Kevin Mitchell, President of the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE), met with 2021-22 ASHRAE President, Mick Shwedler on 16 May 2022. The pair were delighted to meet in London, providing an opportunity to discuss their goals for the year ahead and how the two organisations can continue to work and support each other and their members internationally.
They and their organisations are committed to supporting their members and building services engineering as a global industry. The two organisations have a long-standing relationship and continue to explore avenues for collaboration and mutual support.
With similar aspirations and goals for their year in office, the Presidents are working on communication and actions to achieve their aims.
With a shared desire to improve support for those at the early stages of their career, CIBSE president Kevin Mitchell is committed to inspiring and supporting the next generation in solving the big technical and scientific challenges of today. Within is inaugural address, Kevin outlined two key goals, the first goal relates to recognising the support received as early career professionals and paying it forward to the next generation; and the second goal focuses on learning and sharing how building services engineers are key in the transition to net zero and in fighting climate change.
Kevin Mitchell said:
“It was an absolute pleasure to welcome President Schwedler to London to discuss our numerous areas of common interest, our shared values and commitment to work together to further the art and science of Building Services Engineering.”
Highlighting issues based around the Society's current theme, ASHRAE President, Mick Schwedler delivered a presentation on, "Personal Growth. Global Impact. Feed the Roots". It focused ASHRAE's widespread global impact and the role of fostering connections to cultivate personal and professional growth, along with supporting the development of future industry professionals.
Mick Schwedler commented:
“ASHRAE’s more than 40 year partnership with CIBSE has proven to be a successful collaboration of organizations with similar missions. ASHRAE’s Society theme, ‘Feed the Roots,’ aligns nicely with President Mitchell’s ‘pay it forward’ message as we collectively drive towards a healthy and sustainable built environment for generations to come.”
CIBSE and ASHRAE long standing strategic partnership, delivers on their collaborative roadmap that serves their respective memberships and the wider public in building a safer, more sustainable future. Together, they have worked to accelerate the progression of digital technologies, virtual design and construction, improving the resilience of buildings and health of occupants.
The CIBSE ASHRAE Graduate of the Year Award is one of the industry's most sought-after accolades, as both institutions search for aspirational and inspirational graduates in the industry to share their stories. Kevin Mitchell was the first ever recipient of the award in 1996. Each year, the winner is announced as part of the CIBSE Young Engineers Awards and receives a fully paid trip to the ASHRAE Winter Conference where they have the opportunity to meet with ASHRAE members and forge a relationship with the Young Engineers in ASHRAE group.
In addition to the award, the two organisations continue to uphold a reciprocal membership agreement, which has been in place since 2007. This recognises the similarities in competence and experience requirements outlined within the membership criteria of both organisations.. CIBSE and ASHRAE are pleased to be able to work together in providing a global network of professional support and expertise.
Watch Kevin Mitchell's Presidential Address
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