The BEMS sector’s biggest event in 2026!
Excitement for the Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA) Awards 2026 is ramping up, with entries for the eleven award categories open on 8th October for all budding individuals and organisations keen to take part.
Taking place on Thursday 7th May 2026 at the Eastside Rooms in Birmingham, and returning again to the Eastside Rooms in Birmingham, the elegant and luxurious evening is one of the sector’s hottest yearly events – bringing together professionals and decision makers to acknowledge and celebrate the incredible talent and innovation on display in the building energy management systems (BEMS) industry.
The night is expected to be the biggest and best yet, with the BCIA celebrating its 35th anniversary, so whether competing or not, it’s definitely one not to be missed for anyone in the building controls and automation sector.
Recognised as the biggest awards in the industry, the BCIA awards feature 11 keenly contested categories that are free and open to all – not just BCIA members. These are:
Building Controls and BEMS Company of the Year
This award recognises the building controls and/or BEMS company that most demonstrates implementation of best practice solutions and a commitment to understanding the needs of clients and other internal and external stakeholders.
It is open to manufacturers, systems installers and master systems integrators, distributors and consultants where BEMS is their primary business. Any entrants must have been operating for at least 12 months prior to the closing date for entries.
Engineer of the Year
Awarded to individuals working for building controls manufacturers, consulting engineers, installers, or facility management companies who best demonstrate excellence through further and enhanced understanding of engineering excellence in building controls and BEMS. Entrants must be able to demonstrate activities and impact within the past 12 months prior to the closing date.
Young Engineer of the Year
This award is given to the individual aged 35 years or under who best demonstrates excellence in the implementation and profession of new business or industry concepts, brings leadership qualities and takes on new responsibilities.
It recognises the individual’s commitment to learning and personal and professional development and may also have contributed to improving business culture progression and innovation.
Apprentice of the Year
An award given to the individual who best demonstrates the achievements gained through successful participation in an approved BEMS, building controls or related discipline apprenticeship. This can also include degree level apprenticeships in a closely related field. At least 12 months of the apprenticeship must have been completed for entries to be considered.
Energy Innovation and Impact Award
Awarded to a team, installer, or manufacturer in recognition of a project which demonstrates how energy innovation has been achieved through the application of solutions, including building controls and/or BEMS and the impact achieved. It is also open to individuals with a responsibility for energy management in a client or consultancy role.
Best Service and Maintenance Provider
An award given to the company that best demonstrates value-added through innovation and outstanding levels of customer care in the provision of long-term maintenance and service contracts for building controls and BEMS. Impacts must have been achieved within the past 12 months.
Technical Innovation of the Year – Products
Awarded to the most innovative BEMS/building controls product development launched in the past 12 months. The nominated product must have been deployed or available in the UK market within the past 12 months, with impact or evidence available.
Technical Innovation of the Year – Projects
This award is presented to the project team/installer that best demonstrates innovation and the deployment of smart technology to create a sustainable building/complex. The project must have been completed in the 12-month period preceding the entry deadline.
Contribution to Training Award
An award given to the organisation, company, or individual that has contributed to training on the design, installation, and/or use of BEMS and building controls. This can include training for controls professionals, consultants and other clients, apprentices, end users or intermediaries. The training will have been significantly improved or updated in the 12-month period preceding the entry deadline and will be accessible for employers and learners.
Outstanding Contribution of the Year Award
Please note, unlike the other awards, this cannot be self-nominated. Peers must nominate individuals whom they believe have made a significant and consistent contribution to the building controls sector. This individual will have demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting the BEMS industry. The individual will have demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting the building controls and BEMS industry and will have examples of how they have gone over and above their paid role in pursuit of furthering the industry.
The nominating party will therefore need to provide a statement, with a minimum of 100 and maximum of 300 words, that explains the clear contribution the nominee has made to the industry and/or association. This could include how the individual’s work has changed processes, how they have innovated or raised the profile of the industry, or any differences or impact the contribution has had.
Sustainability Strategy Champion (Site or Portfolio Management)
This award, new for 2026, acknowledges the end client/in-house facility management individual or team that has made a long-term commitment to decarbonising a building or portfolio of buildings utilising BEMS. The winner will be able to demonstrate a clear and effective BEMS strategy that has delivered outstanding results within the past 12 months.
Once the award entries open on the 8th October, nominations can be entered using the BCIA’s online entry system, so make sure you pay attention to future correspondence to find out exactly where you need to go to submit them.
With the award entries open, they can be entered using the BCIA’s online entry system, so make sure you pay attention to future correspondence to find out exactly where you need to go to submit your nominations. Please also be aware the closing date for entries will be Thursday 22nd January 2026.
BCIA President Stacey Lucas said: “The BCIA Awards are a tremendous showcase of the skills, expertise and innovation of the individuals and businesses across the BEMS sector and it’s great to recognise their achievements and inspire future excellence and forward-thinking across the industry. Every year it gets harder and harder for the judges, with each category featuring some incredible entries – and I expect next year will be the same again.
“Whether you’re attending for the first time or you’ve been a regular attendee of our awards evenings, it’s set to be a wonderful evening. The BCIA is celebrating its 35th anniversary next year, so this event is one not to be missed!
“We have tickets and tables on sale, as well as various sponsorship opportunities, so don’t hesitate to get in touch!
“If you’re looking for some inspiration for your 2026 entry, you can find a series of case studies featuring this year’s incredible winners on the BCIA website.”
Full details on the awards and entry process can be found here