Growing importance of efficient building management promises for rewarding career

A diverse, stimulating and profitable career is the potential reward for anybody looking to pursue one of the many professions available in the Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS) industry, according to the Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA), which has made 2021 its “Year of Training”.

BCIA President Terry Sharp, said, “Whenever an impressive new building appears on our landscape, whether it’s a stadium, tower or a new shopping centre, it is usually the architects who grab the headlines. But buildings are a lot more complex than just empty shells and a lot of the more interesting technology can be found behind the exterior walls. Modern legislation and environmental targets have made good building management a necessity, meaning that building controls engineers have a vital role to play in making our buildings energy efficient and sustainable.”

The BCIA offers a full suite of training courses which are designed for those wishing to upskill or start their journey as a Building Controls Engineer. The courses include BCM01: Fundamentals of HVAC and Building Technology, BCM02: Measuring and Control Technology, and BCM03: Hydraulics in Building Systems.

BCM01 gives an overview of the Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS) industry and the systems and technologies used in the control of heating, ventilating and air conditioning.

BCM02 offers comprehensive training on the theory of measuring and control technology and is designed for engineers and technicians who have some knowledge and field experience with a minimum period of one year within the industry.

BCM03 involves the main water circuits and systems used within the building services controls environment. This course includes the necessary mechanical knowledge needed to understand applications and covers all aspects of valve sizing and control.

Anybody who completes these three courses will be awarded a BCIA Technical Certificate. They will also become eligible for the Building Controls Integrator ECS card provided the applicant also holds a formal BS7671 qualification in the current edition of the wiring regulations (currently BS7671: 2008, 18th edition) as well as a current (up to date) Health & Safety Certificate or recognised ECS H&S exemption.

The Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) is the sole ID and competence card scheme for electrotechnical operatives in the UK. ECS cards are issued by the Joint Industry Board (JIB) as a way to recognise and verify the competency of electrotechnical operatives working in the UK. The Building Controls Integrator ECS card is designed to meet the need for the growing body of controls engineers to gain appropriate recognition for the skills they have acquired.

The ECS recently launched an online Remote Invigilation service, which allows candidates to undertake the ECS HSE Assessment and the BCM01, 02 and 03 exams remotely to gain accreditation for the Building Controls Integrator card. More information about the Remote Invigilation service can be found here.

Terry Sharp concluded: “Whether it’s new builds or retrofit projects the controls industry has a huge number of exciting projects to offer. The next generation of engineers will be the key drivers in evolving technologies to create a more environmentally friendly building landscape for tomorrow. The training courses mentioned here could be the first step on the way to a long and exciting career.”

19-05-2021