE welcomed guests, members and industry leaders to its London headquarters recently, for a special Honorary Fellowship event celebrating the contribution of Chris Skidmore to climate policy, public service and the advancement of the UK’s net zero ambitions.
The CIBSE Honorary Fellowship is one of the Institution’s highest recognitions, awarded to individuals who have made an exceptional contribution to the built environment, engineering, society or areas aligned with CIBSE’s mission.
The event brought together representatives from across the built environment sector to recognise Chris Skidmore’s significant impact in shaping the UK’s approach to climate action and supporting the transition towards a more sustainable future.
The Honorary Fellowship was presented by CIBSE President Dave Cooper, who recognised Chris Skidmore’s distinguished career in public service and his contribution to establishing the UK’s net zero framework.
During his parliamentary career as Member of Parliament for Kingswood (2010–2024), Chris Skidmore held a number of ministerial roles across government departments, including health, constitutional affairs, universities, science, research and innovation, and energy and climate change.
In 2019, as Interim Minister for Energy and Climate Change, he played a pivotal role in formally enshrining the UK’s commitment to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 in law, a landmark moment that positioned the UK as the first G7 nation to establish such a legally binding target.
Following this, Chris Skidmore led the independent review of the UK’s long-term climate strategy, resulting in the publication of the Mission Zero report in 2023. The report provided a roadmap for delivering net zero, highlighting the importance of collaboration, investment, accountability and practical action across the economy, including the built environment sector.
Presenting the Honorary Fellowship, CIBSE President Dave Cooper said: “It is my great pleasure to announce this year’s Honorary Fellowship to Chris Skidmore, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to climate policy, public service and the advancement of the UK’s net zero agenda.”
Chris Skidmore continues to contribute to the net zero transition through his work with government, industry and academia. He is Co-Chair of the UK Net Zero Council’s Sector Transition Plan Programme, supporting collaboration between government and industry to develop practical pathways for decarbonisation across key sectors. He is also Chair of the Centre for Economic Transition Expertise (CETEx) at the London School of Economics, contributing to research and thinking on the economic opportunities and challenges associated with the transition to a sustainable future.
By recognising Chris Skidmore, CIBSE celebrates a leader whose work has helped shape national climate policy and advance the collective ambition for a more sustainable, resilient and higher-performing built environment.