Each year, on 14 October, the world celebrates Ada Lovelace Day, a day dedicated to recognising the achievements of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Named after Ada Lovelace, the British mathematician widely regarded as the first computer programmer, this international event was founded in 2009 to raise awareness of women’s historical and ongoing contributions to STEM fields.
At CIBSE, we are proud to join the global celebration of Ada Lovelace Day by highlighting the work of women in building services engineering and the role of CIBSE Women in Building Services Engineering (WIBSE). WIBSE is committed to inspiring the next generation of women, creating support networks, and enabling more women to join, remain, and progress within our industry. By offering mentoring, training, networking opportunities, and career support, WIBSE works to address gender imbalance in building services and encourage women to take active roles within CIBSE and the wider profession.
Our industry benefits immensely from diversity in talent and thought. Women in building services bring invaluable perspectives, drive innovation, and strengthen collaboration across projects and organisations. Ada Lovelace Day is a timely reminder of the impact women have had, and continue to have, in shaping our world through engineering and technology.
CIBSE and WIBSE remain committed to improving access, visibility, and support for women in our sector. By celebrating achievements, providing encouragement and guidance, and nurturing careers, we aim to ensure that building services engineering is a welcoming and inclusive profession for everyone.
This Ada Lovelace Day, we encourage all members to reflect on the contributions of women in STEM, celebrate the progress made, and consider how we can continue to support and inspire women in building services engineering today and into the future.