The Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE) has today announced it will go ahead with its application to become a licensed member of the Engineering Council. This decision comes following a successful members’ vote. Licensed Member status would pave the way for CABE members to be formally eligible for Chartered Engineer status on equal terms with other engineering professional bodies.
Following four years of development and consultation, 91% of CABE members who voted were in favour of the association changing its by-laws to become a full member of the Engineering Council and offer the Chartered Engineer (CEng) qualification without disadvantaging existing suitably qualified chartered building engineers.
Dr Gavin Dunn, CEO of CABE said: “This clear mandate for change puts CABE within touching distance of the industry top table and gives recognition of building engineering as a defined engineering discipline in its own right, both in the UK and internationally.”
This will enable the association to maintain the existing title Chartered Building Engineer and enable members to pursue the additional CEng qualification if they wish. They will also have a clear and defined route to gain international recognition.
The membership vote is very timely in light of current events within the built environment and the need for more effective application of regulations and standards, providing members clear and robust ways to demonstrate their competence.
“CABE is the only engineering body to cover the whole ‘golden thread’ of standards across the regulatory, design, compliance, construction and operational management functions, making us uniquely placed to play a critical role in raising standards to ensure buildings are safer and perform as expected in practice,” Dr Dunn added.
At a time when the UK celebrates the Year of Engineering – a Government-led campaign to boost the engineering skills gap – CABE’s members would, for the first time, have access to a route to the top tier of engineering qualifications and help secure the next generation of Building Engineers.
CABE membership has grown 40% in the past five years with notable increases in student and international members. The CABE is playing a larger role within building engineering in the USA, Middle East, Asia and New Zealand. Full membership of the Engineering Council will further the international recognition and ability of members to demonstrate competence within this globally-minded and internationally-recognised association.
Formed in 1925 as the Incorporated Association of Architects and Surveyors, the Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE) is a leading body for professionals specialising in the design, construction, evaluation and maintenance of buildings. Its members practise across the UK, mainland Europe and around the world, and work in both the private and public sectors.
For more information about CABE visit www.cbuilde.com.
