The Building Services Forum returns to the Building Centre in London on 24 September, with a focus on Retrofit – exploring the technologies, solutions and challenges shaping the future of building performance. To get involved by attending you can still snatch a last minute ticket at but be aware that availability is extremely limited. To book tickets go to https://bseeforum.co.uk/book-tickets/
Retrofit is rapidly becoming one of the most important priorities across the built environment, as organisations seek to reduce carbon emissions, cut energy use and extend the life of existing buildings.
From upgrading heating, cooling and ventilation systems to integrating smart controls and renewable technologies, retrofit offers practical pathways to achieve Net Zero goals while improving occupant comfort and safety.
However, navigating the variety of technologies, funding models and compliance requirements presents both opportunities and challenges.
Expertly hosted once again by freelance journalist and PR consultant Ewen Rose, the Building Services Forum will bring together leading experts to share insight, case studies and practical strategies, helping building services professionals deliver retrofit projects that drive performance and long-term value.
The programme is as follows…
Keynote Speaker: Swetta Coopamah, head of Smart Energy Systems, BEAMA
Title: From Policy to Practice: Unlocking Retrofit Opportunities in Smart Energy and Heating
Synopsis: Retrofit is central to delivering net zero, and with 29 million homes requiring upgrades, UK policy is creating a clear pathway where commitments on heating, EVs, batteries and metering align to make retrofit the defining market for smart energy technologies – presenting both a challenge and a major opportunity for manufacturers. This session explores the key policy drivers and shows how they translate into real commercial opportunities across smart energy, heat, batteries and controls.
Speaker: Stephen Hart, director of integrated solutions at Baxi
Title: Heat Pumps, hybrids and systems to deliver low carbon, affordable and secure heat to multi-occupancy residential retrofits
Synopsis: Viable retrofit solutions for the multi-occupancy residential sector have remained illusive whilst the new-build sector has embraced networked solutions with centralised or decentralised renewable heat generation. By combining the latest low carbon heat pump and transfer technology with modern methods of construction and wrap around services BAXI believes it has what it takes to decarbonise existing homes and buildings.
Speaker Name: Thet Oo, director of wired solutions at Helvar
Title: Smart lighting & IEQ: ensuring
compliance with confidence
Synopsis: Ten years on from the Paris Agreement, the pressure is on. New energy performance regulations are driving a wave of renovation, focused on efficiency, smart solution, and occupant wellbeing. But with 70% of buildings at risk of non-compliance, the clock is ticking.
This session explores how smart lighting and Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) solutions can help you stay ahead. From automation in buildings to Human-Centric Lighting (HCL), the Smart Readiness Indicator (SRI), and real-time IEQ monitoring, discover how to meet regulations, support Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) goals, and deliver healthier, smarter spaces.
Speaker: Alex Hill, managing director at Whitecode Consulting
Title: The vital link between early MEP design and decarbonisation
Synopsis: With the UK targeting net zero by 2050, the decarbonisation of the built environment is going to be pivotal – not just in new builds but existing buildings, too. However, there are concerns the National Grid may not cope, especially with the increased number of electric vehicles and the electrification of heating systems. Alex Hill, Managing Director at Whitecode Consulting, discusses the importance of a holistic building design approach and why collaboration is key.
Speaker name: Steve McGregor, executive chairman, DMA Group
Title: Digital transformation in building services & FM
Synopsis: How can the BSE & FM sector successfully transition to a more AI driven future? Steve’s presentation would focus on mistakes made (investment in software without proper training/ignoring the ‘human’ touch and not taking a phased approach to adoption, for example). DMA Group has helped building owners in both the private and public sector, improve their approach to maintenance, staff management and ongoing sustainability, using overarching workflow streamlining software to improve performance.
Speaker: Harvey Loyal, market and product intelligence specialist at Mitsubishi
Title: Redefining HVAC systems for Retrofit Applications: Meeting carbon targets and enhancing building performance”.
Synopsis: As the push for low-carbon buildings intensifies, the design and operation of HVAC systems face greater scrutiny for their carbon impact. Building services play a crucial role in a building’s whole-life carbon footprint, with benchmarks like those from the Greater London Authority attributing 21% of this impact to building services.
This presentation explores the evolving landscape of HVAC systems, focusing on the challenges and opportunities presented by new legislation and carbon reduction targets. It will delve into the potential of both VRF and heat pump technologies to meet these demands, optimise energy performance, and enhance indoor environments for the future.
Speaker: Tom Garrigan, director – applied engineering
Title: Measure Twice, retrofit (in confidence) once
Synopsis: Successful retrofit depends on more than assumptions, it requires measured evidence both pre and post works. Without this intelligence, it is impossible to make evidence-based decisions or to select interventions that genuinely deliver on design intentions. This presentation explores rapid building performance evaluation techniques that reveal baseline performance, giving clarity on where energy is used and how occupants influence outcomes. Moving beyond EPC assumptions and energy bills alone, these methods provide insights into comfort, system efficiency, fabric performance and real-world gains. Robust measurement closes the performance gap between design and reality while providing clarity and transparency to consumers.
Speaker: Saleh Abiyati, Hoare Lea
Title: Overheating and current indoor air quality issues within residential sector:
Synopsis: The presentation will focus on the current challenges associated with maintaining healthy indoor air quality in residential buildings, particularly in the context of increased airtightness and reduced ventilation rates driven by energy efficiency targets. It will explore evidence-based strategies that can help mitigate these issues, including both passive and mechanical solutions, and discuss their applicability in new builds and retrofit projects. It will also highlight importance of interdisciplinary collaboration among architects, engineers, and consultants from the early design stages.
