From left to right: CIBSE President-elect Adrian Catchpole, chief executive offi cer Ruth Carter and CIBSE President Kevin Mitchell
CIBSE has announced that it plans to leave its current Balham home and is seeking to move its head office to a central London address. The Institution has set up a Premises Advisory Committee (PAC) to find a suitable property that aligns with its goals of decarbonisation and building safety. Ruth Carter CEO said: ‘CIBSE needs a head office that is modern, highly functional, easily accessible for our members and our staff, and, most importantly, lives our CIBSE standards – not least our net zero ambitions.’
The PAC has identified the fringes of the City of London as an ideal location. Accessibility to Members, particularly from overseas, was a key factor in the selection, said Carter. ‘The Circle Line is perfect for accessibility and, in terms of affordability, you get really good bang for your buck,’ she added.
CIBSE president-elect Adrian Catchpole FCIBSE said any building being considered will be assessed to evaluate the role it can play in the Institution’s aspiration for net zero and in demonstrating best practice. ‘It’s up to us to demonstrate pragmatic ways to achieve the best [performance] from our buildings, for a modest amount of money,’ he said. Although Carter would like to be ‘in before Christmas’, there is no timeframe.
CIBSE paid £180,000 for 222 Balham High Road in 1978, after moving from Cadogan Square. Explaining the CIBSE Board’s decision to move, Carter said: ‘Balham head office no longer refl ects CIBSE’s values and credentials, and is not the ‘shop window’ for one of the most influential and impactful global Institutions.’
CIBSE President Kevin Mitchell FCIBSE said: ‘A new facility presents an opportunity to show what we are and what we want to be. This is the biggest project we have done in a generation and we are really excited about it.’
