About CIBSE

Introduction

The Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers received its Royal Charter in 1976. It is the professional body that exists to: 

‘support the Science, Art and Practice of building services engineering, by providing our members and the public with first class information and education services and promoting the spirit of fellowship which guides our work.'

CIBSE promotes the career of building services engineers by accrediting courses of study in further and higher education, by approving workbased training programmes and providing routes to full professional Registration and Membership, including Chartered Engineer, Incorporated Engineer and Engineering Technician. Once you are qualified, CIBSE offers you a range of services, all focussed on maintaining and enhancing professional excellence throughout your career. 

CIBSE provides best practice advice

CIBSE is the standard setter and authority on building services engineering. It publishes Guidance and Codes which are internationally recognised as authoritative, and sets the criteria for best practice in the profession. 

The Institution speaks for the profession and so is consulted by government on matters relating to construction, engineering and sustainability. It is represented on major bodies and organisations which govern construction and engineering occupations in the UK, Europe and worldwide. 

CIBSE is a pioneer in responding to the threat of climate change

Buildings account for almost 50% of damaging carbon emissions, yet innovative services design can bring dramatic improvements in energy efficiency. Our members continue to create the most environmentally friendly systems in major projects across the globe. 

CIBSE is a global network

Members belong to a global network of professional support and expertise. They receive the monthly CIBSE Journal and regular email newsletters, to keep them abreast of breaking news and new opportunities. A full programme of meetings and events each year offers hundreds of opportunities for members to meet and learn from colleagues and experts, to explore new ideas and take part in continuing professional development (CPD). 

Student and Graduate members can benefit from bursaries to help pay tuition fees, and advice which is tailored to their specific needs, aimed at obtaining Registered status in the shortest possible time. 

CIBSE Regions

The Institution is organised on a regional basis - there are 16 regions in the UK and 3 overseas, in the Republic of Ireland, Australia & New Zealand, and Hong Kong with CIBSE members in 87 countries outside the UK. There are country representatives in Sri Lanka, UAE and mainland China and a new one to be appointed in Qatar. We work in partnership with other professional bodies, construction and engineering firms worldwide. 

CIBSE Special Interest Groups

The names of Groups and Societies within CIBSE give some idea of the scope of building services careers:

• ASHRAE
• Building Simulation
• Chimneys and Flues
• Combined Heat and Power (CHP) & District Heating
• Daylight
• Electrical Services
• Energy Performance
• Facilities Management
• Healthcare
• Heritage
• Homes for the Future
• Industry, Education and Training
• Information Technology (IT) & Controls
• Intelligent Buildings
• Lifts
• Natural Ventilation
• School Design
• Young Engineers Network (YEN)

CIBSE Societies

• The Society of Light and Lighting acts as the professional body for lighting in the UK. It has over 2,000 members in the UK and world wide.
• The aim of the Society of Public Health Engineers (SoPHE) is to provide a higher profile and focus for public health engineers within CIBSE.
• The Society of Façade Engineering was set up to bring people together in a forum to advance knowledge of and practice in façade engineering, promote good practice and ensure that today's increasingly complex building façades meet the many and varying requirements placed on them.
• The Institute of Local Exhaust Ventilation Engineers (ILEVE) has been established to promote air quality in the workplace and to reduce ill health and death due to airborne contamination and hazardous substances in the working environment.