CIBSE’s performance-gap series puts controls in focus

What CIBSE announced

On 7 October 2026, CIBSE announced four free, in-person sessions at its London headquarters exploring differences between predicted and actual building performance. The first, scheduled for 5 November, will examine equipment sizing, controls and metering, including the role of recommissioning.

These are forthcoming discussions. The announcement does not report conclusions from the sessions or introduce new technical requirements.

Engin’s project commentary

Consider a hypothetical office that becomes too warm on some afternoons. Before deciding that cooling capacity is inadequate, make the complaint specific: which rooms, at what times, with how many occupants and under which operating conditions? That gives the investigation a question it can test.

Bring together the design intent, available commissioning records, controls description and relevant operating trends. Check whether those records describe the current installation and use of the space. A trend without its time period or operating context can leave the original question unanswered.

Agree the next checks with the responsible engineers and controls or commissioning specialists. Keep observed symptoms, possible explanations and verified findings distinct. Record what evidence would confirm or rule out each explanation before recommending remedial work.

Give the investigation a useful starting point

A short symptom log, current drawings and a list of previous changes are a useful opening brief. Engin supports M&E fault finding and existing-services investigations, informed by contractor and site experience. Send the available information to discuss the scope of an investigation.