FEATURE CAREERS OVERVIEW THIS IS THE MOST EXCITING TIME TO ENTER BUILDING SERVICES IN 25 YEARS Steven Hale, Crofton Design With the built environment accounting for up to 40% of the worlds energy use, building services is on the front line of the fight against global warming and it is also a rewarding career with exciting opportunities, as Roxane McMeeken explains B uildings are draining the worlds resources. The global built environment accounts for 30-40% of energy use, 20% of water use and around a third of carbon emissions, according to the UK Green Building Council (UK-GBC). In contrast, the aviation industry accounts for just 2% of global carbon emissions, according to the sectors Air Transport Action Group. As much as we may want to combat climate change, abandoning buildings is not a realistic option. So, instead, we need to maximise the efficiency of the buildings we have, and those that were planning. The people on the very front line of this battle are building services engineers. This is just one of the reasons to choose a career in a sector that has multiple, attractive entry routes. Building services engineers are a critical element in the fight against global warming because their job involves designing the systems, within built structures, that consume energy and water. These include lighting, heating, ventilation, lifts, acoustics, security, plumbing and drainage. They also redesign systems in existing buildings a crucial area of work considering that the UK-GBC says the UKs existing built environment is responsible for no less building services engineer, you can walk around London and point to all the buildings youve helped make happen whether thats the Shard or the redevelopment of Kings Cross station. Recently, we put an incredibly powerful laser into a laboratory at Imperial College. Jolyon Smith, a British senior engineer at Arup, is currently based in Cape Town, but has worked in Dublin, Seoul and Doha, in Qatar, among other places. He says: Ive mostly worked on art galleries, including some by signature architects like David Chipperfield. Its fantastic to work on one-off, showcase projects around the world. Meanwhile, Rosie Jones, senior design engineer at Skelly & Couch, says: I just love designing schools because you can have an impact on the quality of childrens education. Building services engineers are also at the forefront of technological changes within the construction industry. These include building information modelling (BIM), an approach to managing the construction and operation of buildings through a data-heavy computer model that all disciplines use together. The industry is also beginning to create models of buildings with video-gaming technology that allows you to walk than 37% of Britains greenhouse gas emissions. Angela Ringguth, head of careers promotion at CIBSE, says: The work of building services engineers has never been more crucial. This means it is now an exciting time to work in the discipline. With building services engineers becoming so vital, theyre being brought into projects earlier, and taking more of a leading role. Ringguth says: It is now understood that, to really improve the performance of a building, the traditional approach of constructing it and then adding the eadE RMOR ESSENTIAL SERVICES services is not sufficient. This is because every aspect of the building plays a part in its performance for example, the orientation of the building and the choice of windows affect heating requirements. So a holistic approach to the design of the building and its services is required from the inception of the project. The career also offers a stunning variety of projects all over the world, or even in a single city from iconic structures to community buildings that change lives. Steven Hale, managing director at Crofton Design, says: After a few years as a Jolyon Smith 33, senior engineer, Arup, South Africa What has been your career highlight so far? My work on various art galleries has been fantastic. The central challenge usually involves ensuring a beautiful design can be built, while not compromising on the environmental conditions needed for the artwork or visitor comfort. Are you really making a difference? That is a big part of what we do. Building services engineers are the main proponents putting forward the sustainability agenda within the construction industry, and were seen as the people who can solve sustainability problems. Why did you become chartered? People understand that you have a certain level of experience and you are, therefore, a valued member of this community. It shows that youve worked hard and you know what youre doing. Why did you move from London to Cape Town? Arup had a vacancy in their office here, so I went for it. Im a few months into a two-year placement and Im loving it. I get to see Table Mountain every day and spend my weekends exploring the coast. Charlotte Mercer 23, graduate electrical engineer, Aecom, St Albans What do you do? I design the electrical services for buildings such as research centres, laboratories and hospitals. Whats the best thing about your job? The variety of interesting work. Right now, Im redesigning the electrical services within an existing building, which involves a lot of time on site to investigate whats already there. After doing everything in theory at university, its really satisfying to work, first hand, on a building. At the same time, Im designing services for a new hospital, which is a highly specialist and entirely desk-based job. Its just as challenging, but a complete contrast. through the site, as well as surveying sites using cameras on flying drones. The sector is even exploring building on the moon using 3D printers. Hale says: The technological change were seeing is really radical. The way we design is completely different from what it was even three years ago, so in the next three to five years it will probably change again. How did you get into building services? I did a four-year joint honours degree in environmental engineering and architecture at the University of the West of England, gaining my BEng (Hons) and RIBA Part 1. I became interested in becoming an engineer at 17, when I realised that I enjoy problem-solving and am good at maths and physics despite previously thinking the opposite! I also saw adverts saying that there would be huge demand for engineers, so I figured that I would always have a job. Whats it like being a woman on a building site? Im really enjoying dealing with the specialist contractors on my site-based project. Some might have been a bit surprised the first time we met, but Ive not had any problems and Im learning a lot from them. Ive mostly worked on art galleries, including some by signature architects like David Chipperfield. Its fantastic to work on one-off, showcase projects around the world. eadE RMOR Jolyon Smith, Arup OPPORTUNITIES Gustavo Brunelli 35, associate director, Hurley Palmer Flatt, London After qualifying as an architect in Brazil, why did you switch to building services? Architecture is an art. Its about subjective issues, such as how attractive a building is or how well it fits in its context. Building services, though, is objective. For example, you can