CIBSE welcomes the Government’s Spending Review and its clear commitment to investing in the built environment, with significant funding allocated to housing, schools, the NHS estate and energy efficiency. These announcements represent a pivotal opportunity to improve the safety, sustainability and performance of the UK’s building stock – priorities that are at the heart of CIBSE’s mission.
The ambition to build 1.5 million homes provides a great opportunity to support long term goals to build sustainable, energy efficient and high performing buildings. Supported by £39 billion over 10 years for affordable and social housing, the Government embarks on the largest housing investment programme in a generation.
CIBSE is well placed to support this agenda through its technical guidance, expertise in low-carbon design and commitment to promoting safe, healthy and energy efficient housing. We also note the emphasis on remediation funding and infrastructure investment, which are essential to delivering housing at scale while ensuring the wellbeing of residents and communities.
CIBSE strongly supports the Government’s £13.2 billion Warm Homes Plan, a vital step in tackling fuel poverty and cutting energy bills through decarbonisation and improved building performance. The rollout of heat pumps, energy efficiency upgrades, and low-carbon technologies must be underpinned by a skilled workforce and a whole-building approach. As an international professional body with deep expertise in building services, CIBSE is ready to assist in ensuring these measures are delivered effectively, efficiently and to high standards. We look forward to contributing to further development of this plan in partnership with government and industry.
We also welcome the continued investment in the education estate, including £2.4 billion per year for the rebuilding of over 500 schools and increased maintenance funding. High-performing school buildings are essential to support learning, student wellbeing and staff retention. CIBSE’s work in building services engineering offers critical insight into designing and maintaining schools that are energy efficient, resilient and fit for the future. We encourage a focus on operational performance and indoor environmental quality to ensure that educational environments support the best outcomes for pupils and staff alike.
The Government’s record capital investment in the NHS estate as part of the New Hospital Programme (NHP) – including £30 billion for maintenance and repairs, and the delivery of 25 new hospitals – is also strongly welcomed. A safe, efficient and modern healthcare estate is vital to support high-quality care. CIBSE stands ready to support the delivery of net zero hospitals through integrated design, smart systems and high-quality building services engineering.
CIBSE is encouraged by the Government’s £1.2 billion annual investment in training and apprenticeships, including £625 million to train up to 60,000 skilled construction workers. A robust pipeline of skilled professionals is essential to delivering safe, sustainable and high-performing buildings. This investment will help address critical workforce shortages, particularly in building services engineering, where CIBSE leads in the development and accreditation of professionals, supported by the technical knowledge that sets the high standards for industry to uphold.
We also support the £2 billion investment in artificial intelligence (AI) and the launch of the Tech Expert programme. AI will play an increasingly vital role in the built environment, from predictive maintenance and performance modelling to optimising energy use and improving building management systems. CIBSE is committed to explore the transformative potential of AI in our sector and the new skills that engineers will need. We look forward to collaborating with government, academia and industry to ensure the built environment professionals are ready for this shift.
CIBSE’s Technical Director, Dr Anastasia Mylona, commented: “The government’s commitments to housing, schools, training, AI, healthcare and energy efficiency mark a significant step towards a safer and more sustainable built environment. Delivering high-performing buildings that are resilient, healthy and low-carbon will require not only investment, but also the application of robust standards and engineering expertise. We look forward to supporting the implementation of these plans with CIBSE’s technical guidance that ensures long-term quality and performance”.
Across all these sectors, from homes and hospitals to schools, training and AI, the success of government plans relies on technical expertise to inform the delivery of energy efficient and the long-term resilience of buildings. As an institution rooted in technical excellence, knowledge sharing and professional standards, CIBSE remains committed to working with government, industry and local authorities to ensure that these investments deliver maximum value, not only in terms of infrastructure, but in the lives and wellbeing of the people who use it.
At CIBSE, we look forward to playing a constructive role in supporting the delivery of the Spending Review’s ambitions, through practical guidance, technical expertise and continued leadership on building performance and sustainability.
You can find the full Spending Review 2025 document here Spending Review 2025