Syntegra MD Alan Wing-King supports sentiments from a leading trade body in the construction industry which believes the UK Government’s reforms and regulatory changes will drive growth in the building energy management systems (BEMS) sector.
The Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA) welcomed news of further grants for public sector bodies to fund heat decarbonisation and energy-efficiency measures.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has confirmed more than £1 billion of central government funding will be available for phase 4 of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS), with another £163 million being given to the Industrial Energy Transformation Fund over the next three years. As the two primary policy schemes provide funding for building controls, the BCIA adds that “this confirmation is encouraging news for the sector”.
Alan Wing-King reiterated the positive feedback, adding:
“These measures are an excellent step forward.
They provide an optimistic backdrop for real growth in the sector, which is good news all round. It is right that energy efficiency and ways to improve it remain top of the agenda – it is absolutely crucial and we must all do our best to keep it in the spotlight.”
Commenting further on the Chancellor’s recent Budget, Alan said:
“I welcome the Chancellor’s recognition of the role that green technology and sustainable infrastructure will play in the UK’s long-term growth. The additional funding outlined in the Budget demonstrates a tangible commitment to delivering on net zero targets and building resilience into the built environment. It’s a positive signal to the industry that sustainability is no longer a ‘nice to have’—it’s an essential, and investable, part of our national strategy.”
The BCIA statement added that the Government’s “commitment to the reform of planning rules to stimulate new building projects should have indirect benefits for the building controls and automation industry – thanks to the increased number of new buildings being constructed. Of course, many of these will be fitted with building controls”.
The BCIA adds that 2025 “looks set to be a major year for sustainability, with the Government’s plans to introduce the Future Homes and Buildings Standard later this year”.
The statement continued:
“When the previous Government consulted on plans for the Future Buildings Standard, these did not include a mandatory requirement for building controls to be installed in all new buildings. The BCIA responded to these consultations, arguing that control installations should be mandated through the standard – as is the case in the EU through the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive.”
Alan added:
“These measures will make a significant difference to building standards, and the fact that they are mandatory, non-negotiable, sends a powerful message around the importance of sustainable solutions across the industry.”
Looking ahead, Alan also highlighted the critical role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the next wave of energy efficiency innovation:
“AI and machine learning are transforming how we manage energy use in real time—from predictive maintenance to occupancy-based climate control. At Syntegra, we see a growing demand for smart BEMS that don’t just meet compliance, but exceed performance expectations through AI-driven optimisation.
Government funding, alongside innovation in automation and AI, is converging to create a unique opportunity for forward-thinking firms to lead the charge on smarter, greener buildings. This is not just about hitting targets—it’s about building an intelligent, low-carbon future.”
Alan also addressed the UK’s current position in global energy and technology rankings, and where further ambition is needed:
“The UK has made significant strides in energy efficiency. According to the Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) 2025, the UK ranks 6th globally, reflecting a high performance in greenhouse gas emissions and energy use categories. However, we must acknowledge that some of these improvements are influenced by factors such as reduced industrial activity and milder weather conditions. Sustained leadership will require ongoing investment and innovation.
In the realm of artificial intelligence, the UK holds a strong position. The Global AI Index 2024 by Tortoise Media places the UK third globally, following the United States and China. This ranking underscores our strengths in AI research, development, and educational infrastructure. However, to ascend further and lead in AI-driven proptech, we must address gaps in infrastructure and implementation, fostering an environment where AI innovations can thrive and be effectively integrated into sectors like construction and energy management.
I strongly believe that to truly lead—not just participate—we must invest in R&D and support the next generation of AI-driven proptech startups. The convergence of AI and sustainability presents one of the most significant opportunities of our time. If the UK seizes this moment, we won’t just be decarbonising—we’ll be defining the future of how buildings are designed, operated, and experienced.”
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