precisely quantify how sustainable a building is by using a rigorous approach to measuring energy use. There is also so much potential for innovation. There is always new technology that you need to be up to date with, especially on the sustainability side. You can then take these definable elements and help Then there are the technical challenges. How about designing lifts for the worlds (current) tallest building? Or you could be tasked with lowering the energy bills of an entire residential development, while ensuring that the inhabitants are warm enough in winter and cool enough in summer. Ringguth says: Building services is a great career for people who enjoy finding out how things work and making things. Its about solving problems and thinking sponsor you during your degree. Companies in the sector appear to be pursuing this approach more enthusiastically than before, now that the market is picking up and skills are in short supply. Another alternative worth considering is an apprenticeship. Hale says: It pays quite well from the beginning. At 16, youll be earning around 14,500, per annum and combining work with study while other people are racking up debt. By 19, you will be qualified and earning around 24,000. Youre also likely to become chartered faster, because youll accumulate the years of experience necessary, long before someone who starts work at 21. In addition, Higher Apprenticeships, launched in 2009, enable you to reach level 5, which is equivalent to a foundation degree level 6 being a degree. To progress to a Higher Apprenticeship you must first complete an Advanced Apprenticeship. So there is a good choice of routes into a career that offers really exciting opportunities not least the chance to make a difference to global carbon emissions. Hale concludes: This is the most exciting time to enter building services for 25 years.CJ outside the box. You will often be working within teams and alongside other disciplines, so its important to be a good communicator too. If youve got the personal qualities for this career, the next step is to choose a way into it. First, you must have grade C or above in GCSE maths. You could then opt for a university degree in building services engineering. However, not all of the relevant degrees have building services in the title, so look out for architects to create designs informed by them. Whats the best project youve done? The 2012 Olympics Velodrome. I was involved [while working for BDSP Partnership] in the design, from when it was a blank sheet of paper, in 2007, through to opening. Youre really proud when a building youve worked on is on television and recognised around the world. What advice would you give someone starting out in building services? Always look at the bigger picture. Focus on the fan or duct that you are designing, but keep an eye on whats happening in the whole of the building, so that you understand how your part contributes. Its satisfying and will also prepare you for a bigger role. eadE RMOR THE SPICE OF LIFE Rachel Smith 23, mechanical engineer, Desco How did you get into building services? I saw an advert for a trainee with Gateshead Council, which involved the employer paying for you to do a degree in building services engineering working four days and studying one day a week. How did you change employer while staying on the same degree course? degrees with titles such as architectural, environmental or energy engineering, as well as mechanical and electrical engineering. However, more universities than ever will charge the maximum tuition fee possible from next year the Office for Fair Access says that 76% of institutions with access agreements will charge a maximum 9,000 for some or all of their courses, compared with 72% in 2014-15. It is, therefore, worth looking for a company to Desco agreed to take on my course fees. I moved because I wanted experience of the private sector and bigger projects. What are you currently working on? University buildings, veterinary surgeries and various projects in the Middle East. What should young women considering a career in building services know? Employers in the sector dont treat women any differently. It is often teachers who think youll be treated differently but in the real world employers dont care. Thomas Bamber 28, project engineer, Skelly & Couch Why did you become a building services engineer? I planned to become an architect. Then I went to the Caribbean for my gap year and met a number of engineers, who persuaded me to study engineering. What attracted me was the environmental side. Why does building services interest you more than civil or structural engineering? With environmental engineering there are more shades of grey; there is the potential for the building to perform less or more successfully. The job is driven by major cost implications and the climate imperative. Anything to say to would-be architects? I think the canvas is much broader in building services. Its easier to get to work on the interesting projects. THE SPICE OF LIFE OPPORTUNITIES There is a variety of jobs within building Air conditioning engineer Fitter/welder Business manager or proprietor Gas fitter Building physics engineer Heating and ventilating engineer Carbon emissions specialist Highway electrical systems installer Computer-aided design technician Industrial and commercial plumber Commissioning engineer Installation electrician Consulting engineer Instrumentation installer/engineer Contract or project engineer Lighting expert Design engineer Maintenance electrician Domestic heating engineer Public health engineer Domestic plumber Quantity surveyor Ductwork installer Refrigeration engineer Educator and trainer Satellite systems engineer Electrotechnical panel builder Service and maintenance engineer Electrical repair and rewinder Sheet metal weathering specialist Energy inspector/adviser Site supervisor Estimator Environmental engineer Facilities manager Project engineer Building services cover a wide-ranging brief Managing the environmental performance of buildings throughout their life-cycles the cradle to grave approach Collaborating with world-leading clients, architects, interior designers, structural engineers and more Opportunities to work all over the planet A role at the heart of construction projects, and becoming even more integral because of the growing importance of energy efficiency On the front line of the ongoing battle against global climate change Exciting projects such as stadiums, skyscrapers, science laboratories, music venues, schools in developing countries, multinationals headquarters, hospitals, art galleries and museums Working with cutting-edge and rapidly changing technology, including building information modelling Membership of CIBSE a highly respected and agenda-setting body ESSENTIAL SERVICES The components that make buildings habitable Energy supply gas, electricity and renewable sources Heating and ventilating Water, drainage and plumbing Lighting natural and artificial Escalators and lifts Harnessing renewable energy, such as solar power Communications, telephones and IT networks Security and alarm systems Fire detection and protection Air conditioning and refrigeration Faade engineering