About Chris Irwin
Involved in the smart buildings market for 30+ yrs. Passionate about the need to improve energy & operational efficiency in buildings.
I have been involved in the smart buildings market for over 30 years, working for the most innovative companies in the building automation market, including Trend Controls (1987-95), Tridium (2002-11 and 2015-17), Distech Controls (2012-13 and 2017-18) and now J2 Innovations . I am passionate about the need to improve the way be design and operate our buildings. Originally a trained as an electronic engineer I closely follow the technology trends and have write and speak frequently about the issues in the automation and smart buildings markets. Now is the most exciting time due to the rise of IoT technologies and the convergence of IT and OT. FIN Framework which I am now involved with is at the leading edge of these changes.
Featured articles and news
IHBC planning for growth with corporate plan development
Grow with the Institute by volunteering and CP25 consultation.
Connecting ambition and action for designers and specifiers.
Electrical skills gap deepens as apprenticeship starts fall despite surging demand says ECA.
Built environment bodies deepen joint action on EDI
B.E.Inclusive initiative agree next phase of joint equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) action plan.
Recognising culture as key to sustainable economic growth
Creative UK Provocation paper: Culture as Growth Infrastructure.
Futurebuild and UK Construction Week London Unite
Creating the UK’s Built Environment Super Event and over 25 other key partnerships.
Welsh and Scottish 2026 elections
Manifestos for the built environment for upcoming same May day elections.
Advancing BIM education with a competency framework
“We don’t need people who can just draw in 3D. We need people who can think in data.”
Guidance notes to prepare for April ERA changes
From the Electrical Contractors' Association Employee Relations team.
Significant changes to be seen from the new ERA in 2026 and 2027, starting on 6 April 2026.
First aid in the modern workplace with St John Ambulance.
Ireland's National Residential Retrofit Plan
Staged initiatives introduced step by step.
Solar panels, pitched roofs and risk of fire spread
60% increase in solar panel fires prompts tests and installation warnings.
Modernising heat networks with Heat interface unit
Why HIUs hold the key to efficiency upgrades.
Reflecting on the work of the CIOB Academy
Looking back on 2025 and where it's going next.