09 June 2026
The CIBSE 30 Under 30 Awards recognise young engineers across five key categories. Here’s a closer look at what this year’s awards celebrate.
As buildings become smarter, greener and more connected, a new generation of engineers is helping shape the future of the built environment. Recognising their achievements and potential, the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) has once again launched its prestigious 30 Under 30 Awards programme.The awards celebrate outstanding young engineering professionals from around the world who are making a meaningful impact within building services engineering. Through five carefully selected categories, the programme highlights individuals who are driving innovation, championing sustainability, demonstrating leadership and delivering excellence across the industry.
“CIBSE works closely with universities and educational institutions worldwide to ensure that building services engineering education remains relevant, future-focused and aligned with industry needs.” says Natassja van der Kraan, Head of Strategic Projects at CIBSE.
For many early-career professionals, being recognised by CIBSE represents more than an award. Winners receive coverage in the CIBSE Journal, are featured across the CIBSE website and Young Engineers Network social media platforms, and gain access to an exclusive networking event in London. The opportunity places emerging talent in front of some of the most respected figures in the building services sector. The application process is designed to be accessible while allowing candidates to showcase their achievements and ambitions. Applicants are required to submit two short written responses and two brief video recordings, with eligibility limited to professionals under the age of 30 at the time of entry. Entries for the 2026 awards closed on 15 March, and attention now turns to the five categories that define this year’s competition.
Recognising Excellence Across Five Categories
The first category, Emerging Leader, sponsored by Swegon, celebrates young professionals who are already demonstrating leadership qualities. Whether through managing projects, supporting colleagues or influencing wider industry initiatives, these individuals are showing that leadership can begin early in a career.
The Sustainable Champion award, supported by Ideal Heating Commercial Products, recognises engineers who are making measurable contributions to sustainability. From improving project outcomes to influencing technical standards and promoting environmentally responsible practices, these professionals are helping move the industry towards a more sustainable future. The Digital and Automation Innovator category shines a spotlight on engineers embracing technology to transform building services. This award recognises individuals who are using digital tools, data-driven solutions and automation to improve performance, efficiency and innovation across the sector.
The Technical Excellence Engineer award, sponsored by the CIBSE Patrons, focuses on specialist expertise. Candidates may work in areas such as lighting, HVAC, public health engineering, data centres, building controls or vertical transportation. Judges look for technical achievements that have delivered tangible improvements in efficiency, safety, resilience or overall system performance. Completing the list is the Project Delivery Champion category, sponsored by Georg Fischer, a leading manufacturer of piping systems. This award recognises supplier and contractor-side professionals who have successfully delivered complex MEP installations, contributed innovative solutions on site and demonstrated technical excellence when faced with challenging project conditions.
Building a Profession for the Future
Together, these five categories reflect the evolving priorities of modern building services engineering. Sustainability, digital transformation and complex project delivery are increasingly interconnected, requiring professionals who can navigate multiple disciplines while maintaining technical excellence. The success of last year’s winners demonstrated the breadth of talent emerging across the sector. Innovators showcased creative applications of new technologies, while Emerging Leaders proved that influence is not determined by years of experience alone. Sustainable Champions delivered practical environmental improvements rather than simply advocating for change. Meanwhile, the Ambassadors category recognised young professionals who dedicated their time to STEM outreach, education initiatives and active participation within industry networks.
At its heart, the 30 Under 30 programme is about far more than recognising individual achievements. It serves as a reminder that meaningful contributions to the industry can be made at any stage of a career.
“One of the best ways for early-career engineers to engage with CIBSE is through the Young Engineers Network (YEN), which is free to join for those within the first 10 years of their career. YEN provides an accessible entry point into the Institution, offering a wide range of events, technical content and networking opportunities designed to support professional development,” says Ella Summer, Senior Networks and Engagement Manager – Regions and YEN at CIBSE.
As the industry continues to evolve, programmes such as CIBSE 30 Under 30 play an important role in recognising the talent that will drive future progress. Technical expertise, fresh thinking and the confidence to challenge convention are qualities increasingly valued across the profession. With the 2026 judging process now underway, the industry will be watching closely to see which young engineers emerge as this year’s stand-out voices and innovators. One thing is certain – the future of building services engineering is already taking shape through the work of the professionals being recognised today.
